Yesterday was the day after Jody’s eyelid repair surgery. She spent most of the day sleeping off the anesthesia after making a giant nest. Yesterday she wasn’t so interested in food or drinks, but was taking sips of water.
I know that chimpanzees are known for their quick healing and tough spirits, but even I was surprised what a difference a night made for Jody. This morning, the swelling around her eye had gone down considerably, and she was alert, active, and hungry! She was especially happy to be offered some lychees that an old friend brought her and was eager to dig into some pineapple. She took a little smoothie too:
It was also clear that she was very interested in being back with the rest of the chimpanzees:
Dr. Erin Zamzow came to assess things and decided it would be best to give her another day of healing on her own without the drama and focused attention of the other chimps.
Jody decided maybe another day alone wasn’t so bad…
Her friends still got to visit her while she was in her private quarters. She and Foxie played a little game of tag:
and Burrito gave her a kiss:
We made sure that Jody had lots of food puzzles and other interesting things to do and that the other chimpanzees were able to go about their daily activities, like Missy running:
Jamie hanging out in the tunnel on the hill:
and Burrito allowing me to photograph his handsome self:
JoAnn Lathrop says
So happy to hear this!! And yes, Burrito is just the handsomest guy!! U all do such an outstanding job with these beautiful people!! Hugs and love to you all…
jackie says
Happy to hear that Jody is feeling better. I love the picture of Jody resting with her feet up. Burrito, handsome as ever.
Kathleen says
Whew, I have been worried about Jody and all of these photos bring a welcomed relief. I too love the photo of Jody in the middle of all those cozy blankets with her feet propped up on the bin holding her enrichments toys. What a life! I am sure the kiss from Burrito made her feel much better. I know seeing his handsome photo made me feel better.
One silly question, in the first photo it appears as if Jody’s injured eye lid is closed. Is this just because she’s looking down into her smoothie or is her healing lid actually closed full time while mending? Thanks!
Diana says
Not a silly question! Her eye is still swollen, so it is not opening all the way just yet. By the end of the day, it was probably open a third.
Chris says
So glad Jody is “almost” back to her normal self after her surgery and tons of TLC! Along with Kathleen’s question regarding her eye, can you also explain to us how you actually isolate one chimp from everyone else in a situation like that in order to administer an anesthesia? And how does the vet administer that anesthesia once that chimp is separated from the others?
Probably not an easy task but one the sanctuary has very well mastered! She looks great!
Diana says
The front room area has four rooms that can be closed off individually. In this case, one caregiver invited everyone else to go into the greenhouse, with some banana pieces as an incentive, and another caregiver invited Jody to go into the front rooms, also with some bananas. The lead caregiver then operated the doors. Front room one is safest for induction because it does not have a high bed in it, so Jody was asked to go into that room. Everyone complied and moving the chimpanzees went smoothly. Administering anesthesia can happen in a few different ways. Sometimes the caregivers do the inductions. In this case, Dr. Erin gave Jody an injection while Jody was turned around.
Elaine Reininger says
Diana: I am so glad you answered those two questions presented by other “fans” of the chimps. I wondered both too. And I just loved the picture of Jody in her nest with her feet up/ Its touching how they always seem concerned about the one who is sick or injured. And people things animals have no emotions or feelings.
Chris says
Thanks Diana! It sounds and looks like everything went smoothly…It’s just wonderful that they have such good, amazing care, love and kindness! And of course, tons of those cozy, soft blankets to curl up in for the recuperation! 🙂
Jojo says
So happy to hear Jody is on the mend. I love the pic of Burrito giving Jody a kiss. What a guy!
Tobin says
My thoughts and sentiments exactly. I am also glad that Foxie involved her convalescing friend in a game of tag. I hope that Jody can rejoin her friends soon.
Meg Pasquini says
I’m so glad she’s on the mend. How worrisome. Love to that sweet girl.
I’m curious about two things. One is, what if she didn’t leave her injury alone?
And has that ever happened with an injury and what are you able to do about it.
The second thing is, I can’t picture what is it like when they fight?
And do you try and stop it or do you let it run its course?
I cannot imagine all of those beautiful chimps going at it that would be scary.
Also, in your opinion, are they actually trying to hurt each other or do injuries come accidentally.
Diana says
Hi Meg,
Sorry for not responding sooner! To answer your questions, if Jody did not leave her injury alone, we would likely separate her from the group and then giver her some light sedatives until healing has taken hold.
When there is a serious fight, it’s quite chaotic and difficult to really see what’s happening. When there are injuries, it generally happens very quickly and isn’t necessarily obvious to those observing until the fight is over. It’s very difficult if not impossible for the humans to stop a chimpanzee fight, so we do let the fights run their course.
Your question about whether the chimpanzees are purposely trying to hurt each other is a difficult one. I’m not sure I can answer that, and it might vary from one situation to the next. My guess with Jody’s injury is that it was somewhat of an accidental consequence of her being involved in the fight and not a conscious decision by whoever did it to inflict the injury.
Thank you for the questions!