Before I go into detail, please know that Burrito is doing great and is expected to make a full recovery.
Unfortunately, he was bitten by a rattlesnake again yesterday. I know, it’s hard to believe. It was only eleven months ago that he was bitten for the first time.
Shortly before 8am, I heard alarm calls coming from his group. When I arrived at the playroom, everything seemed fairly normal. Burrito and Foxie were grooming on the catwalk by the windows overlooking the valley. Annie was laying in a nest. Jamie was looking out the window, attempting to peek at her neighbors. But Jody and Negra both approached me with hair standing on end to ask for reassurance. And as I watched Missy peering into the trench drain, she emitted a quiet huu call, which, as Goodall and colleagues described, signifies “puzzlement, surprise, or slight anxiety…directed toward such things as small snakes, unknown creature rustlings, dead animals, and the like.” I ran the drain flush and waited. Within seconds, a dead rattlesnake washed into the catch basin.
Amazingly, everyone initially seemed to be OK. But when Burrito got up, I could see him dragging his butt across the floor instead of knuckle-walking while holding his arm awkwardly to his chest. He had been bitten on the hand and it was beginning to swell and become painful.
Just like last time, a few quick calls and texts sent our staff scrambling into action. And thanks to our incredible donors – especially our friend Monica – we had four vials of antivenin in a laboratory refrigerator at the ready here in our clinic.
Before long, Burrito was anesthetized and brought into the clinic for the infusion. He remained stable throughout the procedure. It was clear that he either received less envenomation this time or had developed some very mild immunity from the last bite. But many of the same worrying signs were present, including a neurotoxic reaction known as myokymia, which is characterized by small muscle fasciculations and can look like worms crawling under the skin. It was terrifying to watch the first time, and only slightly less so the second time around.
While the infusion took place, Dr. Erin led the team through a general exam and Burrito was given everything from blood draws and x-rays to a manicures and moisturizers.
When the drip was complete, he was returned to the medical recovery room to rest.
We checked on him throughout the evening and by morning he was up and enjoying some attention from his family through the mesh. Like last time, he’ll be kept in isolation or on quiet play dates until the potential for complications subsides.
Luckily he has a lot of human friends looking in on him, too.
I don’t know if there are simply more rattlesnakes than ever before or if our dumb luck just ran out. Our 1/4-mile-long rattlesnake exclusion fence was never impenetrable, as the numerous doors, gates, and utility line penetrations proved difficult to block off completely, but for the first ten years we didn’t have a single rattlesnake within the fence. Now, with bites two years in a row, we are going to have to find ways to more effectively seal those areas. It would be nice to think that Burrito has learned a lesson from his encounters, but Burrito has never been much for learning lessons.
As I write this post, he is finishing dinner after his first full day of recovery and starting to bed down for the night. He’s already got his appetite back so we are optimistic that he’ll be good to go in no time.
This is not the kind of thing our veterinary team wants to get good at through real-world practice, but we certainly felt better prepared for this incident and it is in large part due to the generosity and love you all showed Burrito and the vet team in the aftermath of his last bite. So we attribute his rapid recovery not only to our amazing staff and Burrito’s own indomitable spirit, but also to your support. Thank you.
We’re going to do all we can to keep those rattlesnakes out. And Burrito, please just let them be!
Do you ever do Uction fundraisers? I have a print by Washoe signed by Fouts, Goodall that I would consider donating at sone point
they just did one for Neggie’s birthday in the spring.
Not sure if there will be one in the fall, too?
Exellent job by all staff members and Dr Erin! Hopefully Burrito has learned his lesson this time! Thank you for the incredible care you provide for all the chimps at CNW?
Exellent job by all staff members and Dr Erin! Hopefully Burrito has learned his lesson this time! Thank you for the incredible care you provide for all the chimps at CNW?
I’m so sorry about Burrito. Sending him well wishes, and keeping him in my thoughts and prayers! Thank you for all your hard work and knowledge. I’m glad he doesn’t appear to be in as bad of shape as last time!
