Yesterday afternoon, the three “new” chimps (Honey B, Mave and Willy B) were so engrossed in a session of play wrestling that they almost forgot about dinner.
It’s somewhat unusual for all three of them to play this intensely at the same time. In fact, it may have been the most vigorous bout of rough-housing that I have seen them partake in. Mave took a quick break but was soon back in the midst of all the action, chuckling and somersaulting around. For a few minutes, it looked as if the other two might absorb fuzzy little Mave to become one gigantic megachimp amoeba, which is both concerning and adorable. At one point, Mave seemed to surface for air in between bouts of laughing into Honey’s thigh. Even Willy, who is normally quite serious when not dropping jaws with his slinky moves, let the ladies turn him into a total goof.
Of course, I featured this surprising and heartwarming event in yesterday’s blog.
BRAVO!! You can’t see me but I am giving you a standing ovation and like the chimps, I can’t stop laughing. This video is fabulous. I have never heard so much non stop laughter between all the chimps at once. Had me howling. The moves, entanglements, and yes, the endearing demand for that dang dinner to hurry up are simply sublime to see. Thanks Anthony for making this video extra long. Worth it!
Oh my! That certainly is a loooong video and a lot of chimp laughter! So good to see them enjoying themselves, even if they’re just inside still.Thank you, Anthony!
I can feel the oxytocin flowing!
What wonderful photography and commentary! Every time I see Willie B, Mave, and Honey B and the absolutely fantastic living situation, it brings tears to my eyes. Their lives are a
hundred times better and they look so happy. THANK YOU!
For a minute Miss Sweet “Mave in the Middle,” I thought you might accidentally get smushed by all the playful loving going on around you…Seeing you three…Well actually all ten…so carefree & so playful, always fills my heart with so much happiness…
How I love this footage…Thank you so much Anthony for all your efforts putting this together…We appreciate it so much…
I hope that it is not too late to nominate this video as a “Short” for this year’s Academy Awards. What a hoot to watch. I can’t stop laughing with the chimpanzees either! This is a classic in CSNW cinema!
“Willy ended his playing by going to his food station and demanding service,” damn it! (And don’t take day with the aperitif!). That last caption provides the coup de grace of hilarity.
Somehow, I think that if I invited some human primates over to my flat for a pleasant evening of foot-biting that the same laughter would ensue amongst those assembled. Any idea as to why chipmanzes — at least that subspecies who dwell in the Cascade Mountains — find the practice such a source of levity?
They look so healthy and happy, and I envy their strength and flexibility. They have the gift of each other, lucky guys! Thank you for the video, it made my day.
Hello thanks for the great work that you all do l enjoy your YouTube videos and reading the blog. How often does Willy or honey or Mave go outside and walk around the perimeter or do they prefer to stay inside thanks Steve
Thank YOU for following us and caring about the chimps!
Regarding the three chimps you mentioned, it’s been a complicated process. Unfortunately, the amazing outdoor habitat also has some features that can be daunting to naive chimps. These include uncertain footing, capricious weather, rowdy neighbors, and of course the electrified barriers. Their first experience did not go very smoothly, but we have still been opening the doors at the end of their chute for a few minutes each day so that they can slowly grow accustomed to the situation. Our crew also partnered with an incredible volunteer group to build a new structure just outside of the chute, which may give them more confidence to venture out. We’re hoping that some warm spring sunshine will help them to choose the braver option. For now, they’re content to experience the outdoors from the safe confines of the chute, which is okay with us. We’re operating on their schedule.
So far, they haven’t shown any interest in going outside. They tried it, but they’re not used to the feel of the grass, they don’t like the snow, they’re not used to the cold, and also they are still tempted to climb the fences, which are electric. All of those things put together mean that they are still very wary of going beyond the chute