As I arrived this morning, I found Negra and Burrito grooming on a bench in one of the Front Rooms. This is a popular morning spot since it has a view of both the driveway and the kitchen.
Despite how this looks, Burrito is not in fact a vampire. He is actually more of a Tasmanian Devil. But at this point in the day he is still a very sleepy Tasmanian Devil.
As the other staff and volunteers arrive, Negra looks toward the kitchen and greets them with a soft grunt, and Burrito follows suit.
The arrival of the volunteers means the workday has begun, and that in turn means that breakfast will soon be ready. Breakfast always puts Negra in a good mood so she begins to play.
Negra has a rough style of play. The others tolerate it because of her status, and because they all know that it is a special occasion when Negra plays. Soon she is playfully but forcefully pushing Burrito’s head against the wall.
She thinks that is a lot of fun.
Burrito thinks a bit less of this game and he eventually slips away, so Negra settles for a patented Negra move – the head-butt to the belly. Let the day begin!
Hi, Jeeb,
What exactly is Negra’s status? Jamie’s the alpha, so is she the sub-dominant female?
The beautiful Queen looks so cozy.
I try to put myself in Negra’s shoes…as if this could even be possible! In the lab Negra was in a windowless basement with nothing but some newspapers for a nest, so what must it feel like to lie in front of a window on a sun splashed platform and make your very own nest out of countless, clean, cozy, warm, fleecy blankest?! What must it feel like to choose to stay in bed all day long with no consequence but your own desired comfort?! That reality brings tears to my eyes. I love Negra and her family dearly too…. (sigh).
Thank you to everyone at CSNW for doing something as basic as laundry every single day. Simple ‘niceties’ can change a life.
Love love love it!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for these wonderful pix ~ hugs and love to you all….
These pictures (and the text) are simultaneously beautiful and hilarious; it appears that the Queen has a certain way of dealing with her Court Jester. I wonder; do you ever show your photographs or videos of the chimps to them? if so, what are their reactions?
Hi Tobin – Yes, we do show them the photos from time to time. Jamie seems to be the only one interested in them (and only when they are of her!).