Burrito and Willy B have now been together for nine days. This past Tuesday, we added Negra and Honey B – who get along unexpectedly well – creating a group of four. Upon entering the group, Negra did as Negra does, which is to say that she waltzed back into the playroom and made a nice comfy nest while pestering her caregivers to start dinner, as if nothing had changed. Honey B, on the other hand, came out of the gate with a message for Burrito: don’t mess with the little girl. On two occasions, as Burrito started to display, Honey B pounced on him, leaving him with a couple minor bites. Burrito seemed to be immediately overcome with the realization that the girls that had dominated him for so long were not an anomaly – they are all this way. Willy B stayed out of it entirely, as though he had received the same message from Honey B in the past and took it to heart.
With her point made, Honey B spent a considerable amount of time trying to get Burrito to groom and play. He has so far declined most of her offers, understandably. But they have maintained a peaceful relationship since.
So yesterday it was time to add Mave to the group. We had a strong feeling that Mave and Burrito would get along, based on their brief encounter in the group of ten and their interactions through the lexan as they have been housed in adjacent enclosures. And Mave seems to be a very stabilizing force wherever she goes, with her keen social awareness and penchant for giving out hugs when they are needed most. But given that Burrito was already working on a challenging relationship with Honey B, we thought it would suit him best to spend time with Mave one-on-one. As you can see, they hit it off right away and within a couple hours, both were introduced into the group with Willy B, Honey B, and Negra. This is how things will likely stay for a little while, so that Burrito can continue to build on his friendship with Willy B, work out his differences with Honey B, and find comfort in the warm fluffiness of Mave’s hugs. Negra will continue to play with her new friend Honey B and keep track of mealtimes for the staff. When the time is right, we will begin to engage Foxie with some of the newcomers so that she, like Burrito, can overcome her fears and forge new relationships.
What a wonderful hug. Mave seems so loving. I have a couple of questions:
1. At the beginning of the video before the door is opened, are Burrito and Mave showing fear grimaces?
2. I think I see something pink near Mave’s pelvis…..what is that?
Thank you for such a sweet and endearing video of these two. It makes me smile every time I watch it.
Hi Jordan – Yes, those are fear grimaces. Regarding Mave’s spot, I’m not exactly sure what you’re seeing but it could be part of her swelling? If there’s a time on the video when it is apparent just let me know and I’ll look again.
I think they mean at :34, so…yes?
That long long hug really touched my heart as I’m sure it did to everyone who views this video.
I always tear up when I see these beautiful beings.
Once again….”Mave! Mave! Mave!”
Who’s startl9ngabecwith their clappong!?
I told you …..Honey B would be a force to be reckoned with…
Oh, clumsy thumbsy…that was supposed to be “startling Mave”….
I imagine that was Negra.
Lol, that’s what I thought, JB. Have a great weekend!
Wow, Mave is just the best.
I love how Burrito opens his arms to her, He knows that hug is coming,
And he seems so happy and calm.
Yay team !
Maybe Mave can work her magic with little Foxie, I remember her giving Jamie
A lot of wonderful hugs too š
Iām soooo happy seeing this! I have been crying tears of joy at these beautiful moments. They have come so far??
Awww….Mave! It seems like she could heal the world with one of her amazing hugs. Such a sweetheart. Thinking good thoughts for the steps ahead in getting the whole group together. My heart goes out to all the caregivers-you all are the best.
Wow-wee. That’s a lot of good news to digest in one sitting. And to think I worried about Negra, foolish me. The video is the best, Mr. B looks excited and a little bit anxious all at once ā but who wouldn’t be in his position. Mave is a wonder. I cast my vote for her as trusted, true best friend, peace keeper, and groom mistress. We need more Mave’s in our world but for now, I am so happy that Burrito has Mave in his world. Thanks for the update J.B., I am so pleased for all of you.
Too beautiful for words….. love and hugs to you all…
That hug…so lovely?
Just wonderful news for all. The chimps are so fortunate to have you caring for them, enabling the growth of their family, love and positive experiences in their precious life. Well done again, have a great weekend.
Thank you for letting us humans who are far “outside the fence” be a part of this exciting time. I’m sure it must be hard to explain a very complex situation with a few words and photos, but you have done an excellent job and I now understand so much more about how chimp relationships work. I have great admiration for what you are doing for these chimps, and for your patience and trust.
Yes, that was truly wonderful!!! Mave is wonderful. Honey B will fit right in with girl gang. Thank god for Negra that reinforces a sense of normalcy to the day. Interesting that Honey B get along so well.
As has been said so well by so many… Mave is simply a WONDER. What a fantastic post and video. Mr. B is in such good hands.. human and Mave’s… and it seems W.B.’s as well. It does us all so much good to see Mr. B expand his world and find goodness (amongst the trepidation and some unpleasantness) but ultimately a new wonderful world. Hugs to you all… and wishing that all the hugs you receive are as comforting as Mave’s!
Wow what a sweet long hug. Warmed my heart to see these two hug.
How very touching!