After morning cleaning was complete and lunch had been served, I walked around the sanctuary to take photos for this blog. I admit that a good handful of times I’m not entirely sure what I’m going to write about until it comes down to the wire. Not that we have a set time we must have the blog done, we just like to publish it in a time frame to not keep anybody waiting. Inspiration for the blog tends to hit me during this walk around the sanctuary. It usually occurs when during little moments with the chimpanzees.
Today, that inspiration came from Terry. As you may know, Terry LOVES attention. You may have heard his attention-getter in some of the videos. What I have noticed is that besides playing chase with caregivers, Terry really likes grooming with caregivers. This is especially the case with boots. Sometimes tiny rocks get stuck in the treading on the bottom of our boots, and Terry loves to clear them out for us. (Honey B also loves to do this as well.)
Grooming is an important part of a chimpanzee’s social life. When chimpanzees groom, they rid each other of things such as parasites, dead skin, scabs, and any debris caught in their hair. But more importantly, when chimpanzee’s groom with each other, it also helps strengthen and maintain social bonds with one another. When it comes to chimpanzees grooming caregivers, it may be that. There have been some studies that suggest so, and there have been researchers who argue that is not the case. Regardless of what it is, it is enriching for them. And I don’t think any of the caregivers here mind spending 30 minutes or more to this. For me, I consider myself very fortunate to spend this time with someone like Terry. Terry is one of the greatest people you could meet. He is a friend to all.
Don’t forget! You can preview some of the items that will be up for auction during this year’s HOOT! There are some amazing items that will be up for bid both in-person at the gala in Seattle, and online! Be sure to check them out!
Here are some bonus photos of the Guess Who Girl from yesterday’s blog!
Rayne completely relaxed in Riverview Greenhouse
Rayne and Willy B eating lunch in the Oakwood Greenhouse
During lunch yesterday, a train went by. Rayne began to watch it pass by and eat her bag of chow like a bag of popcorn.
