Honey B, Willy B, and Mave have officially completed their 30-day quarantine period, but we’re still waiting on results from a fecal exam before we move on to introductions. As we wait, we are carefully observing the interactions between the two groups for cues to help us develop our introduction strategy. Jamie and Burrito will likely present the greatest challenge because of their backgrounds as pets and performers – chimps raised in human environments are often at a disadvantage when it comes to navigating complex social situations. And Foxie, while socially adept, has been slightly more reactive than we expected (this is a nice way of saying that she screams a lot). Our instincts, along with tons of data from our friend and former intern Jake, told us that Jody, Missy, and Annie would be a strong subgroup to welcome the new folks to the neighborhood, and today’s interaction seemed to back that up.
We hope that these ten chimps will be compatible but we are realistic about what lies ahead. Even if a full group formation is unsuccessful, it will be an absolute joy to watch some of the Cle Elum Seven meet new friends after all these years. Just look at the excitement and anticipation in Jody’s eyes.
Wonderful video and post… I feel good about the idea of a sub-group of the same size as the newcomers…. a much more “manageable” introduction… It will be fascinating and I’m sure full trepidation at times… Holding all good thoughts for a successful intro whenever the time is right. One cannot rush these things as they need to be done with great consideration for the good of all. I LOVE how CSNW is doing this… We can all wait… how lucky these kids all are to have such a terrific group of dedicated caregivers.
Is the plan to let the 3 go out on the hill alone first and when they are back in the night house, let the 7 out to pick up their smells? If this is done every day, the smells of the three would become a part of the hill. Would that make the physical introductions more successful? Whenever I got a new cat, I’d spray the existing cats and the new one with the same perfume which diffused the stress of introducing the new cat into our family of cats. Just wondering how this is going to play out.
Hi Karen – Smell plays a far greater role for cats and dogs than it does for chimps. The chimps will have to rely more on visual and vocal communication to get to know each other from a distance. These “meet & greets” at the playroom window are a good way for the two groups to learn about each other without creating the conditions for overly aggressive behavior.
J.B. please remind me what the head nodding and teeth are about? I know the latter is not a smile. Thanks.
Looks like a Jody play face to me…top teeth covered, bottom teeth showing the way only Jody can=a welcome, and excitement
Amazing, JB, that you can even entertain getting that subgroup separated from the other 4! I can’t even begin to imagine how you accomplish that, even with gum! Though I imagine Neggie will just want to sit back in a corner and watch it all go down. Hope it works!
I think it’ll hurt the first time they’re pent up and watching the new three walking around on “their” hill.
Are you at all worried about giving the Tiny One’s ear a little more time to heal? A couple more days? I’d love her to keep the other 1 1/2. 🙂
Hi Linda – That’s why we can’t have any rigid plans for introductions, because all ten strong-willed people have to comply and that rarely happens! So we will have plans B, C, D, etc. Foxie’s ear is healing well. We always hate when the chimps injure each other during fights but thankfully ear injuries are rarely a cause for concern other than short-term pain and discomfort.
Thanks for the update, JB…glad it’s healing….still sad….she and Jo usually head for the hills when he’s wound up; was she cornered, or silly enough to give him guff?!
So exciting to see them interact with each other.
Can’t wait for more!
This is very exciting! A welcoming committee! I still wonder though how this will affect Jamie and Negra. Jamie because she is the highest ranking and Negra because she is reserved.
The look on Jody’s face…worth a thousand words.
Jody to Honey B:
“Oh, Girl! You better not let our Foxie see you with that Troll Doll!!”
ABSOLUTELY GREAT VIDEO!
Thanks so much!
And Negra? How is she dealing with the new three?
Thanks for this video, I had no idea the chute was right there outside the seven’s window. They are so close to each other, I had no idea. Oh to be a fly on the wall during all of this.
Well, these videos get us close enough to be a fly on the window!