Well, here it is.
I created this video a few days ago to highlight some ways in which the chimpanzees are spending the shortened days of early winter.
In addition to their usual smorgasbord of foods, an abundance of fuzzy nesting materials and a variety of challenging enrichment puzzles, the chimps now have daily opportunities to harvest armfuls of delicious, powdery snow from Young’s Hill.
Even Mave, Willy B and Honey B, who aren’t as habituated to the cold weather as the seven original residents, seem interested in their outdoor courtyard. The courtyard is an alcove of the Hill that has recently been sectioned off to create a safe, isolated area for the newbies to gradually acclimate to open spaces on their own terms. For the most part, though, they prefer the safety and comfort of the indoor spaces and understandably only go out in the chute when it is sunny and dry. Of the three, Willy seems to be the most cautious about the cold. During his infrequent forays into the chute, Jody, Missy, Annie and the other females make a huge commotion. Their chorus of pant-grunts and unbridled excitement reminds me of teenage girls during Beatle-mania. It’s justifiable, given Willy’s confidence and charm.
It is Burrito, however, who seems the most eager for attention now. He’s recovered in terms of spirit and mobility, so now we are just waiting for him to finish his medication before we reunite him with the full group. In the meantime, he’s enjoying afternoon play-dates with individual companions, and we are ecstatic to see him back to his old ways. Today, for example, he spent time with Jody and then followed Jamie around (inspecting her swollen genitalia incessantly).
I hope you all enjoy the video and the rest of your weekend!
We’re looking forward to giving you some exciting updates soon regarding several new developments at the sanctuary!
Maureen says
So happy to see Mr. Man in action and enjoying himself! And his friends enjoying him, too!
Linda C says
I’m sure you’ve made a lot of people happy with this Bubupdate, Anthony!
Dr. Missy’s hard at work, but her face in the raceway looked frustrated….like maybe she was hoping you would kindly *hand* her some snow? Hm? Please?
Interesting to see that, like The Boss, Honey B incorporates large pieces of furniture into her nests!
Judy says
A giant thrill of a video! So terrific to see Bubba doing Bubba things.. and getting some very solicitous attention from some of his girls… great that he gets to have some play dates.. Nothing as healing and motivational than a good friend caring for you and playing with you… Thank you to all!
Martine says
So nice to see Burrito happily playing, but that wound on his hand looks really bad. Is it healing ok? Just wondering.
Anthony says
Yes, Martine, that is a bite wound on the back of his right hand. It started as a laceration and then he groomed it open to allow for it to heal, which it is now doing. It’s made a lot of progress over the last few weeks!
Jo Lathrop says
Beautiful video!! Thank you so much ~ so good to see them being them!! Hugs and love to you all…
Kathleen says
Anthony, what a touching video, it’s wonderful. Simply wonderful. Thank you for your time filming/producing/editing/captioning/and selecting the musical score. This was well worth the wait. Next to hearing food grunts, squeaks, and chomping, I just love the sound of Burrito’s grooming raspberry blowing. I am thrilled to hear (and see!) he’s doing better but I have to admit, I sort of grimaced when I saw his hand. That sore looks as if it sure would hurt. Burrito is a courageous boy, what a year he had. I am hoping 2020 finds him feeling 100% all year long. Make that, I am hoping 2020 finds everyone 100% healthy and well all year long!
Sherry P says
Wonderful video, Anthony … so sweet. The site was real wonky yesterday and I feared you wouldn’t be able to upload it. Thank you!
Francoise says
And the Oscar goes to….
Great video, love the music. You’ve set a dangerous precedent!
Tobin says
i agree with Francoise’s comment. What a beautiful video to experience. The spirit of the love which the human caretakers have for the residents of the sanctuary conveys through the images.