Today was full of excitement. It started with a breakfast forage on the hill for the group of seven. While you might not choose to eat lettuce for breakfast, the chimpanzees were pretty thrilled with it.
We just got back our long telephoto lens that supporter Kathy Cochran donated to us many years ago. We’ve been having trouble with the focus so I sent it in to be repaired. It was expensive, but so worth it. They must have cleaned everything too because the photos are not only in focus but vibrant.
J.B has been working really, really hard this last week repairing and renovating the playroom. The other staff have lent a hand here and there, but he’s put in the bulk of the work and all of the worry about whether it will withstand the test of Jamie (see video above).
I decided that the chimpanzees needed something special for dinner after putting up with us all week, so I made some waffles out of the “dust” from their primate chow mixed with blended bananas, raspberries and soy milk. According to Kelsi and J.B, the waffles received 9 out of 10 thumbs up from the chimps. Willy B politely took a bite, but then just as politely put his waffle on the floor.
I keep looking at the camera monitor and having to do a double-take on the playroom. The light is streaming in and I hear Jody ripping up blankets to make her nest.
That’s probably my cue to get out of here and, like the chimpanzees, have a nice long sleep tonight after a long week.
I knew Jamie would pitch in. What, no boots?
Oh Jamie, I would expect nothing less from the Boss!
I swear she was a construction worker (or maybe inspector) in a previous life 🙂
Jamies’s approval should make all your hard work worthwhile, But I will put my thank you in too !
We would all be oh so very disappointed if we didn’t see Jamie banging, hammering, screw driving every inch of the newly renovated room. I think she’s trying to prove to J.B. that if he had asked her to assist on the construction, the job could have been completed in half the time.
J.B. you are truly amazing, is there anything you are not good at?! The room looks terrific. And I am guessing Jamie agrees.
The photos of Burrito, Neggie, and Annie are beautiful — that’s some lens Diana, brings out the inner beauty of each chimp too! ; )
Boy-o, Jamie wields one mean hammer. Too bad you can’t put it to use. Have you ever thought of constructing something that she could destroy? Or maybe that would be a bad precedent. It’s like my secret wish of wielding a stress-relieving baseball bat in a china shop.
and Jamie drifts off to sleep, once again dreaming of power tools of her very own…..
Get some well-deserved rest, all!
I’m with Willy B, no syrup, no thank you. I can totally see Jamie wearing a tool belt.
I’m with you on syrup! Hysterical the biggest guy in the group wasn’t interested in his special treat. From his size you might assume he’d eat anything. Love that he gave it try but “politely” placed it back. I just adore Willy B.
Well I don’t blame him. Every time someone tells me I’m going to get protein pancakes, and I realize that they’re more like a crepe because there’s no flour in them, I get frustrated. When you say pancakes, I want a pancake!
This reminds me of one of my all-time favorite posts by JB:
Ask Jamie: Do primates make good pets? LOL
https://chimpsnw.org/2017/08/ask-jamie/
yes, that one says it all, short and sweet
Priceless! I hadn’t seen that before, and it made me laugh out loud.
I looked at this the first time on my phone, and didn’t see the observers outside the window. I’d love to have that framed!
What wonderful photos the telephoto lens takes… I’m pretty sure there will be a boot assisting Jamie with her construction projects at some point. What a great job J.B. “Our” (collective) gratitude for what you do is inexpressible … so we’ll look to the chimpanzee family to express it for us with their enthusiasm. hugs to all.
Have you ever considered giving them a Pile of connectables or something they can build big enough to climb in but light enough that won’t hurt if it falls on them – like bamboo with grooves cut so they fit one one top of the other as a corner – a bit like building a log home?
It would be fascinating what they could come up with, especially if they are able to see their humans using the same things to build something ??
Thanks to JB and Diana and the team for your constant investment of time, commitment, love and energy for these relatives of ours. It’s heartwarming to know I have family who hoot-pant despite the occasional screaming! The space looks great, and I’m sure Jamie’s contribution was her way of making her mark on the changes.
Thanks to JB and Diana for your continued investment of time, commitment, love and energy on behalf of the chimps’ lives. It’s wonderful to know I have family members who hoot-pant despite the occasional screaming and posturing! Jo’s comment above about Jamie wearing a tool belt made me laugh out loud!