Yesterday, Kelsi wrote about all the emotions that accompany the introduction process. She talked about how proud we are of the 9 chimps that are working so hard to make their new group work and how rewarding it is to see new friendships form. It’s hard to believe that when I first started a few months ago, there was a group of 3 and a group of 6. Back then, we talked a lot about how the goal was to integrate them into one larger social group, which would provide each chimp more social partners- which is hugely important and beneficial for chimpanzees in many ways. As I went through training, I watched the caregivers work on smaller intro’s every day to provide the chimps the opportunity to build a strong foundation that they could then build off on in the months to come. Then, we watched as the final door was opened and for the first time there was a group of 9. While this is a blog continuation emphasizing how proud we are of the chimps and an acknowledgement on how hard they have worked, I want to take a moment and say how proud I am of this group of humans that I get to call coworkers. Words could never do the staff and volunteers here justice.
It has officially been over two months (!!) since that day and, although we are still a little ‘stitous, it is really exciting to watch new group dynamics form. Honey B is making friends, the guys are figuring things out, Dora is everyone’s new best friend… every day there is something exciting!
On top of all that, exciting things are happening on the other side of the chimp house too. Burrito has been healing really well since his dental procedure last week! Today he was reunited with his group of 6 ladies and I believe he is currently enjoying the beautiful day out in the greenhouse. Plus, we received a kind donation from a local chiropractor that made Jamie’s day. Check out the video to see what it could be! 🙂
Also, a BIG thanks to everyone who has donated so far to our June matching campaign from Jennifer Douglas that Kelsi mentioned in her blog post yesterday. When I started to write this post, Diana just shared that we are only a few hundred dollars away from reaching the full $50,000 match because of all of your generosity!
Burrito earlier today, before being reunited with his group:
Jamie and Burrito grooming in the Greenhouse this afternoon.
Willy B checking his teeth out in selfie mode:
Cy chillin’ in the Oakwood Greenhouse this afternoon.
How are the chimps that aren’t part of the new group of 9 reacting to their missing group members?
Hi, Lori! The integration was a group of 3 and a group of 6, so they have all come together to make a group of 9. Jamie’s group (the 7) are all together on the other side of the chimp house! 🙂
What a fabulous day, Grace!
Bless their derpy souls, Beezus and Terry can be “weird” together!
FYI, I could watch an entire 10 minutes of Lucky on her improvised sled/scooter! Does she ever use Beezus’ blue one?
And that was a wonderful gift for Jamie! Maybe not so much for the Tiny One…how did she react to it?
Ha! I saw Lucky in the background scooting with her blanket. So cute? But she wanted to play too and they just walked away?? Aw man! :worried:I was sad for her.
Burrito is free!!! Thank you so much for your wonderful care for each and everyone of them.:heartbeat:
Thanks for the great video!
looks like Terry might be smitten with Honey B.
I could watch Jamie all day, she always looks so intense when she’s examining something, I think she wanted the shirt off the skeleton!
So happy Burrito is back with his Harem.:revolving_hearts:
Hi Grace! What a lovely post. As you reflect on the past two months, I hope you include yourself when it comes to praising this amazing intergration accomplishment. In other words, pat yourself on the back. I have enjoyed watching every phase, every adventure, every step be it small or massive, starting all the way back when I first learned that Mave, Honey B, and Willy B would be arriving. You should all be very, very proud of what you have achieved so far. And I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both groups once they begin to explore their new outdoor spaces!
Thanks for this sweet and funny video. Terry has THE best, loveable, droopy-bottom-lip play face. He is simply scrumptious. And he finally got Honey B to crack a wee play face grin! But what really cracked me up was Scoot Doggy Dog passing by in the background about one minute into the video. Hysterical! Seriously love that move.
Poor Lucky, hope she found someone else to play with. I wonder who her favoritve pal is (besides brother Cy).
Now for the video pièce de résistance — Jamie meeting the well dressed skeleton! Oh how I wanted Jamie to be able to actually touch those boney fingers. Whoever the local chiropractor is, I am sending you a big squeezy hug for letting Jamie meet a skelton face to face. Simply fantastic. Loved it when Jamie did her little bounce dance.
Playing, grooming, reuniting, or dreams come true-ing, Chimpanzee Sanctuary NW has it all.
Wonder why the skeliton is not allowed in the chimp area? Would it be tore to pieces in a few minutes?
That would be my guess Keith….
Besides the fact that the bones shatter easily, they are held together with pieces of wire.
Thank you for another wonderful video <3 Loved Terry's play face, Honey B's cool playfulness, and Lucky's scootin'. Felt sorry for Lucky when she was left behind 🙁 And I have a question: who does Lucky hang out most with? I think we mostly see her hanging out with her brother Cy. Who are Lucky's friends? <3
Otherwise, happy to see Willy B still having a great time with Rayne, ad that Jamie had a present to her heart's content!