Chimpanzee sanctuaries naturally tend to be in rural areas. And as you might imagine, for chimpanzees who have spent the majority of their lives to date in biomedical research, finding themselves exploring their outdoor habitats in the country can bring enrichment in all manner of forms.
This morning was beautiful, the grass is a brighter shade of green with each passing day and the chimps love pouring out onto the hill after breakfast to play and investigate things. Foxie took Dora (with a windswept coif) along this morning and decided to take in the surroundings in a quiet spot while deciding where her morning adventure would begin:
Annie and Missy came tumbling up the hill together and Foxie decided to follow them further up toward the structures:
As Jamie and I were walking along the perimeter together, I noticed Foxie in the background suddenly stick Dora in her mouth and with a determined look head quickly across the hill toward the fence, on a mission.
Then I realized what her mission was probably about. “Intruder” cows who needed to be run off! (Meanwhile, Annie – in the foreground – was happily picking spring grass and could have cared less about the cows):
But fierce Foxie wasn’t having it and Jamie quickly backed her friend up to chase the cows down the hill. These sweet calves belong to our neighbor and are currently grazing a portion of our property. Can you imagine what the cows’ perspective must be when they first see the chimps? Scanning their mental repertoires of possible fellow animals and thinking, “Squirrels? No…Dogs? No…Horses? No…What???”:
Notice Annie still just going about her business 🙂 :
Annie looking after Jamie, Foxie and the cows, as they all ran by, probably trying to figure out what all the hullabaloo was about:
DIANE KASTEL says
MY VERY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE 7 CHIMPS IS FOXIE’S LOVE AND ATTACHMENT TO HER “DORA” DOLLS.
I BELIEVE THAT I READ THAT SHE MAY BE EXHIBITING HER MATERNAL INSTINCT SINCE HER OWN INFANTS WERE ALWAYS TAKEN AWAY FROM HER? I GET SUCH A KICK OUT OF SEEING HER CARRY ONE EITHER IN HER MOUTH, OR ON HER BACK.
Katelyn says
Hi Diane, Yes, Foxie had four children while in biomedical research who were all taken from her (Annie, Missy, Negra, and Jody also had their children taken from them). Foxie is most likely exhibiting some maternal instincts toward her dolls, but we can never say for sure what she’s thinking. Whatever her reasons, we’re just happy they give her comfort and joy. It is very endearing to see her carry them on her back, just as chimp mamas do with their young. 🙂
gigi says
O Foxie, you are such a caracter!!
Jo says
Such a beautiful insight into their world!! Thanks so much for the pix and wonderful commentary ~ helps me to feel like I’m there. The whole cow thing is so funny and they all must be enriched by observing each other. Hugs and love to you all!
Kathleen says
It is so funny seeing cows outside the chimps enclosed area. What in the world will Ellie think about these new neighbors?! Being a girl who lives in the country I can tell you the best thing about cows is their curiosity and how they like to follow each other, and you, about. I can imagine them following Jamie on her numerous patrols from the other side of the fence! What will they make of all that?!
This was a great post. I was surprised to see Foxie being the chief (and courageous) protector. Annie kills me noshing on her long awaited sweet grass as she is the only person on the hill. Thanks for the chuckle.