After the chimps returned from their morning foray around the hill, Annie climbed to the top of the greenhouse to make a nest and get warm. She immediately started clapping her feet together and making her patented bird noised (whistling through her hands) which if you’re new-ish to the blog is Annie speak for “I am extremely happy and content right now.”
Best friend, Missy, climbed up to join her where they had a sweet grooming session. Missy doesn’t often care to have her photo taken and I admittedly took advantage of the fact that she was held hostage by Annie who was grooming her back to snap a few quick photos with her permission. It didn’t take Missy long to turn her back so I’m happy to have captured a few of her beautiful self. Thanks, Missy!
When chimpanzees groom one another or themselves, they typically make a variety of distinct sounds with their mouths, tongues and teeth to communicate their intentions. We humans do this as well when the chimps invite us to groom with them through the caging. Each chimp has their own style to some degree which can include, lip-smacking, teeth-clacking or blowing raspberries. Annie was utilizing the raspberry technique:
Taking her job very seriously:
Missy said, “A little lower”:
