This blog was not quite what I had planned today. In my head, I thought I would talk about our infamous blanket shredder(s). As a person who tries to keep up on inventory in the chimp house, I’ve found that we can’t seem to catch up on blankets. So, if you have ever desired to purchase blankets for the chimps there are plenty on our wish list!
Then the blog was going to be all about Meredith, because it’s her birthday today! Happy birthday Meredith! To celebrate, caregiver Chad brought the cattle some willow tree branches and cob to go with their hay. But, Meredith and friends had other plans. The cattle just wanted hay, which they made very clear when they bombarded the gator! So, because Meredith only wanted to celebrate her day with hay and her three closest friends. I was able to capture some very silly chimps on a pretty rainy day.
In the video you will watch Jamie hanging upside down like a bat stomping around upside down and making one caregiver very out of breath (that would be me). Minutes before the seven were about to go back into their freshly clean playroom, Negra, Burrito, Jody, Foxie, and even Jamie joined in to play slap, bite, tickle, & toe grab! Now, it may look like they where playing rough with Negra. But I will warn you Negra created that term! Please enjoy the bloopers were Jody attempts to stab me with a tube and Foxie tries to poke the camera :).
Happy Birthday to the beautiful Meredith!
Happy Birthday Meredith!
note to blog readers: the blankets aren’t all grouped together, keep scrolling!
thanks for the extra long video, Kelsi!
Other than adventures in a tutu, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Jamie so silly! But man, that’s the ultimate game of chase! She gave you a workout today!
I sent a fleece blanket “Feeling Pandatastic” thinking that technique would make it hard to shred. I’ve got material for more. Katelyn said they’ve never turned down a blanket, but if you guys tell me they’re too lumpy for the chimps, I could easily donate the remainder to local charities.
Thanks Kelsi… love getting to observe a group play session. Being able to see more than just a short clip is really fun. Happy Birthday to GORGEOUS NUTMEG…. Wonderful post and video/photos.
Happy Birthday dear Meredith! I hope you enjoyed all of that fresh hay with your pals. Thanks for the heartwarming pictures and video! Stay well and keep safe,
Much love,
Caroline
Happy 5th birthday Ms. Meredith! I’m guessing Meredith was saving the willow branches and cob for dessert, like cake and ice cream.
That video is unbelievable, so funny — it’s all fun and games until someone looses an eye! Poor Neggie, now I know why she is usually hiding under her blanket. ; ) Jody steals the show but it was interesting watching each chimp and their reactions as they piled on Negra, especially Foxie. Foxie seemed unsure of engaging and stuck mostly to the outsides as an observer or did she prefer being close to you Kelsi. I loved her first distanced finger poke to Negra. Jody is relentless! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her so goofy and having such fun. Epic play session, thanks for capturing it for us! Same goes for Batgirl Jamie.
Wow, that’s some serious silliness amongst the chimpanzees! I never thought Jody could play that rough, let alone with (and at) Her Majesty. I love watching Burrito bob his head up and down. I trust that Meredith the Birthday Bovine enjoyed her birthday hay along with, I hope, cooler Autumnal weather. In the two years since she’s had chimpanzees as next-door neighbors, is it possible that Meredith has developed a play face?
Happy Birthday Meredith!