Burrito still has a ways to go in his healing process, but more days than not we are beginning to see the return of all the little things that make Burrito, Burrito and endear him so to us. Tiny things, such as he loves to play a game I refer to as “up high, down low” (for lack of a more creative name) in which he sits at the caging with us and pokes his fingers out of the caging “up high” then “down low,” waiting for us to follow suit so he can tickle the back of our wrist.
Another Burrito “thing” is, of course, always having a small plastic or wooden toy to bite on, especially while he’s in a playful mood. Or making a play face while covering his face or play-biting his own hand from afar, a silly gesture he gives us even if he doesn’t feel like getting up and coming over. All of these seemingly insignificant gestures are the daily markers we grow accustomed to seeing on the Burrito barometer of wellness. I’ll be honest, we haven’t been seeing a lot of these small things from him for quite some time as he’s been busy with the work of healing, resting and regaining his strength. Even knowing this, from the humans’ perspectives, it’s difficult not seeing these behaviors from the chimps that we know indicate that they’re feeling happy, well and at ease. Small moments that translate to our own hearts feeling happy, well, and at ease.
Burrito’s coming back to himself, little by little each day. And our hearts couldn’t be more relieved, more happy.
CeeCee says
Sweet little boy.
Thanks for the update, and for everything all of you do for him.
I just know he appreciates it 🙂
Kathy says
Believe me – this is great news. The situation got me to thinking re: “normal chimp behavior”. If a chimp was severely injured in the wild, what would happen? Would the chimp isolate? How would the others in the community respond to the ill one? And, again, thank you for all that you do. Thank you all for what you do.
Katelyn says
Hi Kathy,
Apologies for the delayed response to your (good) questions! Chimpanzees are incredibly strong and have what seems like a miraculous ability to heal and chimps in the wild can and do survive severe injuries. However, given the nature of Burrito’s injuries to his scrotum and the many deep lacerations he incurred, it’s extremely unlikely a chimp in the wild would survive the same given the inability for this particular wound to heal on it’s own and the fact that infection would most likely set in. By nature, chimpanzees do not like to isolate and depend on their family for safety and support. Factors such as age, position in the hierarchy, nature of the injury, etc., could all play a role, and while an infant/juvenile would most likely receive some support from their mother/family, an injured adult chimp would most likely still need to be able to forage for their food, travel their territory, and defend themselves when necessary, adding additional challenges to their recovery.
Dana Kennedy says
Thank you for the updates! Burrito has been my favorite since I first heard about the sanctuary. I’m so happy he is healing and feeling more like himself. Thanks for all you do!!!
Chris says
Awe, this is great news that you are seeing the results of all your TLC coming back bit by bit in everyone’s favorite boy! 🙂
I know J.B. said that the fight may have been instigated by Honey B. but were the worst of his injuries inflicted by Willy B. and or both of them?
We are so happy that Burrito is healing slowly but surely more each day! ??
Katelyn says
Hi Chris,
It’s impossible to say with certainty what happened, but when staff arrived (within minutes) all four chimps (excluding the fifth, Negra) were engaged in the conflict.
Linda C says
Thanks for the Bubupdate”, Katelyn! His face and left hand do indeed look quite a bit better….another inch or two and he might have lost that thumb….
Jackie says
So happy to hear the good news about Mr. B. He is such a sweetheart!
Catherine M Splane says
Burrito rocks out, boogies when he eats, does he not ? Cute baby ?
Linda C says
He does! I’ve always liked that he doesn’t feel the need to choose between nodding (like Foxie), or moving his whole body side to side, but does both at the same time! None of the others do that.
The toe-tapping, though, I think that’s his “nervous tic”. It seems to be almost constant.
Jo Arroyo says
Sending you lots and lots of healing love Burrito, can’t wait till you’re back with the gals and to see you pilo erect!
Jo Lathrop says
He’s a really special guy!! So comforting that he’s becoming himself again!! Shows what a good job you are all doing! Thank you for that and for everything… Love and hugs to all
John J O'Brien says
I am so happy to read that Burrito is healing nicely. I alway enjoy watching him and caretakers play the “up high, down low” game. I know Burrito enjoys it quite alot.
Kathleen says
My heart couldn’t be more relieved, more happy hearing this news! Keep up the healing Burrito, we are all pulling for you.
Chris says
Thank-you Katelyn! I can’t even imagine the trauma you all went through…chimp and human but so grateful healing has set in! Physically and emotionally!
For all of you! 🙂
Tobin says
Almost three years ago, in my first encounter (via YouTube) with the CSNW, Burrito was leading a vigorous game of “up high, down low” and laughing through the wooden block that he was chewing upon. I was immediate smitten with him, and soon enough, with his neighbors.
Hilary Hilliard says
Having been a little under the weather myself this past week I must have missed this particular blog as it’s the first time I’m seeing it.
Thank you for keeping us all so updated with Burritos recovery. And to hear he is showing certain small behaviours which make Burrito Burrito is just wonderful.
Thank you again and not just for the updates but for all the work that you do to give these wonderful chimpanzees what they need for a full and enriched quality of life. You are all wonderful be you hairy or smooth.