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The Perks of Be(friend)ing a Wallflower

January 24, 2022 by Anthony

Not all of the chimps like to be in front of the camera lens equally. Lucky and Willy B, for example, will scooch right up to you and your electronic device with gusto. Others prefer to nonchalantly observe the photographer from an intermediate distance, and a few chimps will even try to sternly poke the camera lens when they’re not in the mood for a portrait session.

Then, there’s Gordo.

Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to get portraits of the individuals who spend less time in the spotlight, and Gordo has been the most challenging of that bunch.

Gordo is a wallflower. Despite getting along with chimpanzee companions and human caregivers alike, he exhibits some introverted tendencies. It seems like his ideal afternoon would probably be spent lounging quietly on a lofted platform with an enrichment puzzle in his hands, avoiding drama and staying out of the limelight. This makes him one of the more difficult chimpanzees to photograph.

A couple weeks ago, I saw Gordo laying among his group-mates in the indoor front rooms. Everyone was avidly grooming each other, as they tend to do in the downtime that follows breakfast. Gordo was serenely looking down the hallway, clasping his feet and soaking up the warmth from the heated floors, and we eventually made eye contact. I nodded reassuringly, and he kept staring back. I slowly reached for the camera hanging around my neck and raised it up to eye level as if to ask “can I take your picture?”

Gordo coolly remained where he was and allowed me to approach. I gently knelt in by the caging, brought the viewfinder up to my right eye, and turned the focus ring until Gordo’s auburn eyes and platinum goatee were visible in sharp detail. After I got a couple good shots, I put the camera down and simply sat in Gordo’s proximity for a little bit, enjoying the moment. It wasn’t the fervent grooming or exuberant play that we associate with the sanctuary’s more extroverted residents, but his acceptance made my day nonetheless.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan says

    January 24, 2022 at 3:47 pm

    I think I identify with sweet, shy Gordo. I too like to be on my own, but still close enough to enjoy the action without being part of the chaos. Love to Gordo!

    • Susan V says

      January 24, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      Another ‘Susan’ is in agreement with you, Susan. Much love to sweet, shy Gordo. ?

  2. Linda C says

    January 24, 2022 at 4:30 pm

    Gordo…the strong, silent type!
    Thanks for the pic and congratulations, Anthony!

  3. Marya says

    January 24, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    Another introvert weighing in here, Anthony. I can understand wanting to just quietly soak up the warmth of a heated floor and ponder the universe while others are scooting around noisily doing their thing. Maybe he’s writing a book on chimp philosophy which Cy will put into publishable words for him (after thorough proofreading and adding pictures, of course). Maybe he’s just glad to be among such love and appreciation that he revels in taking stock of it, and the sense of home he’s growing into. I’m grateful he gets to do whatever he wants, and I’m sure he is, too. Thank you, Anthony for being part of such a wonderful team that makes that possible for him and for respecting his need to just be himself. That’s a great shot you’ve shared with us…warm back & butt, what could be better?

    • Tobin says

      January 24, 2022 at 8:36 pm

      If only Gordito were writing a book, on philosophy or any other subject. Were it possible, I have absolutely no doubt that his finished product (with editing by Cy) would be incomparably more cogent and well-written than the post-modernist nonsense that wastes the time and minds of many a college humanities cirriculum. Of course, with a philosopher such as Gordo, his tome would be on the syllaubus of a “Simianities” course. Possible suggested titles: “Ape and SuperApe”, “All too Simian” “Gordo’s Republic,” “Summa Troglodyticae.”

  4. PatC says

    January 24, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    Internet {{{{HUGS}}}} for dear Gordo. xo

  5. Pamela says

    January 24, 2022 at 4:57 pm

    Anthony, what a heartwarming post and photo! Really sweet.

  6. Nancy D says

    January 24, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    Gordo is very handsome in this latest photo, it almost looks like he has had his beard neatly trimmed, lol.

  7. Trish Swain says

    January 24, 2022 at 5:14 pm

    Greetings fellow introverts. Who needs noise and commotion? I do hope Gordo interacts with his group sometimes!

  8. Michele says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:32 pm

    Allowing Gordo to be who he is, is THE BEST! What a beautiful guy. Thank you, Anthony! You are all amazing and I’m so very grateful for each of you every day. I couldn’t be happier having this sanctuary in my life.

  9. Judy says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:55 pm

    Wonderful photo of the ever so handsome Gordo. Great post Anthony. Put another tic mark in the introvert column. Hi to my co-introverts. Maybe there are many of us who follow this so intently because we can observe these incredible individuals, staff included, from our distant and solitary vantage points.

    • Linda C says

      January 24, 2022 at 6:58 pm

      Or because sometimes people suck. Animals generally hurt you for a reason/because they have to

  10. Kathleen says

    January 24, 2022 at 7:41 pm

    It’s a beautiful portrait of Gordo, made even better with your story. Such a special moment and time well spent afterwards, just the two of you with a shared understanding. You are so lucky Anthony.

  11. Tobin says

    January 24, 2022 at 8:40 pm

    I think that I feel just the same way that Mave seems to regard Gordito: he makes for a most pleasant afternoon guest. I hope that those two can meet again soon.

  12. Rosalie Allen says

    January 25, 2022 at 3:45 am

    Great portrait of Gordo! He looks like the best fellow to just sit and have a good conversation with about life. Thank you for sharing the moments!

  13. Paulette says

    January 25, 2022 at 9:35 am

    Oh what I wouldn’t give to sit quietly in the presence of one of our beloveds. it would be such an honor. (especially on warm floors!)

  14. Debbie Reintzell says

    January 26, 2022 at 1:07 am

    That would certainly make my day! Everyday!

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