As I watched the chimps head out onto the hill today, I realized that it was a perfect moment to grab the telephoto lens and take some shots of the chimps on the towers. On mornings like these, Foxie likes to take to her usual spot, doll in hand, to spy on the world through the slatted walls of her fort.
Taking photos through multiple layers of electric and woven wire fencing is difficult. Many shots turn out blurry or obscured, so I often find myself laying in the grass to find the right angle and snapping dozens if not hundreds of photos in order to get a decent shot.
I watched as Foxie engaged in phantom nesting – a behavior that, while technically abnormal, can actually be a sign of contentment. Chimps who were deprived of nesting material or the opportunity to learn from family and peers when they were young sometimes show only the rudimentary, ritualized elements of nesting behavior, as if they are building a nest out of thin air.
She played her usual games with her doll, propping it up on the railing…
…and then knocking it down into her waiting arms.
While we make no effort to hide the fact that these chimps live in cages, behind glass and concrete, or within the confines of an electric fence, I can’t deny that I also enjoy perspectives like these that show how large their world has become, even within those constraints.
So there I was, laying in the grass, when suddenly I noticed that Jody had spotted me. She looked concerned, and I had to agree that my behavior was indeed quite unusual. I shouted, “It’s just me, Jo Jo!”
She walked a little closer, still worried. “Jo Jo, it’s me! It’s OK!”
Her expression first softened with the recognition that it was a friend and not a stealthy intruder lurking behind the fence, but it quickly turned to a look that – if I may be a bit liberal with my interpretation – seemed to convey her profound disappointment that I should go around scaring people like that.
Point taken.
With that crisis averted, she joined Foxie on the tower.
…and took part in the spying.
As soon as she left, Foxie returned to her games in peace, as she seems to prefer on mornings like these.
Jo Lathrop says
March 10, 2018 at 6:56 pmSuch a beautiful post and pix and heartfelt thanks to you J.B. ~ really helps to put me “there” with you and I so appreciate your time and talent!! They are all just wonderful beings and I send you all hugs and love…..
Kathleen Corby says
March 10, 2018 at 8:38 pmThis new website really accentuates your beautiful photos. I appreciate the extra large size as it allows me to see every little detail. These images of Foxie are beautiful and so worth your time J.B. lying prone on the cold ground taking hundreds of shots for a handful of good ones. I was feeling all warm and fuzzy following Foxie’s story and then totally cracked up over Jody investigating you! That is just so funny, dear Jody. I am wondering if she went directly to Foxie to tattle on you or if she wanted to see what you looking at! That photo of Jody peeking over with Foxie below is the crown jewel. Too sweet.
I honestly don’t know you take such excellent photos, all of you. I understand the challenges of shooting through wires and caging and to make matters worse you’re shooting moving creatures — impossible to do well! Primatologists, Care Givers, Writers and Story Tellers, Dietitians, Cooks, Caterers, Party Planners, Medical Assistants, Groomers, Contractors and Builders, Cleaners, Laundry Experts, and Professional Photographers…… you do everything and you do it all so well, and with such love. I could never thank you enough for everything you do for the chimps (and for us!).
J.B. says
March 14, 2018 at 9:43 amKathleen, you are far, far too kind!