It will be a little while still before we are able to construct the two larger outdoor areas for Lucky’s group and Honey B’s group (we’re planning to begin this fall). In the meantime, Lucky, Cy, Gordo, Dora, Rayne, and Terry got their chance to explore “the chute”, which is a short tunnel that will connect their playroom, greenhouse, and other enclosures to the open-top enclosure to be known as The Bray. The chute may not seem like the most exciting thing in the world but any new space is fun to explore. And we’ll let you in on a secret – while people love to see chimps in large outdoor habitats, many captive-reared chimps seem to prefer overhead tunnels to almost anything else! That’s why we should always strive to provide them with variety and the ability to choose.
The two groups from the Wildlife Waystation are used to living near other groups of chimps – and lions and wolves, for that matter. So living within sight of a new group of chimpanzees is no big deal. But the chimps in Jamie’s group went without seeing other chimps for decades and as a result they react a bit differently at first. As in, they go a bit crazy. This is not the first they’ve seen of Lucky’s group, but it’s closer than what they’re used to and it was cause for some alarm and a lot of excitement. The group’s anxiety was short-lived and soon Burrito was angling for the attention of some new playmates-at-a-distance and Jody was flirting with the new boys in town.
The first order of business this morning was to patrol Young’s Hill. Negra, as always, stayed behind, as did Annie on this occasion. But the others set out as a group around the perimeter of their 2-acre habitat. Meanwhile, Lucky’s group took their breakfast to the top of the chute and wondered what all the fuss was about.
I was wondering when Lucky and her troop were going to venture (somewhat) outside. How
exciting! Looks like Terry has, once again, caught the eye of yet another young lady.
I’ll bet Jo wouldn’t turn up her nose at Terry’s awkward grin!
I’d love to see Cy see Jamie with her book stash!
For a second, I thought they were going to patrol counter-clockwise again.
Burrito still trying to sneak in a bit of “got your toes” while on patrol, lol. World’s worst security! :laughing:
A little hard to see through the caging, but was that actually Foxie sitting quietly with Neggie while the others made noise!?
I still feel sorry for JoJo.
Thanks, JB!
and a good time was had by all……………..!
All the excitement! Maybe this has been covered before but I’d be interested to know the language of the screamimg etc. Hoots vs barks vs pants vs screams vs squeaks etc. Where can I find this?
There used to be an online audio/video resource put together by researchers for this sort of thing but I can’t find it now. I’ll keep looking around to see if there is a publically available resource.
thank you J.B.
There is so much going on in that video! No trepidation from Lucky’s group enterig the chute, it was more like “last one to the top is a rotten egg” (although I may have seen a wee grimace on someone as they dashed by). The ruckus comig from the seven is something else. I’ll have to play this again (an again), it’s just too funny.
Thank goodness the morning patrol was uneventful. I’m not sure I recall seeing the gang busting outside like that before! Did Annie and Negra ever decide to come the window for a better peek at the new neighbors? I bet Burrito sleeps like a rock these nights after spying from his perch all day. Keeping a tight eye on your suspicious neighbors is exhausting work. And speaking of exhausting work, I hope all of you hardworking caregivers get a good nights sleep also. You’ve earned it in spades. Thank you for sharing these magnificent moments with us!
Laughing at myself. I first watched this on my phone and I thought I saw a grimmace on one of the six as they shot up the chute but rewatching on my laptop I see they are holding cow bags in their mouths. This is such a great video, so much to see and hear! And is it me or are the seven (minus two) moving with a touch of trepidation as the descend the hill towards the chute?
I was hanging out watching YouTube on my TV when the video popped up. ooh ooh ooh Suddenly excited I couldn’t wait to watch it. I have to say, it was one of the best videos of late. The Seven were just too funny! And yeah I too thought they were gonna patrol in reverse Linda C.
I’m wondering JB, why won’t the Courtyard be available to the Six until the Bray is ready? They can get the hang of the electronic fences, and we’ll see how well they like an open top enclosure. I know it’s small but it may be fun for a little forage once in a while.
It is interesting how the Six are so quickly open to new things, as opposed to the Three, even though they all came from the same place.
With the Six being so young, healthy and vivacious, you better get a move on with the Bray!
Great video and lovely blog JB. Totally made my day. Thank you!
Hi Paulette – They likely will get to go in the courtyard, but we want to make some modifications to the area where the fence meets the chute, based on Mave and Honey B’s experience and reactions, and we can’t do any welding until fire risk diminishes in the fall.
Ah. Totally understand about the fire risk. Bring on snow season! I wonder how they will react to the snow! So many firsts for them. Exciting.
I just love it all and am so happy!