There are always amazing moments happening in the chimp house, some weeks you hold them closer to your chest. For me, I have been holding them tight to my chest. So I thought I would share a few little moments with some of the “Big Boys’!
The other day Cy found me and instigated a big game of chase. Sometimes we were sprinting back and forth in the Marmot room, other times we were walking from Marmot room to Riverview greenhouse, and then we were off sprinting again! Often we would take a break in Riverview and just sit with each other, before he was off sprinting again.
The other morning Gordo was really playful. He was bunny hopping around and chasing everywhere. Eventually, Gordo sat down in one of his favorite enrichment items, a box! We sat peacefully together while Gordo enjoyed the warm greenhouse sun. We didn’t do much together after, we just enjoyed each others company.
This photo is of Terry looking adoringly into one of his favorites foods, an avocado! My moment with Terry though is just the sweet kisses he gives us. Throughout the day he will blow raspberries (or Bronx cheer) to get your attention so he can groom your boots or give you a little kiss on the hand. Terry just likes to spend quality time with his caregivers.
Burrito might not be in the “Big Boys Club”, but he has got a big heart! Recently, we have been playing a lot of chase in the greenhouse and Burrito has been throwing out his somersaults too! To be honest, any moment I get with Burrito is a blessing and truly special.
Gordo always seems like his thoughts run deep….and then, he bunny hops!
I wonder how they learn to blow the raspberries to get your attention!?
What a lovely day you all had! How do you know they want to play chase, is there a special gesture or signal? I also love when Gordo bunny hops, he seems so light hearted and playful.
Sometimes words and movements aren’t necessary to be in each others presence. Silence works quite well.
I love this entire post. I have always adored Burrito. The more I learn about the knew boys, the more I like. Terry gazing at his avocado is so sweet and so funny at the same time. Thank you for your posts Kelsi. :blush:
Thanks Kelsie, the pictures of the big boys are wonderful. Such a handsome lot! ?
I asked this the other day…..have the “new crew” had previous living locations where they had an outside area like the one being built…..I remember a video taken in Georgia at one of the facilities, where the film was of their first experience of getting outside (at least they had not been recently)…..the Georgia group had several who took off running and others who would look through the door and then go right back inside the facility…….what are you expecting from “our bunch”…………?
I’m pretty sure Deanna, who used to care for them, answered you. I think she said they hadn’t had open sky and grass
This interests me too Tom. I wonder if Honey B and Mave who dont like to go out of the chute with Willy B ( to the best of my knowledge) will be braver now they are a bigger group and maybe follow the other girls out (if they go). Its going to be very interesting
Thanks, Kelsi. What a sweet post. I love these photos. A question — is that a slightly chipped left front tooth that Gordo has? Can’t quite tell from the picture. Such a wonderful picture of Terry in avo-rapture. I’m happy to know that they engage you in play and would assume that means the staff are accepted into their group as members of a sort, and not only as providers of food and clean surroundings. Great photo of Bubba holding his feet!
Oh Kelsi, I just love your opening statement. You are so very fortunate to have these chimpanzee friendships and to be able to keep them close inside your heart forever. I love how you cherish the simple special moments.
Thank you for sharing some of your personal time with each individual. Aren’t you lucky too, that your circle of friends more than doubled with the WW crew?! Your big heart must be bursting at the seams. :heartpulse:
thank goodness for all of you and the great care you take of our fellow creatures ?