Tonight, Burrito is recovering from a rattlesnake bite.
We heard a commotion on Young’s Hill this morning and went out to find six of the chimps intensely alarm calling and screaming as they surrounded a large snake. Burrito unfortunately got too aggressive in pursuit of the snake and received a bite to the base of his thumb. Thankfully, we were able to get the chimps back inside relatively quickly. We then entered the enclosure, captured the snake, and confirmed that it was indeed a rattler.
Shortly thereafter, Burrito was anesthetized and given a course of antivenin while his symptoms were still relatively mild. At this point he is stable and resting but he is not out of the woods yet.
Diana and I are so grateful for the prompt response from the staff and veterinary team. Burrito will be monitored closely overnight and we promise to update you tomorrow as we know more. Please keep him in your thoughts.
Katerina says
Oh no, get better very soon Burrito ??????
Maureen says
Absolutely in my thoughts, my heart, my prayers. Burrito’s had a tough year. Thanks to the family’s alarm calls and screaming. (((HUGS))) to dear Burrito.
Heidi says
Feel better soon Burrito. We all love you!!!!
John Joseph O'Brien says
So sad. Hope my buddy Burrito recovers nicely. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Gold says
Oh no!PRAYING for him.so sorry to hear.rest well, Mr.B.?????
Laura B says
Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. I know our Bubba is in good hands and the anxious girls will be comforted. Take care of each other because we all value all of you and all you do.
Martine Simmons says
Dear Lord in heaven, please heal Burrito from his snake bite. In Jesus’s name, Amen
PatC says
Amen.
Linda C says
amen
Harley Robb says
I hope he’ll be okay. Thank you all for taking care of him.
Hope C says
It’s time to get out the snow cone (shave ice) machine and give Burrito a special treat. Burrito has been through so much. Perhaps JB, Diane, all the staff and volunteers as well as the veterinarians deserve a snow cone (shave ice) treat, too.
Linda C says
agreed!
(They have all of the makings!)
Kathy Breipohl says
Oh I am so saddened to hear this, Burrito I am sending you all my strength, you must pull through and continue to remain stable and get healthy, you have been though so much and you are strong.
My thoughts are with you JB and Diana.
Sending much love and prayers for Burrito
Marcia says
Oh for goodness sake, just when he was seemingly feeling fantastic! I know you are doing the very best for him and I am so glad everything went smoothly to get him isolated and treated in good time.
I have faith that he’ll pull through with flying colours and be back up to his usual shenanigans in no time.
Thank you for all you do for them and xxoo to Mr. Lovable B
Teri says
Burrito is in my prayers.
Kay Roland says
Poor Burrito, my heart goes out to him and prayers for his quick recovery.?
Edie Bruce says
Oh, no-Burrito!
Poor guy, and so hard for everyone who loves him. Sending healing thoughts his way,
and much love.
Judy says
Sending loads of healing and love to Burrito and to all of you. He is in the best hands possible. I will think of you constantly and watch for update. My heart is with you Mr B. Damn rattler.
Lisa K says
Prayers and wishes for a burrito and a full recovery. Work to your staff and vets ?
Linda Gere says
Poor Burrito wishing you a speedy recovery. Hugs your way ??
Jo Arroyo says
It’s not near his respiratory system, that’s good right?! Thinking about you and sending good thoughts Mr B. Brave Burrito, fell better – Jo & Dawn
Jean Ragland says
I will keep Burrito in my thoughts for a speedy recovery. It sounds like you got to him in time and the bite is in a location that is conducive to treatment and healing.
Diane DePoe says
I just read the blog and my heart is heavy. I will be praying for Burrito tonight! Please update us as soon as possible.
Sherry says
Oh, Burrito! Stay strong, buddy! You’ve got the best team by your side (but you know that already), and out here, you’ve got a world of humans whose hearts are boldly beside you as well, holding your living spirit with healing prayers.
Jeani goodry says
Burrito take care and have a peaceful night. I’m thinking of you and have you in my prayers. J. B. and Diana I’m so glad you were able to respond so quickly. You guys rock and so does everyone else who jumped in to help.
Judith Friedman says
My thoughts are with Burrito and a speedy recovery. ??
