Jamie is a chimpanzee who does not hide anything. She’s not shy. This was evident even the first time we met her at Buckshire before her group of seven came to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
She doesn’t hold back when she has an opinion about something. She can be challenging (she’s the only chimpanzee at the sanctuary who throws feces, for example), but we all appreciate that she is not only able to express herself, but feels quite comfortable letting the humans know if she wants something or is displeased with us. When she likes something she REALLY likes it, and it’s a joy finding those things (like boot books), and being able to enrich her life in very specific-to-her ways.
Here’s a photo I took of the boss today:
Gordo, on the other hand, has been very aloof so far.
He arrived just one month ago from Wildlife Waystation, and we are still getting to know him and the other five in his group. We were told that he takes some time to warm up to new people, and so far he’s definitely the least interactive with the caregivers.
The other two males in his group, Terry and Cy, are usually front and center and wanting to play chase. Upon seeing the caregivers, Lucky will present her belly for rubs, Dora likes gentle games where she touches the back of our hands with her outstretched fingers, and Rayne is showing herself to be a fun-loving friend.
Gordo is very interested in food, so when serving meals has been the main opportunity to interact with him. He will take food from us without hesitation, but it’s normally a very one-way transactional interaction.
I feel no shame in admitting that I have been on a mission to win over Gordo. I make eye contact with him (eye contact with chimps is a good thing, though that’s not the case with some other primate species) and attempt to instigate games of chase whenever I can. Most captive chimpanzees, particularly males, really like to play chase.
Often, Gordo is against a wall in one of the new playrooms or in a doorway, observing at a distance. The photo below isn’t very good, but it shows Gordo in one of his spots with one leg crossed over the other – this, along with the full splay, is a classic Gordo pose.
I’ve noticed that he’s also been hanging out in the corner of the far greenhouse. Whenever I pass by, I stop to talk to him for a bit. Often I don’t get much of a response.
I was beginning to wonder if I was perhaps coming on too strong, when, last Saturday, Gordo did grant me a game of chase. It was wonderful. And brief.
Today, Kelsi and I were being goofy with the whole group, and Gordo joined in the fun! I don’t know if you can tell how elated Kelsi was in these photos, but let’s just say she’ll be riding this high for awhile.
When he was done playing with Kelsi, I caught his eye and went out to the greenhouse hallway. To my great surprise, he walked towards me. On purpose! And I didn’t have food!
It was a great moment to kick off my weekend.
Thank you, Gordito.
Linda C says
Just like with Neggie, your persistence paid off, Diana!
In the greenhouse photo, what are the black things at Gordito’s feet? (Some of us don’t miss a detail :D)
PS: I wish that old blog post to Jamie when you first met still had the video link! And can’t believe they called sweet Jo a troublemaker!
Kim Harris says
Ooh eagle eyes! I had to go back and look at the pic. They remind me of avocados, sorta kinda. Good question!
Diana says
Those are avocado peels :). Actually, there was no video link with that old blog post – just the text. Persistence does pay off!
Linda C says
Avocados! Thanks, Diana, they looked so uniform…
Judy says
Diana I love hearing about the tiniest of looks or gestures. Knowing they are observed and are the seeds the of opening new doors in their hearts and consciousness is thrilling. I can imagine how it feels to all of you. Than you as always. Hugs to all
Mark B. says
It looks like a little TLC (and some perseverance) might go a long way
where Gordo is concerned!
Tobin says
Could Gordo’s demeanor be a consequence of being in quarantine? If my calculations are correct, there are only two days left. Perhaps in two days, when Gordo and his friends can be
allowed access to the outside, his disposition will change.
Diana says
Hi Tobin! The quarantine period merely meant that they were away from air or physical contact with other chimpanzees and that the humans had to observe some quarantine rules like extra disinfecting. They won’t immediately have access to the Courtyard. Our plan is to divide Young’s Hill and expand it on both sides, creating The Bray, a second open-top outdoor habitat, but that won’t be ready for occupancy until next year, even if all goes as planned. And then we will also be constructing a large closed-top enclosure for this group, but that won’t be ready for some time.
PatC says
oh my goodness you were spot on in your prediction about Jamie! And her portraits – they always say to me “I’m in charge of me. And You. ”
Gordo has had my heart since the names of the Lucky Six were announced. And as I love him more every day. He gets to be who is he and that’s a good thing. And when he’s more comfortable or trusting or….whatever….he’ll bloom. Because that is the gift of Hope. Love. Home. and Sanctuary. Much love to all Chimps, Cattle, and Caregivers.
tom austin says
A mere month ago, humans they did not know arrived with cages and a big trailer, loaded them into it, closed the door and began driving away from the only home they had know for quite some time.