Hokey Smokes, Burrito!!!! :dizzy_face:?:dizzy::dizzy_face:?:dizzy: :heart::heart::heart:
I’m so thankful the emergency supplies and expertise were on hand for our would-be snake charmer…
You folks must all have aged an extra few years just from Bubba’s adventures in recent years!
glad he’s doing well so far and I’m sending best wishes for YOU GUYS to recover, too! ?:blush:
So, how much do we need to raise for the replacement antivenin? 😉
Thanks, Carrie! We’ve already ordered four additional vials from our local hospital to have on hand on the clinic. It’s only about $12,000 :grinning:
Burrito stay away from the snakes. Be wise. Healing prayers big man.
I know. I wish he would go back to being the King of Reassurance Hugs, and let the ladies handle the snakes again
Oh Burrito! so glad you are ok. Feel better, friend. So many are sending you love. And to those snakes: leave our friends alone!
oh, my God.
so it was inside the greenhouse!?
Many thanks, Dr Erin, Sofía, Anthony.
And again, thank you, Monica Best
Sending Burrito lots of love and light. Heal quickly, sweet boy.
Is it possible there could be a ratttlesnake nest near were he got bit?
Hi Hillary – It’s extremely unlikely. Rattlesnakes den in talus slopes, which are numerous towards the top of the canyon above the sanctuary. In warm weather, they travel farther in search of prey and water and that’s when we tend to come across them down here.
Oh my god I am speechless. And worried. And relieved Burrito has made it through to today. It’s like lightning striking twice, how can this be?! Poor dear boy. Is the increase in rattle snakes due to the increase in temperatures or drier conditions? Could this become the new norm? It’s just horrifying.
I want to send Monica a massive hug for her constant generosity. She saved the day. Add to the Wish List : vials antivenin. They might be insanely expensive but worth every penny. Clearly you’ll need more on hand, especially with 16 chimpanzees and 4 bovines. And I am sending hugs to your entire team. How do you all act so quickly when I know you are under deep stress and full of emtions as you tend to your dear friend. To quote Chad from B’s last rattle snake bite : “You will pull out of this. I know you will because what would I do without you? I honestly can’t imagine a life without Burrito.” I couldn’t say it any better than that. Thank goodness Burrito’s super power is having 100 lives.
As always, thank you J.B. for being so honest and transparent in what you face at the sanctuary day by day. Thank you for the photos of the proceedure (pedicure and all!) and Burrito enjoying his meal and night bag. It goes without saying that I’ll be keeping Mr. B in my heart and thoughts until you tell us he has received his “all clear” from Dr. Erin. I feel helpless and wish, at the very least, that I could knuckle rub Burrito like Kelsi. Please tell him he is loved more than he could ever, ever imagine.
Thinking of you all…….. :kissing_heart:
I second everything you say….Chad spoke for us all after the first bite
I agree wholeheartedly Kathleen and Chad spoke for us all after the first bite. he must feel the enormous love from us all, and thank goodness for such wonderful staff. i inly asked yesterday about the snake fence after seeing all the long grass. What can be done to protect them further? It’s only a matter of time before the luck runs out. Big hugs to our wonderful little man and get well soon Bubba.
oh burrito!! dont ever forget that not only are you roomates pulling for you those of us of us on the outside are too!!! lol
Glad that Burrito is OK!
Could it be that wild fires are causing the rattlesnakes to spread beyond their normal habitations? (((big hug))) for Burrito!
I had the same thought Katie; all animals ( that is the ones that aren’t burned ) have to find new habitats, so who wouldn’t want to live at this sanctuary?
Hi Katie – Rattlesnakes naturally reside in our area, but it could be that the warmer weather and/or dryer conditions has made them more numerous or more likely to travel in search of prey and water.
Oh No, I cant help but cry when I see these pictures. Poor little guy.
I love him so much, thank you for taking such good care of him.
Get well soon Burrito, Nurse Jody and Negra are waiting to take care of you.
Those pesky snakes! PTL (no religious significance, just an expression I use) that Burrito seems to have come through well. A small donation is on its way. By the way, the submit button gets in the way of writing text on the first line, at least for me. Can’t seem to get it out of the way.
I have the same problem; I have mentioned it before, but then I found little marks in the right corner, to enlarge the writingspace, but those are gone now…
I push “enter” to read the bit that has disappeared and then put it back through the “backspace” button.
Phew! Burrito, you made it through another wild time! I remember how awful it was when he got bit last summer. It seems like everyone had a better sense of how things would go. So grateful for this. Excellent job by the caregivers! It is a relief to see him back on his feet, eating corn on the cob!
