We have some good news to share about Jody. The biopsy and other tests of the mass on her foot indicate that it is inflammatory in nature and likely not cancerous (cancer is rare but not unheard of in chimps and a previous test had raised the possibility). The challenge now is to get her, and her pal Dr. Missy, to leave the surgical site alone long enough for it to heal. That is a lot harder than it sounds.
Additionally, based on the most recent ultrasound, radiographs, and blood work, we will begin treating Jody with birth control, iron supplements, and herbal medicine for her fibroid and related mild anemia.
We’re so grateful to Dr. Erin and her colleagues for their continued care of Jody. Not that you would know there was anything wrong with her, the way she took charge during today’s lunch forage…
Missy and Annie:
Foxie with a slice of eggplant:
Negra:
Jamie:
Burrito was a joy to watch today. He immediately found two heads of lettuce and tried to eat them before anyone could even think about stealing them from him. But he couldn’t eat them fast enough.
Missy was fast approaching. She wouldn’t normally steal food from Burrito, but he employed a defensive move just in case. You can never be too careful.
As soon as his hands were free, Burrito climbed onto one of the platforms and continued to forage.
He came across a few pieces of chow in a pile of chow dust (what’s left in the bottom of the bin) that I had placed on the end of the beam and proceeded to vacuum it up.
He made his way back towards the greenhouse with his potato, eggplant, and Brussels sprouts, but the chow dust was too difficult to contain. With each breath it spilled out of his mouth and into the grass below.
Oh well. It was worth a try.
Such good news about Jody! Now she can almost get on with being the fabulous chimp she is! xoxoxoxo
I am so glad to hear the good news about sweet jody, I’ve been worried about her,
Thank you for the update.
love those Burrito Pictures and story, Cracked me up, all that dust coming out of his mouth….He’s too much 🙂
Has there ever been a forage that Jody didn’t win?
We labeled the photo of Mr B guarding his lettuce, “Mine!”
We’re also hoping Missy doesn’t read the blog since since her brand of healthcare was questioned and the possibility of food theft was suggested. She could easily deal with one dig or the other but both might be too much.
Wonderful news about Jody. Hope her foot gets a good chance to heal well. Great pictures! Burrito loves his food so much – I can relate:)
thank you so much, JB!
Finger uncrossing…:D
Nice shot of the chow dust glittering in the sun!
And Foxie, the soon-to-be?birthday girl, looks like she’s been hanging with an Amazonian tribe!
Relieved to hear the results for Jody. Whew. Now we have to wait to see what Dr. Missy thinks about all this. Sending a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Erin and her colleagues! What would the chimps do without you?
Still chuckling over your story about Mr. B and today’s forage. I had to zoom in the photo of him with the chow dust blowing out of his mouth and I couldn’t help but laugh. That image is priceless. Good grief, just when I think Burrito can’t possibly be more adorable he proves me wrong. And how in the world did Negra let Burrito get away with those big ol’ heads of lettuce?
Ahhh…(exhaling sound). I am so, so relieved to read the good news about Jody! If only she was into footwear like Jamie, she might be able to keep her sutures secure. Alas, Dr. Missy didn’t go to podiatrist school just for the diploma; she’s got to make sure that the sutures in Jody’s foot meet her exacting standards (and, if not, make amends as only Dr. Missy can).
That is fantastic news! Sending you my love Jody.
Great news about Jody! Love the foraging story??
So glad Jody doesn’t have cancer. I loved this post today–the picture of Buritto saying “MINE” was priceless. And the chow dust coming out of his mouth–just loved it.
It just about kept me awake last night wondering how Burrito absconded with fistfuls of lettuce while the photo of Negra shows her empty handed. LOL Came back to reread this post with morning coffee. Look at the expression on Neggie’s face. I believe she’s eyeballing Burrito and his lettuce thinking “what the hey”!
The pure pleasure on everyone’s face is the answer to the question “Why sanctuary?”.
So glad Jodey will be fine.Thank u for being kind and loving toward these wounderful beings.I worry about those other poor babies in Georgia.Is there a way to help them receive better care?
Hi Carol Ann – Thank you! We were very relieved as well. As for your question about Project Chimps in Georgia, there are a number of agencies and accrediting bodies working with them to evaluate the claims and implement any necessary changes, including an upcoming evaluation by the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Project ChimpCARE (similar name but no relationship to Project Chimps).
Yay about Jody! So happy she’s ok. Thanks for the update and the chance to see her back in foraging action.
As for Mr. B. I just love that guy so much. He’s adorable and hilarious and I wish I could give him a big hug. I know he has his poo throwing moments but he’s perfect in my eyes.
Such great news for Jody! Hope she heals quickly!