Stopping briefly several times on the trip, they possibly could see that they were not in their home and had no idea where they were going.
They arrived in a very different part of the country and were unloaded into a new home where they had no knowledge of what was going on.
I fully expect that they are still feeling that someone else is going to move them again and have serious questions that this is really their permanent new home.
Bonding is a lifetime experience that only occurs when the new becomes the normal day for them.
They are still wary of being taken from this wonderful place and time will prove the good intentions of all of you at CSNW.
Amy Bianco says
Diana, thank you for such a detailed post! I love hearing about all of your, and the chimps, discoveries!
marianne says
Perseverence, Patience and Lots of Love will surely do the trick Diana, and we all know you have heaps of those!!
Great to see that Gordo is warming-up to you.
Sometimes it takes a while to trust……
Caroline says
Patience and perseverance will pay off; maybe the future connection with Gordo will be that much deeper because he doesn’t trust so easily, and once he does it will be that much stronger and more meaningful, most especially for him I think, speaking as someone who doesn’t trust very easily, it will be amazing for you both!
Thanks once again for taking such wonderful care of these special animals and please give Betsy a hug from me,
Most sincerely,
Caroline
Kathleen says
Wow, Diana your observation of Jamie back in 2008 was spot on! And Jamie still over grooms her stomach (or she started doing this again). I’ve been wondering if all the changes going on around her are causing her to over groom or if it is a behavior or habit she just falls back on like biting your fingernails. After reading your initial assessment I guess we’ll never know but we know one thing for certain— Jamie’s life is rich with challenging opportunities, friendships, comforts, and most importantly boots and books! No wonder she gives you that beautiful relaxed Jamie-Mona-Lisa smile. What a joy it must be to be on the receiving end of that!
Gordo has a kind handsome face. He looks like a big sweet marshmallow. I agree with everything Tom wrote. Can’t image what the WW chimpanzees must be thinking and feeling. After decades in the same place, how are they to understand CSNW is safe and now their home for good.
Having access to a larger enclosure with open space all around them is a new experience (and a new type of environment). Because of all this, is Gordo choosing to stay close to the walls, caging, doorways because it is easier to hug the sides (it’s comfortable and familiar) than it is to venture into the open spaces where he might feel a little bit vulnerable and exposed? I know you can’t speak for Gordo and I guess we’ll never know but I get why he’s sticking to the safety of the walls/doors for now. His new home is beautiful and exciting but that doesn’t make it any less scary. Thank goodness there’s food!!! What’s that old saying? “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. 🙂
Linda C says
As someone who always sits with her back yo the wall or the window, I think you’re right. I wasn’t even aware I was doing it until one of my college profs pointed it out. Now, if I go out to eat with friends, those who know me well just sort of understand that I’ll be sitting next to the wall 😀
tom austin says
Thank you, Kathleen……I spend some part of every day working with broken families and the children who, so often, are removed from their parents.
The confusion of what the future holds for all of them is a great burden.
The children love their parents even in the face of abuse and neglect. They just don’t have a point of reference until changes occur and they begin to accept the realization that this is a better life.
My children are a hard case to reform without careful adjustments to their daily lives. They slowly settle into the future as the trust grows each day.
Even today, I am certain you still see adjustments in the Original Seven.
These new chimps are no different. They have families and, no matter the turmoil of daily living, come to depend upon whoever is in the group, no matter the daily struggles.
As was mentioned yesterday, it will be awhile longer before they will be going through the “chute” to the great outdoors…..another hurtle, another adjustment…slowly unfolding in the future.
They don’t yet know their new family, the smiling faces on the other side of the glass, and of their future in CSNW.
Kathleen says
I have read your comment many times, thank you Tom for your experienced insight. I found your perspectives very moving. The similarities that connect us are many. Same goes with dogs who are a part of the sheltering/rescue system. Especially those who come from places of documented abuse or those who have moved from shelter to shelter. Good observational skills, time, trust, understanding, patience, acceptance, compassion, hope, and love, lots of love, all necessary to move forward. And every individual grows and adjusts at their own pace, sometimes in ways you don’t even see until you look back a bit.
I loved this point of yours : “Even today, I am certain you still see adjustments in the Original Seven.” Yes! Like Burrito and his closer friendship with Jamie or Negra climbing all the way to the top of the structure for the first very time. Even as a distant laptop viewer these changes inspire me in ways I can’t describe.