The day began with thievery. Everyone (with the exception of Negra, who chose to lounge in her post-breakfast nest) headed off together on a patrol of Young’s Hill, eventually spreading out to pursue their own interests. Jody’s interest was foraging for wild dandelion:
She made her way back to the greenhouse and just settled down to enjoy her haul when…
oh no…
Scooping up as much of her dandelion greens as she could while giving the approaching thief the side eye:
The Queen arrived to take her share. One thing (among many) that impresses me about Jody is her determination to hang onto items of food she wants when someone else also wants them, all while trying to avoid any conflict. She’ll start by just politely turning her body away and eating as fast as she can and even if it escalates to the point of someone (usually Jamie) screaming and chasing her, she’ll do her best to leave the area and avoid conflict, but she will *not* give up her food! Granted, this may not be the best move in chimpanzee politics, but nevertheless I admire it and it seems to work for her. In this case, she shoveled as much dandelion in as she could while Negra made off with a handful:
Meanwhile, I spotted Annie and Burrito together on the hill seemingly concerned about something they may or may not have seen in the grass. I braced myself for Annie to start screaming thinking they may have seen a snake, but she just held onto Burrito as they both stared into the grass. Eventually, they both made their way bipedally (and endearingly) uphill toward the safety of the climbing structures where they spent a great while taking in the sights and sounds of a summertime morning:
Missy returning from the perimeter patrol:
And Foxie bringing up the rear:
This guy has been non-stop today. While that’s not unusual these days, what is rather unique is that he’s been non-stop playing with all the girls (as opposed to the humans). As much as we love to play with him, it’s really wonderful to see his relationships with the other chimps blossoming. He started off wresting all morning with Jody, filling the chimp house with their laughter while we cleaned. I stopped to try and get a video and I seriously couldn’t tell where Burrito ended and Jody began. Later he and Negra had a game of wrestling and chase, which means some left hooks when Negra’s involved, but Burrito would just play slap her on the head in return which she seemed to love. Then he moved on to wrestling with both Annie and Missy! He’s currently looking out the playroom window toward the chute, blowing raspberries in an attempt to get Mave to come outside. Mave cannot hear him, and I doubt she’d respond, but he’s endearing in his attempts to catch the attention of the girl next door:
And over on the other side, Willy B was just hanging out in his tub/dinghy on the high seas (which I love so much I can barely stand it):
In other news, Honey B has discovered her ability to choose if she’ll have the humans cleaning her home or not. Though not particularly effective for cleaning, we’re particularly delighted that she’s making her own choices. And as we were saying to one another, she is Missy’s daughter after all. Her mother is infamous for choosing not to leave an area we’d like to clean and having us reroute our human schedule. And of course, that’s just what sanctuary is all about. The chimpanzees, in their time and their way. Just as it should be.
I love this post and the photos, and the glimpse into the chimpanzee behaviors and relationships. Of course, this isn’t the first time, but there was something about today that was particularly endearing, and made me want to hug them all. I particularly love Willy B’s enjoyment of the outdoors.
I enjoy watching chimps display of intelligence, play, unity and child tearing.
What a wonderful life you have all given these charming animals. Watching them play today makes me wish I could trade places with one of them (at least for the remainder of 2020!) All of you at the Sanctuary should be very proud of yourselves, especially when you consider the lives these chimps came from.
I love the photo of Jody as she sees the approaching thief. The look on her face is priceless! Well done for capturing the moment.
Great post and photos!
Time to smash a plastic bottle, or maybe a ripe tomato, on the side of that tub and christen it the HRC Willy B.
“HRC for His Royal Chimpanzee”
splendid idea, Francoise!
Katelyn, this post& the photos made me feel like I was right there with you guys taking in all the action today.been a hard day of grief for me& this lifted up my weary spirit.wow, Mr B.is amazingingly full of fun& love.i usually relate to Queenie Negra[us chubby seniors who love our nests] need to stick together but I am falling in love with Mr.B.thx again.photos were awesome.maybe you could get Willy B. a paddle for his boat!that photo made me laugh!!!thx again.
awww Lynn…I hope tomorrow & the rest of the week will be much better for you…I’m so sorry you have such a heavy heart…I wish I could wrap my arms around you in a big friendly & comforting hug…
Take good care of yourself…
Debi…AKA…. “Poppy” from Utube… : )
Lynn, we’re so glad the chimpanzees lifted your heart during a difficult time. They’re really good at doing that. <3
oh, Katelyn, these are awesome! I live Mr Willy B’s “boat”, as well!
Pity the OG Mr B can’t get Mave’s attention, I often think they look somewhat alike (must be the hair–amount and pattern). I’ve noticed how he’s been included by the girls more often, lately. Would have loved seeing him and Annie hugging–he’s always the King of Reassurance Hugs!
I also l9ve the “oh no!” Photo of Jo. She truly is the most photogenic of all. Tbh, I can’t forget, because of her face, that she also begs/steals, sometimes, because one of my favorite videos of yours is “sharing”, and in it, Jo wants some of Foxie’s coconut. Foxie being Foxie, she gives Jo the bigger portion, and the look on Jo’s face as she accepts before barking dinosaur grunts into it is priceless!
I guess it’s good to be Queen, sometimes! Still can’t fathom how she stays round on greens, and small, stolen portions of greens at that!
Linda, I missed the arm around B shot as I was waiting for Annie to start screaming and running. Glad it didn’t come to all that. Jody is beautiful – those eyes of hers. We see them in her children as well. Particularly, devilishly handsome, Clay, at Save the Chimps. <3 They posted a recent photo of him on FB, I believe.
someone, perhaps Diana, linked us to Clay at StC before….lol, he’s a big man, with his mama’s dinosaur grunts…but his story is so sad….I’m not on FB, but will try to find it without digging, thanks!
I love this! Especially Jody and Queen Negra; how wonderful of sweet Jody to share. Thank you for these posts, it’s like being there with these beautiful, wonderful characters. Virtual hugs to all the chimps and your team of wonderful caregivers.
Much love and appreciation,
Caroline
What an eventful day! Love the photos of Burrito and Annie tiptoeing though the tall grass. Clearly no snake in the vicinity or Annie would have been screaming while hugging Mr. B. The sequence of photos with Farmer Jo and Negra are my favorite. Oh no is right! Negra’s got quite a reputation for stealing food lately. This must be a misunderstanding. I am sure Neggie politely, in chimp whispers, asks if she can help herself to a piece. (ha ha) Oh Negra, there is clearly a method to that whole “too tired to leave my bed routine” isn’t there? WILLY B! Seriously, too stinking adorable in his tub. I am trying to figure out if he’s a pirate or an explorer but I think I’m settling on him being like Jacques Cousteau saving our oceans, sailing on the Calypso.
Look at this, all this wonderment in a single day. Like Anthony’s post yesterday and J.B.’s the day before, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is pure enchantment day after day. Thanks for always bringing the sanctuary to life for us. xoxo
Love you guys! You always make my day with your words and pictures! Bless you