Today the chimps started out arguing and fighting and ripping and hooting, a little more than usual. But whatever family business they had to work out seems to have been resolved and they’ve spent the afternoon lounging about and engaging in a variety of goofy and endearing shenanigans.
Jamie has a routine of building a nest in one of the front rooms and napping/supervising the humans as we clean the playroom. Even while at rest, she usually has a project or a plan in progress…
and today she chose this:
Jamie is very creative and often likes to repurpose her enrichment:
(Happy Jamie flailing about):
Viola! From sock to ankle bandana:
Later in the afternoon, Foxie joined Jamie nesting in the playroom. Here is a good example of different nesting styles – Foxie doesn’t like to use blankets, whereas Jamie gets pretty creative:
With these two, it isn’t long before wrestling ensues:
And here it is folks, the ever-elusive Jamie play face!!:
Foxie is the one person who can really get Jamie to cut loose. But Jamie takes everything pretty seriously (she is the boss after all) so even when she is in full play mode, we don’t often catch a play face. So we need that in a closeup:
Foxie laughing as Jamie play bites her hand:
And last, but certainly not least, I leave you with this guy:
Vicky Rokstad says
The most handsome boy on the planet!
Kathleen says
Absolutely Fabulous! Jamie and her sock is so funny, especially where she is all a blurrrrrrr. Your “Viola! From sock to ankle bandana” cracked me up. Oh Jamie! It is sweet that Foxie is the friend who gets Jamie to really let go and tap into her silly, playful self. We all need a Foxie in our lives don’t we?! And Mr. B’s guest appearance made a perfect grande finale.
Quick question on Foxie and nesting….. what does Foxie like to use as a nesting material if not blankets, or does she really nest on her own with nothing? Is Foxie the one who we have seen on the blog making phantom nests?
A delightful post, thanks Katelyn!
Katelyn says
Hi Kathleen, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Foxie still chooses not to use nesting material. During the day the heated floor or a sunny spot seems to be enough for her liking and at night she and her doll of du jour usually climb up on one of the benches in the front rooms when she’s headed to bed. It would really be emotionally appealing for all of us if she curled up in a soft, cozy Negra-style nest, but I try to remember she does as she chooses. And yes, Foxie, and sometimes Burrito, occasionally engage in “phantom nesting” :https://chimpsnw.org/2010/01/phantom-nesting/
Burrito still isn’t much of a nest builder and will occasionally “steal” a nest that isn’t being used, but in the last year or so it’s increasingly common to see him nest with a blanket or two. 🙂
Kathleen says
Thank you for your time to explain this in more detail. While I would like to see Foxie engulfed in a pile of fuzzy fleece blankets, I do understand that the real beauty is that Foxie does as she chooses. There is no better comfort than CHOICE! Lucky little Foxie.
And I am pleased to learn that Burrito is advancing in his nest building skills in your care. Silly Mr. B!
Jo says
Wonderful wonderful! Just love the insights and pix!! Thank you sooooo much! Hugs to you all!
Elaine Reininger says
That second photo really cracked me up. A Chimp who dresses herself. WOW