“A day wasted on others is not wasted on one’s self.” – Charles Dickens
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Volunteers Miranda and Elizabeth prepared breakfast this morning, with the centerpiece being a pineapple-strawberry-protein smoothie. The chimps ate their raw fruit and then drank every last drop of the bright pink smoothie. Of course, we couldn’t just throw the prickly pineapple tops into the Vitamix and we didn’t want to toss them in the compost bucket, either. Because the weather was so pleasant this morning, we ended up hiding the pineapple tops out on Young’s Hill at lunch, along with a forage spread of beets, carrots and potatoes. The chimps gathered themselves (and their dolls) and headed out to forage with gusto.
Of all the chimps, Jody is known for her expertise as a forager. We predicted that she would find at least one of the hidden treasures among the grass.
Surprisingly, Annie was the first to find a pineapple (the one that had been placed on a structure in the middle of the Hill). She triumphantly carried it back down the slope to the Greenhouse.
Negra found the second one since it was hidden in her favorite spot (a straw-lined cabin ear the bottom of the slope). She also carted her pineapple and vegetables back to the shade and shelter of the Greenhouse.
Annie’s pineapple wasn’t hers for very long before Jody casually took it from her. Annie didn’t seem to mind, though.
Jody reclined on the lower deck and relished every spiny leaf of the pineapple top. She held it lovingly and slowly picked it apart.
Neggie was a bit more industrious. Her mechanical breakdown of the pineapple top was quick and purposeful. She ripped off each spine and chewed it to a pulp before spitting it on the deck below. She soon had a pile of peels and discarded wadges at her feet, then chomped into the juicy core.
Jamie was not interested in either pineapple, preferring to eat beets and supervise from afar.
Burrito, meanwhile, ate anything and everything that he could find.
Linda says
D’aw! I love you guys even more for hiding one of those in a spot where you knew it could easily be found by the chimp person who loves it most!
I’ve said it something like 5 times, but I’ll say it again:
Dear Neggie, I wish you the top of the pineapple. Always.
Anthony says
Neggie would thank you but she doesn’t usually read the comments! 🙂
Linda says
Haha, I think she feels the love….:)
Linda says
So here’s a question, I don’t know that I’ve asked before….(can’t remember!)
Neggie often begs from others, especially Burrito and Jo, when she doesn’t feel like foraging, because she knows they’ll come back inside with it.
Does anyone beg from Neggie? I thought I saw Foxie thinking about it, with the birthday waffles, but then she shifted her food peering to Burrito.
So, does anyone beg from Neggie? And if they do, does she share?
Anthony says
Hi Linda! We don’t really see anyone beg from Negra, although it may happen occasionally. For the most part, Neggie’s food is hers unless she rejects it and someone else picks it up. Also, it’s important to remember that peering has multiple functions other than begging. Chimps begin peering as infants to learn how to process and consume different food items, and most continue to do so throughout their lifespan. In general, the seven rarely beg from each other because none of them are inclined to share. Begging is pretty futile around here.
Linda says
Oh, thanks, Anthony, I didn’t know peering had that other function….I’ve seen Meggie to get Missy share snow or corn, and Burrito a riding going all the way to the greenhouse, where Neggie is waiting to see what others bring in….but it occurred to me that I’d never seen Neggie give anyone anything, sweet though she is….good thing there’s lots to go around…it must make for more peaceful mealtimes
Linda says
Sorry, have to quit doing these on my phone. .Burrito avoiding going all the way back
Kathleen says
You think of everything, from the healthy smoothie to setting a pineapple top right in Negra’s cabin. I hope Annie got a taste of her top before loosing it to Jody, Annie looks so pleased walking with her prize in hand. Wonderful photos, thank you!
Linda says
Kathleen, I’m almost afraid to jinx you, but looks like that portrait might be yours! Amazing work, Carla!
Kathleen says
Carla is amazing, I love this image of our Queen. One thing I have learned from the annual auctions…..Tuesday, after the holiday weekend is over, is the time when people start bidding! Sometimes right up to the very last second. I am holding my breath knowing this is too good to be true….
Thanks for rooting for me. ; )
Carla René says
Hi, Kathleen,
Only 3 hours to go! I am rooting for you, too, btw. 🙂 I SO hope you get it! I’m so happy that it’s already surpassed Burrito’s original price (the winner of that one enjoyed him so much they later gave another $1,000.00 to the sanctuary!), and I know how much you simply adore the Queen, so here’s hoping! Best of luck!
Carla René says
Hi, Linda,
I don’t usually get to these right away because I’m so busy with school and art, but I happened upon this one and for some reason, something made me read the comments or I never would have seen this wonderful one from you! Thank-you SO much! I loved painting every little grey hair on her head and can’t wait to begin another for the next auction.
Again, you’re so sweet and thank-you.
Linda says
If you ever do Foxie, I may have to bite the bullet, though I do love Annie’s hands, too
Linda says
Every little hair, and let’s not forget all those freckles! 🙂
Very challenging…
Anthony says
It was actually Level III volunteer Miranda’s idea to put the pineapples out on the Hill!
Bobbie says
Think they all enjoyed the fruit you all look after them so well
Anthony says
We certainly try our best! And yes, the chimps always enjoy fruit. Even tomatoes.
Tobin says
I doubt that Jody reads the comments section very often, but, alas, it must be inscribed: “Now, Jody, don’t you think that you could at least split the pineapple lid with your friend Annie? I mean, really now…”