Introductions have started! We as a staff had talked a lot about how introductions might go. We also had Amy Fultz from Chimp Haven provide advise from their successful introductions. To start intros we had Missy, Annie, and Jody meet Willy B, Honey B, and Mave first. We were very excited to have the chimps shift into the areas we needed them to so smoothly. To be honest, we were a bit shocked. We planned for one thing knowing that we might need 5 more back-up plans. Jamie, Burrito, Foxie, and Negra were offered a forage on the Hill that led to the new Chute and into Phase 1, which they have never been into! Foxie, Jamie, and Burrito went into the new Chute with ease. In the process Negra decided she wanted to stay on Young’s Hill. The Chute was foreign to her and she wasn’t ready for it yet, so Negra’s great adventure began!
I should start off by saying we do not normally close chimps onto only Young’s Hill. However, Negra was only out there until we could shift her back inside. Negra seemed to enjoy her time on the Hill. She grabbed a blanket and some forage and would go up to a structure and snack. Did I mention what was in the forage? There was lettuce, pomegranates, oranges, apples, pears, and Hawaiian rolls! When Negra needed more forage she would climb down, grab some more, and than go back up to relax on the structure. She even explored all over the Hill by herself. We thought she would hate being out there alone, but Negra was truly content. As some people say, Negra was living her best life.
I am sure you are all dying to know how the 3 on 3 meeting was. I can tell you there was fighting, hugging, A LOT of screaming, and A LOT of reassurance. Jody and Mave did a great job at keeping the peace! All of their reactions were normal for introductions. However, we were pretty busy the whole day and were not able to get very much video or photos. We also tried to keep the human interactions to a minimum. It is very important for Annie, Missy, Jody, Willy B, Honey B, and Mave to make a good relationship for the rest of the introductions to go smoothly. We are not out of the thick of things yet, but overall today’s introductions went well. Stay tuned for tomorrow, there will be a short video of clips from the introduction.
Linda says
Well, of course Neggie’s living her best life! Um, HAWAIIAN rolls!! It was like a holiday today, and she didn’t have to share! It must have felt like her birthday all over again!
I’m so happy it went well, and on the first try! What luck! Of course we wish we could all have been a fly on the window when it happened, but I’m sure we’ll get to see something soon!
Congrats on the first few successful steps!
wendy says
So exciting! Thanks for keeping us posted.
Sandie Allaway says
Just wow! Congratulations for such a successful first attempt. Such a great star!
Why did you choose the chimps you did for the first meet?
Tobin says
MIssy and Honey finally meet (again) at last! WOW!!! I am dying to know how they interacted and if they recognized each other as mother and daughter. I am glad to know that Jody and Mave were able to keep the peace, and I hope that Jody and Willy were able to greet each other. Tell us more when you get the chance…this another exciting red-letter day in the history of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest! And Her Majesty slyly took dibs on the forage…
Jo Lathrop says
Wow that’s wonderful to hear! It’s a huge life change for them all so it sounds like it went very well! It will take time, to be sure. Bravo to you all, I’m sure you were nervous as a new parent taking their child to kindergarten the first day!! LOL Love and hugs to you all…
Mary says
Sounds like a great start. I’m very happy to hear it went well. You’re all in my thoughts each day. You all do an amazing job the the chimpanzees. They are so awesome.
Linda says
With “Hawaiian Rolls” I’d be happy too!! ???
CeeCee says
So exciting!
Can’t wait to hear more.
Thank you all for doing what you do for our Chimps 🙂
PatC says
^^^What CeeCee said! xoxoxox
Kathleen says
Lucky Negra, Hawaiian rolls and a private forage! My heart was pounding reading about her adventure. I am so pleased with the free, brave, chimpanzee Negra has become. Did she zoom inside when the time came or was she happy to remain in her private paradise for a little bit longer? And I dying trying to imagine Jamie and Burrito climbing into the chute! So many new adventures…….
Your hands are so full juggling spaces and personalities, meals and cleaning. I am not sure I would have exhaled if I was observing the first introduction. I guess just having this first intro behind you must make you all feel a little relieved? Now you have a feeling for what to expect next time (if that’s possible). Don’t worry about us, we have a lifetime to follow the Tenacious Ten. For now we understand all your time and energy must go towards making each chimp comfortable and safe and reassured — and stuffed full of Hawaiian rolls!
Judy says
Ditto what Kathleen said!…. every word 🙂
Elaine Reininger says
Where Annie, Missy and Jody face-to-face with the new 3 or was there fencing between them. You did say there were HUGS, so I guess that meant they were let loose to touch each other. Scary stuff. It’s unfortunate that none of this first introduction got caught on camera but I imagine you all were a nervous wreck worrying about what was going to happen. And how did you separate the 3 you wanted to be involved in that first introduction from the rest of the pack. How long did they all stop screaming and were there any plans in the works if they started to attack one another. So many questions. Look forward to tomorrows video
Linda says
Kelsi, did the 3 have an outdoor space to roam around in when they were at WW? Or will this also be new for them?
Jo says
You had me at Hawaiian rolls!
I have to be honest, I lie awake in the middle of the night thinking about the meet and greets lol. IYou guys are awesome thank you so much for keeping us posted. I know you have a lot on your hands!
Waiting patiently for the next rendezvous!
Wanda Trotta says
Namaste to all of you
Lynn Wilson says
I am so excited and happy to hear that the introductions have begun. It sounds like a successful day for all, even with such momentous changes. I read the blog every day and avidly follow the lives of chimps and staff alike. I can’t wait to see pictures and videos of the introductions in the days ahead. Well done!
Beverly says
Wonderful….. Can’t wait until tomorrow!
Debi says
Hi Linda…I can’t stop smiling…Your comment is everything I’m thinking…On special occasions, I also really enjoy those lightly sweetened, little Hawaiian Rolls, (HaHa) & am thrilled gentle Neggie had that peaceful time alone on Youngs Hill with her blanket & that very tasty forage in store for her……
For the record, during the long awaited beginning introductions, I’d give almost anything to be a fly on the proverbial window, but I know after taking a deep breath that I wouldn’t be able to exhale until I knew each Chimp person were not traumatized & were indeed, safe… : )
Brilliant…just perfect for all so invested in how these early intro’s would pan out…
Much love & many genuine hugs to all involved in the welfare of these magnificent creatures…They surely deserve EVERY creature comfort they’re afforded…I can hardly wait to see how new friendships & allegiances will prevail…Just thinking about it make my heart THUMP with excitement… : )
Debi says
oops AGAIN… “wasn’t traumatized”… grins
Linda C says
With that video of the first sighting, and the close shots of chimps in windows, I felt like we were as close as any fly could get! 🙂