Now this is a terrible title because you aren’t going to actually see ten chimpanzees drinking tea. Just one.
But first things first! Before we get to the tea party, we’re happy to report that Meredith has shown some improvement today. Staff convened early this morning to get her situated for her exam with Dr. Erin. The entire time her mom, Honey, and small bovine family of Betsy and Nutmeg, stayed by her side or were nearby. Cattle are such intelligent, sensitive, herd oriented beings and while it’s not something that most of us get the chance to witness, unfortunately, it’s incredibly endearing to see how they stick together and the importance role they each play in the well-being of one another. But of course, they’re no different than any other animal, including we human animals.
Dr. Erin was able to give Meredith a thorough exam which went well and we’re awaiting the results of a few basic tests to make sure nothing is missed. In the meantime, Erin provided Meredith with a few treatments to help her feel more comfortable as we continue to observe her and ensure she keeps trending toward her old self. Thank you for all your kind thoughts and concern for her and of course, we will be sure to keep you updated.
Sweet Meredith, with her mother, Honey (in a classic Honey move) butting Nutmeg out of the way:
Now for the tea. A freezing fog wafted around the sanctuary all day, leaving much of it beautifully covered in a thin layer of crystals.
The chimpanzees raced onto Young’s Hill in a series a “false starts” throughout the day only to get part way out, realize how chilly it was and race back to the greenhouse. But eventually, Burrito and his buddy, Chad, made a couple loops in the cold. Once they returned, with everyone hunkered down in the toasty playroom, I thought what better time for warm tea (fruit herbal tea because chimpanzees sure don’t need caffeine). Jamie pant-hooted in excitement the second she saw me making it!
The tea service started out with everyone delicately (and decidedly very un-chimpanzee like) sipping their tea. But once they decided they loved it, the tea service turned raucous and rowdy, so juggling the tea and the camera in the midst of a cacophony of Bronx cheering and banging and yelling at this human to “hurry up” didn’t help with actual photos being taken (or at least turning out). Here is the only one, of Jamie enjoying her tea:
Meanwhile, on the other side, even Willy B, who is notoriously offended by tea, loved it! Speaking of Willy B, Honey B and Mave, their schedule was a bit off today as we have some repair work in their area pending, but they took it all in stride as they usually do, and were so happy and playful all day.
Honey B started a new job as self-appointed supervisor of the painters. Just part of the crew:
Mave enjoyed a leisurely day relaxing in the warm mezzanine and spent some time enjoying scrolling through my phone looking at photos of her friends at Wildlife Waystation who, as you may have heard, we hope to be welcoming to our family next year.
Here’s a random funny story. For much of the afternoon I was worried about Jody. She spent much of the day resting in the loft of the playroom and while that’s not unusual, she was just lying on the floor. Now if you know Jody, she is a master at nest building and knows how to spend her day in luxury. She acknowledged me when I’d call her, but she wouldn’t get up. She even skipped tea service. When she came down for dinner, I asked Chad if she was eating normally and if anything seemed amiss, but she not only ate well, but tried to relieve some of her neighbors of their dinner. So as the chimpanzees continued to eat, I was spot cleaning the playroom and putting out their extra evening blankets and food puzzles, still pondering what, if anything, could be going on with Jody. As I climbed the stairs to the loft I burst out laughing! There, in the corner, where Queen Negra had been napping next to Jody, was every single blanket we had put out in the playroom earlier in the day, wrapped into a well over foot high nest! Jody had been resting on the floor because Negra had taken ALL the blankets!! Now, there were other blankets available in other areas Jody could have come down for, and to be clear, the chimp house is kept toasty warm and even has heated floors, so Jody was by no means suffering. I think she must have been standing guard waiting for Negra to vacate that glorious nest and of course, Negra wasn’t budging.
And here’s Foxie, because, obviously…
Have a lovely, cozy evening, all!
Beautiful pictures of the frost-painted twigs, and of Foxie, of course. Laughed and imagined the scene at the tea party. Such an affirmation of life!
Keeping Meredith in my thoughts, hoping all tests bring positive results and she feels like her old self soon. I just love her face.
Speaking of faces — Jamie! Honey B! Mave! Foxie! Great shots. I enjoyed the silver tray for the tea service and I’m happy other everyone, even Willy B, enjoyed being warmed up from the inside out. Thanks for story about Jody, Negra, and mega blanket nest. Sure hope Jody was just waiting for an opportunity to make off with some of the Queen’s blankets, no more not feeling well allowed this year!
PS: On the surreal photo of Honey B and her work crew, you need to add a watermark that reads “Disclaimer : This is Honey B and she is not in the same room with the Paint Smith Crew. There is glass separating them.” : ) That image really had me giggling, I swear it looks as if Honey B was photoshopped into the scene. And Honey B looks so pleased with herself.