So sorry to hear about Burrito being bitten. Sending hugs and wishing him a speedy recovery. Thank you to all the wonderful people that were there to help him.
Oh my God! i could not believe what i was reading, not again! i sure hope Burrito makes a full recovery, but im sure he will love the extra treats and attention. Give him lots of love from us here in Edmonton and thank you all for your life saving quick response!
My poor Burrito! I just love him so much :purple_heart:
Every video and picture just oozes with joy!!
He is such a playful and happy guy, I hate to see him suffer wether it is a crazy weird middle of the night fight that rips him of some manhood or a rattlesnake that is threatening the whole troop. Please… let him get well and stay safe. :hugging:
Great work spotting the problem and treating Burrito. Well done team the Chimps are luck to have you all there.
When you did the medical checks whilst he was “out” did you find anything unexpected or was he OK?
Hi Keith – We’re waiting on blood work but everything looks good so far.
Great news. Well done team for your dedication to the Chimps..
I am so grateful that Dr. Erin, Monica, Anthony and J.B. reacted so quickly and
efficiently to Burrito’s injury. Likewise, I thank Missy, Jody and Negra for their reactions as well. It appears that the fencing needs to be readjusted, and that the area needs an inspection lest a rattler den has been able to manifest within the perimeters of Young’s Hill.
As always, I pray and hope for the health, healing and well-being of those given sanctuary at the CSNW. I love Burrito so much.
Get well and stay safe to my buddy, Burrito. Love you, man! Thanks to the saff and medical staff for taking such good care of Burrito. Love you all, too. Again, thank you.
Wow, that is a scary blog today J.B. I am glad to read that the Bubba is doing well, considering….
Is there a way to teach him to be scared of snakes; I am thinking of the Orang Uthan babies in sanctuary,
who are being taught that snakes are to be feared and left alone….
My thoughts and wellwishes are with Burrito, and with all of you wonderful caregivers.
If he’s not scared from two bites that landed him in the clinic, I’m not sure what we can do. Interestingly, Burrito is never the one to confront nonvenomous snakes like garters, racers, and rubber boas – that role falls to Jamie or Foxie. But Jamie and Foxie seem to have enough sense to give rattlesnakes some room. That rattle sends chills down your spine.
MARIANNE: I thought about that video I saw of those two wonderful people who run a sanctuary for baby orangutans as they taught the babies to be afraid of snakes. Don’t know if it is harder to teach adult chimps in the same way as baby orangutans… So glad Buritto was administered in such a quick way and is getting such wonderful care. He’s such an active happy-go-lucky guy and it pains us all to see him out cold with wires all over him.
Of course there is alway the chance that he just
sees the rattler as a cute toy to play with??
That rattling sound as an invitation….come play with me….
So glad Burrito is doing better and hope the test results bring good news with the new day! As a new fan of all of you, I am just getting to know the Chimps and so enjoy their adventures ( just not this kind)! Thanks for showing your loving care for them. ?
Way to go team Chimps! Thank goodness Burrito will be fine. Sending hugs Burrito :two_hearts:
sending healing energy and hugs to you all, humans and chimp people <3 thank you for your quick response to this emergency.
How scary. So thankful that dear Burrito is feeling better. Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of him. Hugs to you all.
OH MY!!! I’ve been occupied with various things and saw JB’s post but wasn’ta ble to respond until now. OH MY!!! I’m so relieved there are such fabulous and observant folks on site and that there were vials to help in this repeat emergency. I saw others’ questions about the why’s and thank you, JB, for your responses. I also wondered if, given that he’s the only male in his group, maybe there’s something about his protectiveness of his group that leads him to be the rattlesnake grabber? It’s great he’s so macho in these instances since he’s so strong in body, soul and spirit, BUT then there’s the fallout. Thanks to all for great blog comments. We’re all so grateful he’s doing so well.
You’re probably ahead of the game but has a snake expert come in to do a search for nests and dens? It could be new tenants have moved to the neighbourhood. And I wonder if the presence of the bovines would have any effect on there being more snakes.
Yes, we’ve been in touch with local rattlesnake experts and Young’s Hill doesn’t have any features that would allow for rattlesnake dens, which are usually rock piles on south-facing slopes. Those conditions exist, however, at the top of the canyon above the sanctuary.