It was a normal day within all the CSNW Chimp House,
The chimps were grooming, while caregivers tidied the house.
But there was one person who just couldn’t sit still.
He wanted to play and laugh until his heart was filled.
The sounds of kicks and Bronx cheers grew ever so loud,
Should I abandon my duties? Is this even allowed?
I looked to my staff with a quizzical stare,
“I must keep cleaning, but he does not care!”
“Go! He is requesting you! But be sure you stretch!
For he will run you tired, and an ambulance we might fetch!
He deserves everything his heart would ever desire,
But be cautious, or he will make your body retire!”
And within a flash we were off to the races,
With giggles and laughter, even play faces.
Out the gate and through the snow,
I trudged my way up my steep uphill foe.
I gathered my breath and prepared to run,
While his face seemed to scream, “This will be so much fun!”
My muscles were burning and as I was gasping,
I thought about lying down and just collapsing.
After not once, twice, but thrice around the snowy hill,
We returned to the Greenhouse to continue to play still.
I wished for a break in such long play session,
But none was granted by his absolute obsession.
“Buddy, let’s take it easy today, for there is much more in store,
Tomorrow is your big day, and we will play even more.
There will be treats and snow for the whole fam,
Why, I even heard there may even be a Pasta Cam.
“2020 was just a doozy of a year,
You survived a fight, procedures, and even a rattlesnake scare.
You pulled through, and inspired us all.
Staff, volunteers, interns, and donors big and small.
“It was you who got us all through this pandemic,
Your joyous laughter, and foot stomps that were seismic.
We hope you have the best of days tomorrow,
Because it was you who helped us through the pandemic sorrow.”
“Happy Birthday, Burrito!” The world will all scream.
You are one of the chimpanzees of our dreams.
So have a good night, and sleep real tight,
Because tomorrow, we will celebrate you with no end in sight.
