It’s amazing how much Honey B, Willy B, and Mave have changed since they arrived on Sunday. No matter how much it benefits a chimpanzee to be relocated to a sanctuary like CSNW, it is still a stressful and bewildering experience. A certain amount of anxiety or even fear is understandable until they become familiar with the new environment, a new routine, and new caregivers. But we’re happy to see these three adapting quickly. This morning, as I was donning quarantine gear just outside the door, I could hear playful foot slaps on the floor. When I opened the door, Honey B was jumping up and down with a huge play face and Mave and Willy B were engaged in a pretty exuberant game of chase (who knew Mave could move so fast?). I have no doubt they miss their former caregivers, who love them very much, but for the first time it seemed like they were starting to feel at home here at CSNW. Little do they know there will be a lot more to become familiar with once their quarantine period is complete…
On the other side of the building, the one-and-only Missy was celebrating her 44th birthday! It was a day filled with running around the hill, playing with her best friend Annie, and tomatoes for every meal. A busy day and poor internet connection conspired to prevent me from putting together a second video, but we should be able to share that with you in the days to come.
Sure, we’ll wait! ;P
How very kind!
She sure is a smarty pants! I look forward to seeing what kind of trouble, er, “projects” she and Jamie will get up to together!
Glad Missy had fun, we’ll look forward to that video!
What are the favorite foods on the “new” side?
Wow, new chimps. It’s wonderful to see CSNW, growing and expanding.Mave,
HoneyB,and WillyB are beautiful..there will be very interesting times ahead when they get to meet the original 7..great progress..to see the sanctuary growing and developing..well done to you all.
And Mave’s not about to let her nesting material get wet while they’re playing with the water!
I have been thinking about the close bond between caregivers and chimps and my heart goes out to everyone involved. I am envisioning the CA caregivers now following your blog to keep an eye on their dear friends from afar.
This video is so sweet, thanks J.B. for catching this moment. Hard to say what touched me the most, Honey B showing and sharing her water fountain skills or dear Mave rescuing those new, soft blankets from the excess water spilling onto the floor. Send this video to Frans de Waal, proves his theory on morality and reciprocity being something biological in us human primates. : ) Well done Honey B, your mama would be proud.
And to The Birthday Girl Mama….. Happy Birthday Missy! You really are getting better and younger with each passing year. And this year you will have THE best birthday present ever — a chance to meet and form a relationship with your daughter Honey B! It doesn’t even matter if Missy senses a connection, the beauty is they will now be together after all these years. What an exciting year!
Ooohhh…a little late…..I was just thinking, because it’s still warm and Missy and tomatoes…..have you guys ever made gazpacho for them? Veggie, healthy, and chilled for the summer heat! And…..well….TOMATOES!
Chimps amaze me every day and this video of them figuring out how to use the new water fountain tops them all. The moving back to let another chimp try it out was touching. It must have been a sad but happy day for the caretakers who loved them at their former facility but they are lucky that they can tune in daily to see how happy they are and what new experience they are having in their new home. And knowing what wonderful compassionate caring people are tending to their every physical and emotional needs must be making the parting a bit easier.
They are all so amazing. Happy birthday dear Missy:)