Sharing space with other people can be difficult, especially when one of those people is Jamie.
This week, Jamie has been a little bit more irritable than her usual baseline. This may be because we have just finished weaning her off of the contraceptive that we used as a safeguard during social integrations. Jamie’s genitalia have consequently resumed their regular cycle and are presently enlarged, presumably altering her mood. She’s even more dramatic, determined, and dominant than her normal self. She’s even grown possessive over snow despite the fact that it will be practically unlimited over the next few months.
The other females have been giving Jamie a wide berth to stay clear of her path. Today, when Chad and I gave the chimpanzees access to Young’s Hill, she was the first one out into the slushy yard. A few of her female peers followed her out at a safe distance. Annie, Missy, and Jody wanted to explore the snow-covered meadow, too.
The four girls dispersed out onto the wooden structures that watch over the sanctuary. They had been taking in the winter scenery and dining on wet snow for a few minutes when Foxie poked her head out of the Greenhouse and tip-toed out onto Young’s Hill to join them. Chad and I had just seen Foxie playfully twirling and bouncing around the warmer indoor spaces, but we were surprised to see her outside. To be honest, she did not seem to enjoy being outdoors in the cold. Her hair stood out straight and her face contorted into a tense sneer. She was only brave enough to venture out onto the bridge of fallen logs that forms a solid path between the Greenhouse and the closest structures. She sat there quietly for several minutes.
Of course the other females did not want to remain outside in the damp mist for very long, either. Missy was the first to make her way back, followed by Annie and Jody. However, Foxie was still perched on the log bridge and seemed to be blocking their path. The ground on either side of the bridge was soggy and cold, so Missy and Annie seemed determined to get around Foxie somehow. Annie even tried to walk with one foot on the fallen logs and the other on the tiny islands of dry earth. Her flexibility and determination were impressive but unsuccessful.
This subtle drama unfolded gradually and quietly, but everyone started to look more panicked when Jamie came trudging down the Hill, hauling an enlarged backside and an inflated attitude along with her. Missy desperately tried to get Foxie to move as if Jamie was a freight train that was about to run them over. Eventually, after some coarse vocalizations and physical pushing, Foxie turned around and the chimpanzee pile-up was cleared just as Jamie arrived. The imminent crisis was averted.
Back in the building, we have been provisioning all of the chimpanzees with plenty of fresh snow. Even Willy B and Honey B have been sampling this Washingtonian delicacy and seem to be developing a taste for it. This way, even those who don’t want to brave the cold can still get some of this seasonal treat and partake in the winter fun.
Charles Null says
Did the Big Guy get some Snow too
Anthony says
Of course!
Laura B says
Anthony, you may have missed your calling. We started laughing early in your blog since all of you have informed us about the various personalities of the 7. By the time we got to the photo of Annie (She who hates to get her feet wet) straddling the path we had to stop reading while got control of our laughter. Good thing we did so we could lose it again with the exciting finish.
Anthony says
Haha, I’m glad it made you laugh.
Diane DePoe says
Very entertaining and informative read today! Thank you and peace to all of you tonight!
Anthony says
You too, Diane!
Sandie Allaway says
So I have a question. Are all the girls on contraception at different times? I was under the impression they were all “fixed” and therefore not subject to female cycles anymore. I find this so interesting. Could someone explain what happens? Much appreciated. Thanks.
Anthony says
Both male residents (Willy B and Burrito) have undergone vasectomies and seem quite naive to reproductive behavior. We occasionally check to make sure their vasectomies have not grown back.
We have not used female contraceptives until recently. We employed an oral contraceptive during integrations as a precaution since we were unsure that Willy’s vasectomy had held up. Jamie, Annie, Mave and Jody received daily contraceptive because they all still swell. Some of the ladies, such as Missy, have had documented hysterectomies and therefore cannot get pregnant.
Now that integrations are over, we feel safer taking them off of the pill. We may utilize birth control in the future, but that is yet to be determined.
Linda C says
Oh, that pic of Annie straddling the snow is one for a calendar! Thanks for that one!
Though she be but tiny, she is fierce. And usually, in the way! 😀 Her coat seems to be particularly long and shaggy…..almost like Highland cattle when winter hits!
Anthony says
Annie is amazing in so many ways! Regarding their coats, they keep the same amount of hair year-round. However, when they go outside in the cold, their hair tends to stand up. That process is called piloerection and it’s the same mechanism that causes us to get “goosebumps.”
Debra says
I was wondering why Jamie was taken off Contraceptives, Are you all starting a breeding program, I thought you were a sanctuary? Is it a health issue for Jamie? Just curious as to why?
D Flanagan-Riner says
I can guarantee you there will be no breeding. And yes, this IS a sanctuary. Always has been, always will be.
I could be wrong, but my understanding is that Jamie is currently not in contact with any males who have the ability to impregnate, so she need not be on the pill.
Anthony says
I just replied to a similar comment above.
We have not used female contraceptives until recently. Both Willy and Burrito are vasectomized and seem unable to mate. We gave an oral contraceptive to some females during integrations as a precaution (since we were unsure that Willy’s vasectomy had held up). The other females have had documented hysterectomies and therefore cannot get pregnant.
Now that integrations are over, we feel safer taking them off of the pill. We may utilize birth control in the future, if necessary. We are absolutely not in the business of breeding chimps and our objective remains to reduce the number of chimps who are subjected to lives in captivity.
Elaine Reininger says
that picture of Annie straddling over the snow is hysterical. Priceless. Very interesting facts Would be interested in knowing the answers to Sandie’s questions too.
Anthony says
Thanks, Elaine! I replied to Sandie’s comment, so you can read my response above.
Kathleen says
Gymnast Annie (or should I say sumo wrestler?!) in that squat-stretch position is so funny. That’s working hard to keep those feet dry. And the image of the log jam threesome is perfect too. Look at Missy, her eyes imploring Foxie to move along. Mood swings, ugh. As a woman I totally get how Jamie is feeling, hormones are powerful things and you have no control over them.
Is Jamie at that age where she no longer needs contraception? I am assuming she is off the contraception drugs due to poor Mr. B’s injury that, in turn, forced your hand to ‘neuter’ him.
And Foxie does look super shaggy in these photos. Beautiful!
Anthony says
Jamie is not too old to have a cycle. Chimps have conceived and given birth late in their 50s, and we still don’t really understand chimp menopause. Given that she continues to display a regular sexual swelling, we’d rather play it safe.
We weren’t too concerned about Burrito even before he lost his testicles. It was actually Willy who concerned us, since we didn’t have a chance to check on his vasectomy before beginning social integrations. Vasectomies sometimes grow back in captive chimps, resulting in accidental births.
Sherry P says
Hilarious blog-post and pictures, Anthony! There is definitely a look of desperation in Missy’s eyes as she tries to get past Foxie. 😀
Anthony says
“Fly, you fools!”
Tobin says
Oh, dear Annie, trying to keep her feet dry. With the Boss Lady’s (Imelda Marcos-esque) collection of footwear, surely there is a spare pair of boots which would keep Annie’s toes warm.
Anthony says
Unfortunately, cowboy boots are a unique taste that only Jamie has acquired!