My blog days always seem to be the quietest (e.g., last Sunday), which is odd given all the drama we have been experiencing lately. As we’ve mentioned, the chimps have been resting and recuperating after an attempt to introduce the remaining chimps did not go as hoped on Wednesday.
Because we rushed to separate the chimpanzees after severe fights repeatedly erupted in the Playroom, they ended up in slightly unusual social and spatial configurations. Burrito is physically isolated in one part of the building, with visual and auditory contact with the chimps in the Playroom. In there, Negra was effortlessly reintegrated with Honey B, Mave and Willy B and has been in her preferred state of passive cohabitation with them ever since. On the other side of the “Howdy Door,” in the newer wing of the building, Annie, Foxie, Jamie, Jody and Missy are spending time exploring the novel surroundings and trying to glimpse their familiar neighbors.
We’ve been giving the group of five females access to Young’s Hill via the outdoor chute. Today, however, the weather was damp and chilly and they spent most of their time goofing around in the Mezzanine.
Overall, things have been a bit odd lately. We’re planning on using this weird arrangement to the chimpanzees’ advantage, however, by giving certain individuals more opportunities to get to know each other. The tentative plan is to keep moving forward with the integration of the two groups, albeit in a more gradual and controlled manner. For now, we’re letting the chimpanzees hang out with their closest friends and (metaphorically and literally) lick their wounds.
Burrito was bitten a few times during Wednesday’s scraps and is probably sore from all the running, jumping, flailing and screaming (because, in case you haven’t heard, chimp fights can be physically and emotionally intense, even between friends). Although he immediately reconciled with Willy B and recovered quickly in spirit, he has needed some time to recuperate without the excitement and tension of another introduction. He definitely seems interested in the chimpanzees occupying the adjacent spaces, so we’re all eager for him to be back in the mix when he’s back to full strength. He certainly acts like he’s ready.
He’s also been taking some incredible naps. He’s not a skilled builder of nests, so volunteer Erin crafted a blanket nest for him during routine cleaning this morning. He loved it.
Burrito isn’t the only one eager for the next steps. The chimps are certainly aware of their neighbors, and most seem to be anxiously anticipating their next opportunity to interact. Willy, for example, continues to listen to the neighboring females from the safety of the Playroom. We’re not sure how the next meeting will go, but we’re continuing to be hopeful and trust that the chimps will figure it out eventually.
Hi Anthony,
I’m glad to see Mr B climbing on the caging again, instead of cowering in a corner. That spot on his left wrist does indeed look pretty bad. Hopefully, he’s a fast learner.
Almost impossible to orchestrate, but yes, making him more comfortable with the new three and maybe getting the Tiny One some time with Mave might do the trick… and to think, we thought Jamie and Burrito would be the hardest ones!
Nice pic of Annie peeking around the corner.
These photos of Mr. B are simply too much, especially the first one of him looking through the mesh (loving his shape, he looks like a Muppet). I didn’t know Burrito was not a master nest builder so I am sending a big “Thank you!” to Erin for making him that cozy pile of comfort for him to sleep him. He clearly needs some extra loving right now while he is separated from his family. Hope he feels well soon enough for a fun game of tug with one of his caregivers.
Enjoy the quiet while you’ve got it!
I know you have probably considered this, but I’m going to suggest it anyway. What about putting Buritto and Willy B together by themselves without the drama of having the females around. Please reply. I worry about Buritto.
That’s one of those heartbreaker things, Kathleen….since he wasn’t with other chimps, it was never modeled (Foxie, either), so he didn’t have how. Now, he makes “phantom nests”, where he makes the circles with his arms around his body, but without the blankets…..:(
That was “he didn’t know how “….stupid phone…
Love the picture of Mr. B in the nest built for him. He has that sad “Woe is me, stuck in solitary confinement…what did I do to deserve this” look on his face. Your followers are so observant…I didn’t see the wound on his left wrist, so scrolled back to see it. Are you able to put antibacterial ointments on wounds like that???
I think they said pain meds and antibiotics…if they put topical things on, it would probably get licked off. Not good.
It is a sad face, isn’t it!?
I’m with Negra. Stay in bed. Out of the way.
Perhap Burrito will start building nests. Who knows, it would be nice for him. Hard to undo a lifetime of stress behavior.
That closeup & forlorn look on Mr. B’s face tugs so hard at my heart…Do you think he might feel somewhat abandoned???