We all know that Missy is an accomplished athlete.
She tirelessly outruns the fastest Gators, deftly balances on the thinnest tightropes, and snatches the juiciest tomatoes from her opponents with ease. Her cunning and skill have been lighting up the blog for years. This stocky, springy chimpanzee truly know no bounds.
All of her feats are even more impressive when you take her age into account. We will be celebrating Missy’s 47th birthday at this time tomorrow!
How does one stay so energetic and spry into their late 40s? Missy’s keys to success seem to be regular practice and excellent nutrition. Athletes have to “limber up” before strenuous physical activity so that they’re ready to perform when the stakes are highest, and Missy never forgoes an opportunity to sharpen her skills. The tomatoes she acquires along the way are just extra motivation to keep moving.
Today, we scattered an exciting “pregame” lunch of fresh veggies for the chimpanzees to forage in their grassy outdoor enclosure. This afternoon’s spread wasn’t nearly as exciting as tomorrow’s party forage will be, but Missy and company spent a good amount of time searching for produce in the tall grass. Afterwards, they returned to the Greenhouse to engage in another of Missy’s favorite activities: social grooming.
Jody:
Jamie:
Missy:
Jamie:
Negra:
Missy grooming Jamie:
Jamie being groomed:
Burrito:
Be sure to check in with us tomorrow to wish Missy and her companions a happy, tomato-filled 47th birthday!
(In case you want to review the record books, here are links to Missy’s most recent birthday celebrations: 44th, 45th, and 46th.)
P.S. Here are some bonus images from this morning: Cy and Gordo hanging out in the shady Oakwood Greenhouse!
Gordo:
Cy:
