It has officially been one week (!) since Kelsi opened the final door that separated Honey B’s group and Lucky’s group. Like she wrote in yesterday’s blog, the staff over the last year have worked extremely hard to provide these two groups with tools to succeed through months of smaller introductions. The true credit, though, goes to the chimps as we watch them work hard to build the relationships and trust that is needed for the foundation of one cohesive group of nine chimpanzees.
The emotions of this last week have hit all the apes here in the chimp house, but taking things day-by-day has allowed us to better manage these emotions and has also provided us the ability to celebrate the little wins along the way. So, one week down and so far so good is something to celebrate indeed!
No matter the day, sometimes it really is the little things that can bring the most happiness – whether it be a moment of play between Dora and Mave, catching Negra asleep cuddled up under her blankets, or Jamie looking you in the eyes with her all-knowing gaze. These moments can take your breath away.
Terry and Mave sharing a sweet moment of grooming in the Oakwood Greenhouse this afternoon.
Lucky relaxing in the Oakwood Greenhouse.
And, on the other side of the chimp house, Jamie is still always watching. 🙂
And often kicking back, relaxing, and making sure her caregivers are staying on task.
We’ve got to come up with a name for the couple that is those two floofers!
Are they different kinds of chimps that are so floofy and hairy, Grace? Or is it jist random genetics?
This continues to be such good news! I’m so glad the integration is moving along well. I have to wonder whether Terry is now trying to get amorous with Honey B and Mave and if so how that’s going? Do we need more birth control on site? It’s lovely that they all have new relationships to form and friends to hang out with, to chase, tickle and just “be” together with. Pant-hoots to all, including, of course, the patient and skillful humans!!
In yesterday’s video it looked like Willie B was checking out little Dora
Has a leader/boss of this new group been determined by the chimps?
My intuition is that is why we hear of them as “Lucky’s group” and “Mave’s group” or “Honey Bs group”. So that they won’t give us any idea of which of these 2 gorillas took charge 😉
I love that you have given them a chance to interact with each other and have a much larger and more interesting place to have fun! Since I worked with them in their previous “home” I know you have given them a “new lease” on life!!
One entire week! Together! Simply marvelous! Well done everyone.
Seems as if lovely Lucky is always upstairs in the greenhouse relaxing. Softens my heart to know she found something, someplace that is just right for her. Reminds me of Negra loving her favorite greenhouse spot.
Wow, one whole week already!!!
I am so happy to read that the group is doing great; well done you people to work so hard with patience and trust to give the 9 new family members.
Mave and Terry look great together, and glad to see Mave is receiving some attention.
And I think, that if Jamie would have been a human, the CIA would have gladly taken her on board…….What A Spy!!!