I had a lot of hope for the weather after yesterday’s brief reprieve from the winter weather. As I began to drive to the sanctuary today, that hope began to dwindle. A fresh layer of snow had accumulated overnight and there were grey clouds as far as the eye could see. Earlier in the day, all my plans to shift the chimpanzees from one area to another so we could clean their enclosure was altered multiple times. The chimpanzees just refused to leave certain areas, making it harder for us to clean. I began to accept this day was just an outright bad day. Then our veterinarian Erin arrived. She came by and did a checkup on Burrito to see how his recovery was coming along. When she came back into the foyer area, she gave me the best news of the day. She determined Burrito was well enough to be reunited with his family once again!
It was at this point, the entire day turned around. The clouds had cleared up. The sun came out and melted some of the snow. And the chimpanzees began to cooperate and move into the areas we needed them to so we could clean. It sounds like I’m making this up, but believe me, it happened like this. Our incredible volunteer staff today rolled up their sleeves and really busted their bums to ensure the enclosures were cleaned quickly and thoroughly so we could reunite Burrito with the girls. When it came time, I opened the doors to reunite them and there was excitement. Foxie and Burrito almost immediately engaged in a game of chase, before settling down and starting a very long grooming session.
While Burrito and Foxie were grooming, Annie and Missy shared their excitement by engaging in a silly game of play wrestle.
When they were finished, Annie decided it was time to bask in the sun’s rays through window.
Jamie on the other hand found a new way to relax while watching her neighbors from the Playroom window.
While Jody foraged nearby.
Though today started out sort of rough, seeing Burrito back in the Playroom with the Girl Gang made every bit of today worth it.
Lol, Chad, that’s close to the “Beatlemania” pic that Katelyn said she’d try for! Except Jo couldn’t plaster herself to the window because others beat her to it!
Hope your drive home wasn’t/isn’t bad.
Yay for Burrito !
This news makes me so happy 🙂
Please excuse my ignorance, but isn’t “the girl gang” responsible for the attack on Burrito?
If I’m wrong, which I hope I am, please let me know. I’m a nervous wreck.
Please don’t get upset with this question. I know you guys love & care for the chimps.
I envy you for what you get to do everyday.
Regards, Marie
Hi Mary! Thank you for asking rather than just worrying silently. The fight where Burrito sustained his injuries was with the new chimpanzees. The “girl gang” are the six chimpanzees he has lived with since before arriving at the sanctuary in 2008.
I am so glad this question was asked … and answered. I didn’t think you all knew what had happened, what caused it and who did the damage to poor Mr. B. I guess I missed the post that told you had evidence from cameras that showed it was the new 3 as I knew it happened at 4 a.m. when no one was at the sanctuary.
I don’t think you missed anything, Elaine. But when the 2 groups mix it up, they tend to fall back on old alliances. So even though Mave and Willy B were getting along well with the OG Mr. B, when the fight started, they most likely backed up Honey B, because that’s what a troop does.
I am so happy that everyone had a wonderful day ! I am thrilled that Burrito could be with the other girls! Thank all of you so much for your kindness, love, understanding, caring and patience with the chimps?? God bless all the chimpanzees and all the staff who are extremely awesome !! ??????
I am so happy that everyone had a wonderful day ! I am thrilled that Burrito could be with the other girls! Thank all of you so much for your kindness, love, understanding, caring and patience with the chimps?? God bless all the chimpanzees and all the staff who are extremely awesome !! ??????
I am so very happy that Burrito has improved so much to be released with the girl gang. He must be ecstatic! I know Foxie is too. 🙂
Chad I enjoyed your post. To my ear the story is about “law of attraction” in action.
Yay Burrito is back with his girls and looks deeply pleased about it.
I’m glad it turned out to be a good day. Nice to see Mr. B back with his ladies.
Yippee! Thrilled to hear Burrito received the OK to go back with his family. Whew, let’s hope this time it sticks. Funny how one piece of good news can turn a whole day around.
Awwww… dear little Foxie. Such a caregiving heart she has. In human form I believe she would have been a nurse. Welcome back to the fold once again, Burrito, and thank you Chad for this wonderful update. It’s a gloomy day here in Indiana but this post has caused some invisible rays of sunshine to appear. 🙂
Indiana just lost its own little superstar..:(. RIP L’il Bub
It sounds like an ordinary day in “life” in general. Ups and downs but in the end
what a great day and some great pictures of the chimps. Enjoyed the read. Thank you.
If we could make hearts here, I would give this blog-entry 5 of them!
I’m so happy to see dear Burrito reunited with his bestest girl-friend. 🙂
Welcome back Burrito!!! So very glad he is well enough to join his family again. Yay.
It is wonderful to know that Burrito is well enough to be back with his family again.
Yay!!!!