CeeCee says
Poor Burrito, and all of you will be in my prayers tonight.
Carla René says
Prayers won’t hurt anyone either.
My poor boyfriend…. :'(
Sandie Allaway says
Prayers and love for our guy! So very scary for everyone so prayers and love for all of you also.
Denise says
Burrito yet again. Poor baby! Crossing fingers and saying prayees…
Nancy says
Oh poor Burito. Trying to be protective. Sending healing strength ?
Beth says
?????????????????????? X 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 ??
Beth says
Sending all my love and best wishes for recovery
Jackie Downey says
Oh no!! Sending lots of hugs and prayers to Burrito! God speed!
Nancy J says
Poor guy was just trying to protect the troop. He has had enough “bad” in his life already without this. Stay well Burrito and get back out there again. ?
Elaine Reininger says
So sad to hear this news. Buritto was so active and nutty and rambunctious and full of energy these past few weeks and now to have still one more bad thing happen to him. How you found the location of the bite so quickly is nothing short of miraculous. We are all rooting for him to have a full recovery. Poor Baby
Mary says
Sending love and hugs to all…
Kathleen says
Like all of you, my heart is in my throat. Please Burrito, be well…..I echo the thoughts of Sherry, couldn’t say it any better.
Thyra A Rutter says
We are holding space, light, love, healing and a quick recovery in our hearts for that Chimp of Chimps.. Mr. Burrito.. <3
Gita Devi says
Hoping that the quick intervention results in a complete recovery.
Arlene and Michael says
We are praying for dear Burrito to heal quickly. Poor guy. Hope he is feeling better and better each day. Thank you to all of you who are taking such good care of him.
Mark Aquilino says
Burrito you and all the rest of the chimps are in my prayers all the time I will say a special prayer for you my little Hungry Hippo burrito you will be okay because you have great humans looking after you.
Linda C says
oh what horrible news ro wake up to!
Still hoping our boy is okay, that it didn’t get anywhere near his heart!
I agree with someone whp said “sno cones all around!”
How do you think it got past the rattlesnake-proof fencing, JB?
Tobin says
That is my question, too. Poor Burrito. I understand that vipers are part of Nature and that rattlers are indigenous to the eastern slope of the Cascade range. Still, I am disturbed that this had to happen to one of the Cle Elum chimpanzees.
Barbara H. says
So sorry to hear about Burrito. I will pray he recovers quickly without any
side affects. He is fortunate that there were humans there to run to his
rescue and work quickly. Thank you for the blog.
Lucinda says
Oh no!!! Hopefully caught in time with antivenin. Amazing and fast response from the team. You guys are awesome!
Deanna says
I’ve been there… my heart goes out to Burrito and all of you. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Good job for such a quick response by all. Keep us posted on how the sweet boy is doing… xo
Sherry says
Oh my goodness! We’re just seeing this and we’re heartbroken! Sending prayers for Burrito and all of you from St. Louis!
Trotta Wanda says
Heal quickly little guy!
Tobin says
That is my question, too. Poor Burrito. I understand that vipers are part of Nature and that rattlers are indigenous to the eastern slope of the Cascade range. Still, I am disturbed that this had to happen to one of the Cle Elum chimpanzees.
Lois G. says
Burrito …my chimp pal – you have had a rough year but you are very resilient and I pray you will bounce back again. I know you were brave to protect the girls but got bit in the process. Wish there was a way to keep snakes ( esp rattlers) out of Youngs Hill. Feel better soon ??.
Also kudos to quick thinking staff. You are all the best!
Lois G. says
Burrito …my chimp pal – you have had a rough year but you are very resilient and I pray you will bounce back again. I know you were brave to protect the girls but got bit in the process. Wish there was a way to keep snakes ( esp rattlers) out of Youngs Hill. Feel better soon .
Also kudos to quick thinking staff. You are all the best!
Praying for Burrito ! says
Please give Burrito a Safe Recovery !
Peggy says
Poor Little Burrito. I hope he is getting lots of his favorite foods as allowed for the recovery process. Love & hugs to all.
Peggy Smith says
Poor Little Burrito. I hope he is getting lots of his favorite foods as allowed for the recovery process. Love & hugs to all.