We all know the eyes speak volumes. (Burrito sustained a minor scratch during an argument, but nothing to be concerned about).
But I am endlessly fascinated by the chimpanzees’ fingers and toes and the non-verbal communication they convey. So like ours, yet so different. And once you get to know the chimps, their individual personalities, thoughts and moods are reflected in their physical gestures just like ours. Jamie uses emphatic hand gestures when she wants to impress the urgency or importance of something, Annie claps her feet together when she’s happy, and Negra impudently claps her hands when the humans aren’t moving fast enough. They are always expressing themselves, we just have to pay attention.
Burrito bites his knuckles when he’s feeling shy and playful:
Foxie rubs her toes together when she’s particularly happy:
Rosemary DeRusso says
Hi all … just a short message thanking you for these excellent & educational posts. Through the posts I feel I know the chimps better . I love reading them all.
Have a great evening to all – Goodnight Burrito – hopemyiur boo boo doesn’t hurt.
Rosemary DeRusso says
Meant to type “hope your boo boo”
Katelyn says
Hi Rosemary, thanks so much for following the chimps! We’re so glad to hear you enjoy the blog and we love being able to share what amazing individuals the chimps are with you. 🙂
Kathleen says
Poor Mr. B, hope he’s okay, were the ladies beating up on him?! I enjoy seeing close-up photos of their hands and feet. Amazing how Foxie’s foot looks like a hand.
Katelyn says
Hi Kathleen, Burrito is fine, only a superficial scratch incurred during one of his morning displays that the girls had had enough of. Just your usual morning in the chimp house. 🙂 Yes, they have the best feet! So much more useful than ours!
Arlene and Michael says
I hope Burrito is doing well and that the scratch does not bother him. Hopefully it heals very soon. Hugs to all:)
Francoise says
Lucky that it missed his eye. He would not have been a happy boy.