Let’s start with today’s Burrito update. Things continue to look good – he is eating, taking his meds, and playing with his caregivers constantly. As far as he’s concerned, he’s ready to go back with the group. Unfortunately for him, he needs to remain on restricted activity for another week or so. Our main concern at this point is excessive bleeding, a potential complication of envenomation that can persist for up to two weeks after the bite. While in isolation, the staff are keeping Burrito’s toes thoroughly tickled and tomorrow we hope to provide him with a low-key visitor like Jody. Though I’m sure he is starting to feel frustrated at being cooped up, he doesn’t need to be in the middle of any family squabbles right now.
As you may have seen, the rest of his family has returned to Young’s Hill. Last Sunday we did a thorough sweep of the enclosure to ensure that there weren’t any more snakes out there. Both the main building and Young’s Hill are surrounded by about a 1/4 mile of rattlesnake exclusion fencing. The fence is composed of 36″-tall galvanized hardware cloth that is partially buried in the ground, and it’s based on a fairly well-tested design. We knew that it wasn’t foolproof, however, as it is particularly difficult to execute around entrance gates and there were a couple of small sections next to the building that had to be temporarily taken down to allow for the new construction. We don’t know where the snake got through, but we have already begun implementing alternative ways to reinforce those areas.
While we’d be happy if the chimps gained a healthier fear of snakes, we’re relieved that they weren’t too scared by the incident to continue enjoying the outdoors. Even Annie is back out there, though she is justifiably more cautious around bushes and logs. Here are a few photos of Annie’s birthday party that didn’t make it into yesterday’s post.
Jamie:
Foxie:
Missy:
Before I end I should tell you about a bit if thievery I witnessed this morning. As I was shifting the chimps to the greenhouse for breakfast, I noticed Jody walking in the opposite direction from the rest of her family with her head held low. While Missy and Jamie lined up for smoothie and Annie and Foxie blew raspberries at the staff to demand their share of fruit, Jody quietly but swiftly skulked back inside from the greenhouse. And soon I could see why. In her mouth was a huge stalk of Brussels sprouts that she must have found on the hill, an unnoticed leftover from yesterday’s birthday bash. It was the perfect plan: While the others were distracted with breakfast, she would savor her sprouts in the privacy of the playroom and no one would be the wiser. And she nearly pulled it off. But as she rounded the final corner from the front rooms to the playroom, she ran straight into the last person you want to see when you are guarding a precious treat: The Melon Mugger. The Romaine Robber. The Potato Pilferer. The Strawberry Swindler.
THE BRUSSELS BURGLAR.
Each let out a silent scream, their teeth bared in fear grimaces. But there would be no conflict. Negra pulled rank and Jody had no choice but to relinquish her prize. At least there was still breakfast to look forward to.
See you tomorrow at Hoot!
I don’t know how you come up with such wonderful writing under such stressful conditions. But know that they are many of us out here, that though we don’t send comments often, do love and appreciate you. You make us feel connected and …well, I guess uplifted! Love to all and you all rock.
Love Love Loved todays Blog. Good news on Burrito’s progress and so happy to hear how upbeat the rest of the family are doing. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, first Burrito. Look at him, he looks magnificent! Just like his old gregarious self. But yes, keep him tucked away safe and sound until you know he’s in the clear. I was wondering what the other chimps thought of the snake. They have no way of knowing that this particular snake was a rattler and one to avoid and fear. Did they hear it? Will they remember the sound it they did? Will they fear all snakes now because of this incident? Oh to know what they think….
I know that right now you are far too busy for idle pastimes but, when you retire J.B. promise me you will write a book about Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. The ending to this blog slayed me! Poor Jody. I was thinking Jody secretly hid the Brussels sprouts in a ditch on Young’s Hill yesterday because she could only carry so much (referring to photos from yesterdays party forage). I envisioned her dreaming about her sprouts all night, just waiting to get them for breakfast. Seemed like a good plan until Negra outsmarted her (or outranked her). And here I am always assuming that Negra is innocently sleeping under a pile of blankets when she’s not in the photos! Who knew she was skulking about waiting to pilfer a prize. Oh Neggie….
Happy Hoot! Eve. Get a good nights sleep everyone!
Burrito looks great!! So nice to see! And I love the exciting tale of the brussels sprout stalk
stealthy swindle! Jody was so close……
Oh, Neggie! Certainly there is honor amongst thieves, but, really, now…after Jody had gone to all that trouble to sneak leftovers from the party? Mitigating factor: royalty has her prerogatives, and you have an irresistible food bark. As compensation, I hope that Jody will enjoy her visit with Burrito.
J.B. you have a way with words. Especially the story of the thief. That was a nail biter. Was it going to be Jamie, Negra, Burrito pleading from his jail cell? Such excitement!!!! Thank you for the post. And for also explaining about the snake precautions y’all have done to protect our guys and dolls. Thank you.
Oh what a fun update! This is so my happy place. I was so touched to see within a day of the emergency medical fund being set up the need was met….while hopefully not impacting the other Hoot activities. Here’s a hug out to the blog family…thank you…for your positiveness, caring and kindness.
A hug right back, Sue!
So glad it was not a green mamba! Deadly!
Dear Burrito is recovering well.
Best wishes with love
Good News about Mr. B showing improvement. The tale of the stolen Brussel sprouts was well-told and very funny, though I must admit I was
angry with Negra for stealing Jody’s treasure. Guess that’s one more human trait that chimps share with us: selfishness. But we still love you, Neggie.
The Brussels Burgler! Now that was a definite LOL that we all needed! Too funny! And it is wonderful to see Mr. B. looking so good. I’m sure he will really enjoy his one on one visit with Jody! 🙂 I was just curious what happened to said rattle snake..Was it too far gone to continue on, did you have to re-locate it, dispatch it? I was reading somewhere that even snakes will find their way back to their original territory from miles away. Hope not with that one!
Thanks again for the uplifting update!
This is a great post. So relieved that Burrito is coming along so well. Wonderful pictures of him and the forage. It’s amazing all the precautions you have in place for different situations. That darn snake sneaking in!!!
You have a way with words JB. Sorry Jody didn’t get the brussels sprouts that she planned for but I know there is always some treat in store for them anyway – looking forward to HOOT tonight! Love and hugs to you all.
Hi Chris – We relocated the snake far away from the sanctuary and other human activity.
Good, thanks J.B.!
Thanks for the Bubbupdate and the laughs, JB!
While I am not surprised that the thief was Neggie (ok, a part of me DID ezpect to see The Boss stealing Bubba’s grapes again), I had no idea that the Queen had such a variety of nicknames! 😀