We had a small, but big “win” today in the ongoing saga of introductions with our chimpanzee family. Burrito’s injuries had healed sufficiently to receive the okay from our vet, Dr. Erin Zamzow, to have a meeting with Willy B so we introduced the fellas 1:1 today. And while we had no idea how things would go, we walked them through one step at a time and just took things at their pace, based on what they told us they were comfortable with.
While Negra, Mave and Honey B were sequestered comfortably in the front rooms and Foxie, Jamie, Missy, Annie, and Jody were in Phase 1, we allowed Willy B and Burrito to spend a few minutes meeting at the mesh between the greenhouse and the front room where Burrito has been residing while he heals. Willy B pulled out all the stops in chimpanzee lingo and gestures toward Burrito; breathy panting, bobbing his head, allowing Burrito to approach at his own pace and showing nothing but friendly excitement and interest in meeting him. It took Burrito several minutes to work up his courage to approach Willy B, but when he did it was another very successful interaction where they spent several minutes intensely grooming through the caging.
Then the big step came of holding our breath and opening the door a fraction to see how each responded. With no signs of aggression, we opened the door up and gave Burrito access to the greenhouse with Willy B. It took Burrito a bit to feel comfortable heading out there with that big guy, but Willy B was calm and patient and Burrito finally followed his courage into the greenhouse. It took a long time for them to approach each other and when they eventually met it was brief and then they separated. Though they both continued to demonstrate positive, sometimes even playful interactions toward one another, they weren’t having contact. Which isn’t what you want to see. So we waited. And waited. And waited. And then…we heard it. Breathy panting! A welcome vocalization of greeting, reassurance and excitement. And when we peeked in they were grooming! They spent close to two hours like this! Eventually both were ready for dinner and everyone is back in their respective spaces for the night. But we couldn’t have asked for it to have ended better.
It’s important to remember that just because this first 1:1 meeting went extremely well, it’s absolutely no indication that subsequent meetings will follow suit. In fact, it’s pretty much guaranteed that a fight is going to ensue at some point. And as soon as we add any other chimpanzee to the mix, dynamics change again. But for now, we all needed a win. And more importantly Willy B and Burrito did, too. And did we ever get one.
The “bro-fest”:
It’s been a long day for everyone so we leave you with a few photos of the guys for now and a video to come tomorrow!
WOW! How exciting! Congrats to everyone. You made our day.
What a glorious day of good, positive and encouraging experiences for the boys. That is a huge milestone.. even if it’s just a few hours. It is possible for them to be comfortable with each other… Thank you ALL YOU EXHAUSTED TEAM MEMBERS for everything.. as always! WOW… WOW… WOW.
Happy, happy joy joy! Great news! Still have fingers crossed!
Congratulations to you all ~ must be a huge relief!! I’m happiest for Mr. B!! Love and hugs to you all…
Hallelujah!!!! Way to go guys!
Oh my goodness. I am crying. I have been so worried about Burrito and to see a positive interaction between he and Willy B well I am just so happy. I can’t imagine how you all feel today. I know there are still challenges but Burrito finally got to spend time with his Bro and it worked out ok.
I’m so happy! I feel the same as Debbie.
At last! Wonderful and much need news for them, the staff and for us! Way to go Willy B and Burrito! Let the good times roll!
Yup, I’m a little choked up over this one. And I am very happy for Burrito, and Willy B too. Hoping you have many more of these positive interactions. I can only imagine how you felt when you heard their breathy panting. Thanks for the photos!
This. Is. AWESOME!
It’s funny. I rescued a Bengal cat 3 weeks ago that’s been severely abused and neglected, and I’m trying to introduce him to my 2 other boys. I hoped it would be smooth and uneventful, but neeoooo. It’s been hectic, frenetic, and enough to make me want to find new and creative ways to commit suicide with a butter knife and a shoe. 😀
It’s been a series of very small wins and never linear as I would hope. And it’s been with only one of my boys, making it worse. But it’s been progress, which makes all the hair-pulling worth it.
I’m witcha! Keep going! It will happen. Just always be patient. Animals go at their own pace in their own language. Y’all can do it!
Cheers, from Honeybump, Lieutenant Castillo, and the new Yumyum.
Please don’t do anything with the afore-mentioned butter knife and footwear: The trio of felines (to say nothing of the primates whom you are studying) need your intelligence and compassion. Best of luck to you with the integration at your cat sanctuary. 8)
The suspense has been killing me! I am so glad to know there was a positive encounter. Fingers crossed that there is continued progress.
Makes my heart happy!!!
Breathing a sigh of relief. Thank you for the update – I’ve been wondering about Mr B and his boo-boos. Internet-hugs all around!
Wonderful!!!
One small step for the group, one giant step for Mr. B! Congrats to everyone. So happy to hear this news!
Yes I teared up too. So happy to see Burrito feeling better! YES! they did good. Hats off to everyone for your patience is making sure everyone is kept safe.
What a wonderful post! Great news all around, thank you for sharing!
Great news! So happy for everyone!
Joyful news! I so appreciate how you keep us connected to the action there! And this news is huge relief. Thanks also for the warning that there will be more fights in this process. It must be hard for all the humans to stay calm.
Such a touching photo of the two guys sitting face to face grooming each other. But I was sad to learn that that two hour episode doesn’t mean that all will go as well the next time they are in contact without a barrier between them. Boy I have to give you caregivers credit for the knowledge you have and the patience. You are a special breed of people
This exciting encounter has made me so happy! Thank you for all of the updates.
My heart’s literally thumping (with relief & so much joy) at such “sit on the edge of your seat” encouraging news, & my tears are those quickly rolling ones running down to my neck & stinging all the way…I actually needed a few tissues…
Your ongoing patience & intuitiveness leaves me nearly speechless at this time…You’re all such
…admiral & dedicated Champions’ of these magnificent Chimpanzees…As a lifelong passionate lover of Nature & animals, (particularly Great Apes & Elephants), I recognize & appreciate all your efforts to do what’s ultimately best for all ten…God bless you all…
Yea!!!!!!!!! Nice way to start my day! Thank you one and all for doing what you do so well.
“A time for peeeaaace, I swear it’s not too late” — Pete Seeger. To everything there is a season, and a time and a purpose under Heaven. (Mitigating factor: who can possibly resist the charms of either Mr. B?).
Okay, no blog post on the 29th makes me scared ….
All is well, Linda! There were some technical difficulties with getting the aforementioned video uploaded last night, but it should be up today! Thanks for checking in!
Thank, Katelyn…I realized when I saw the video quality that it must have taken longer to put it all together!