Hi Kathleen,
That photo is funny – Honey B most definitely keeps them on their toes. As she does us all. I mentioned in another comment that this photo came about when we heard a loud “thump” on the chimp proof window and when J.B. went to check it out he started laughing because she was trying to interact with the painters, who were trying their hardest to keep working while very gently nodding at her and smiling. I can only imagine what an experience it is for them to have such a supervisor. 😉
Thanks for all of your replies. Oh Honey B, she’s such a character! How could you not give her a little head nod?! CSNW has to be one of your many contractors very favorite clients! What an experience to come to the chimp house everyday, and as the one worker stated, a privilege to work for the chimpanzees knowing you are giving them an incredible home.
I think it’s so funny to see pictures of the chimps watching the construction crew work. Do you know if the crew ever try to engage the chimps? I know they’re busy working, but it’s not everyday that people get to be so close to wild animals, and I know if I was working that closely I would be as interested in them as they are in me. I just wondered if you ever catch the men talking to, laughing at, or simply enjoying the chimps through the windows?
Hi Sherry, good question and I answered it more in depth in conjunction with Marcia’s! As a specific note to yours, I’ve never seen them laughing at the chimpanzees (which we really discourage out of respect for the chimps) and have found them all to be nothing but kind and respectful, nodding and waving or taking Honey’s photo. 🙂 I’m not entirely sure what info has been relayed to them via a staff member or their own supervisors, but it’s really lovely to see their care and interest. For Honey B, and even Mave and Willy B, I’d say all those busy humans have been more a form of enrichment than anything else. 🙂
I went back to the inviting your questions blog to add a question for a blog post, but the comments input is not there. Am I missing something?
My question is about the workers on site. Are they able to interact in any way with the chimps or are they asked to refrain from that? Do the chimps attempt contact or appear to want to interact?
Hi Marcia and Sherry,
Good questions! We were just talking about this the other day as outside of staff and Level 3 volunteers, we typically ask folks not to engage with the chimpanzees outside of a head nod (chimpanzee for “hi”/acknowledgement or a chimp smile (bottom teeth showing only). There are a few reasons for this, but we feel it’s important for people to have an understanding of chimpanzee behavior and communication which takes a fair amount of training and experience, and being the chimpanzees’ home, we want them to feel respected, comfortable and to know what to expect from whom. That said, the many varied workers we’ve had over time for the expansion are in a unique position! They are incredibly busy people and I’m often amazed at what they work through, un-phased, in regard to the chimps, but yes, we do see them interact occasionally. The chimpanzees are very curious and some (Honey B and Jamie, for example) are much more human oriented than others and show interest in interacting more than just a cursory, “who are you and what’s going on in there?” I’ve seen workers several times quietly nodding to Honey B or waving and it’s pretty sweet. They all are constantly reminded about safety around the chimps of course (though they aren’t in the chimp house or close proximity unaccompanied) and I have to say it’s been really lovely to see the interest and care they all seem to take in the chimpanzees. I’ve had some tell me what an honor it is to build the chimps’ home. Guh! So wonderful! Now Honey B here, will not be ignored! This photo came about when we all heard a big “thump” from Phase 1 and J.B. walked in to see what was happening and started laughing. Honey B was knocking on the chimp proof window at the painters as they did their best to keep working under her eagle eye. Earlier in construction we also learned that she had been trying to spit water on the workers from the outdoor chute and they took to walking past the area with a shield. But they seem to adore her. 😉
Thanks for the detailed reply Katelyn. Ha I love that she spits water at them and it’s adorable that they shield themselves and love her anyway. I can’t imagine not feeling honored being in their presence and having the opportunity to build them an amazing new space. There are many great people in the world. More than anyone would think from watching tv or the news. We need to tune in to blogs like yours regularly to remind ourselves. I do every night without fail.
Such beautiful pucs, Katelyn, every leaf and needle covered!
I agree with Kathleen, she looks like she’s really part of the action! I say teach those guys how to make a play face and let them get in on the action! More fun for everyone!
I want a picture of the nest, lol!
And yaaaaay for fruit tea! (My permission to slip Neggie some caffeinated tea in the am. Jody also gives her permission! :P)
Hi Linda,
I get so excited for the frost creations every year and forget this is just the beginning of what’s to come. I took a photo of the nest! And then left it on the chimp house phone and was writing the blog at home. I’ll see if it hangs around. (The photo, not the nest haha). 🙂
Yay! Can’t wait to see it!
seriously…I can’t stop smiling from ear to ear…Such a fun, laugh out loud blog, with all the terrific pics & wonderful stories…I just love it…