Grooming sessions like these often serve as a counterweight to growing tensions within the group.
One measure of how well the Cle Elum Seven are getting along is how well they shift between enclosures. For example, at times Negra might think it wiser to stay in the playroom and forego a portion of breakfast than to allow herself to be stuck in the greenhouse with a raging Burrito. Or Jody may decide that she doesn’t have the energy to deal with Jamie’s dinnertime harassment and refuse to enter the playroom for a forage. In both cases, it’s not where they’re moving to that’s the problem – it’s who their moving with.
Lately, shifting has been a little more difficult than usual. While the chimps aren’t the slightest bit concerned about rearranging our cleaning schedule (nor should they be), they do have an interest in maintaining a stable and cohesive group. So it’s not surprising to see them participating in large grooming parties like this.
We’ll see if it’s enough to get us into the greenhouse for morning cleaning tomorrow…
Excellent information… Thanks J.B. Possibly a reflection of some anxiety about the expansion…?????
Hi Judy – The chimps go through these cycles whether we have construction going on or not. That’s not to say that it isn’t a factor, since we can never say for sure, but there’s enough drama within a group of seven chimps that they don’t need an excuse to be fed up with each other once and a while 🙂
The largest party yet, and the Boss involved! Amazing!
And what exactly was Miss Foxie demanding back there?
Hi Linda – Those raspberries, if that’s what you are referring to, are actually coming from Annie! That is her typical grooming noise.
Oh my! I couldn’t see her mouth, and would never have guessed! From bird noises to raspberries…we’ve found her talent!
Thank you for the isight but even more, thank you for this up-close-and-personal video. I don’t believe I ever felt this close to a grooming party before. Very cool! And I have to smile over Annie and her raspberry blowing concentration. But seriously, this video is simply lovely, to feel as if you are almost in the mix was delightful, so close I could almost touch the back of Jamie’s fabulous bed head. Sigh…..
One of the best videos EVER.
The love they all share with each other is a joy to watch!
We came on invitation to visit you and The Seven,today. It was great!! Thank you so much for letting us come and see what all you do for these wonderful animals! It was a special day for me, and my husband enjoyed it also. It was a great day. Thanks again, Kay Roland