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.
I’d be happy to have a half hour like that, Chad!
I posted on Grace’s yesterday that your walkout song would have to be “put me in, Coach, I’m ready to play, today ”
When you’re walking around, do you have to avoid being spotted by certain someone who likes to run you ragged?
First off, excellent title. Well done, Chad! Next, I so enjoy getting to know the chimpanzees through each caregivers relationship and perspective. I really loved this line:
“Terry is one of the greatest people you could meet. He is a friend to all.”
To be able to call someone like Terry (and Burrito!) a friend, sigh, it’s indescribable for me. Such a privilege. You are so fortunate.
Love todays photos. Thank you.
Chad,
Terry is just flat-out irresistable! I am so glad the two of you are buds. You wrote that he loves attention. Certainly, he merits the attention, and applies his pebble-removing grooming skills to boot (excuse the pun…or not).
Oh, and today’s blog is graced with the imagery of the Raynebow Lady. “Beautiful when she’s sleeping”, as Tom Waits once sang. I especially love the pictures of Rayne observing the “moving picture” of the train passing through the valley below her.
Oh, Tobin, I cannot believe you mentioned Tom Waits!! I used to listen to his soulful music all the time but haven’t in a while and now must again! Thank you for this reminder of how profound simple words can be. A much-appreciated walk down memory lane!
Tom Waits is an artistic treasure. His songs paint such vivid scenes. And he is so quick-witted:. “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.”
Perhaps it can be said that Rayne is enjoying a matinee viewing of “Trainspotting”…
Thanks, Chad. I’m always interested in how the chimps care for each other and connect by grooming and other activities. I’m reminded of Jamie’s habit of grooming caregivers’ boots, too. I’m so happy that Rayne feels safe and protected enough to allow herself to fall asleep spread-eagle and vulnerable. Talk about a peaceful expression! Maybe she’s meditating about her next escapades with her friends.
Tom Waits is an artistic treasure. His songs paint such vivid scenes. And he is so quick-witted:. “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.”
Terry really is a friend to all and I agree with a previous comment that he is truly irresistible!!! They are all loved hut some are easier to form a bond with than others and Terry is one that you can become fast friends with! I have never met Burrito but from what I have seen and read I have to assume that Burrito is also a chimp person who one can become fast friends with. With all they have gone through it is amazing any of them would want anything to do with humans beyond being fed. That they seek our attention just for play is humbling to say the least.., What a priviledge…
I go thru this everyday, but for some reason, i’m really hooked on what you’re showing us here. I’m still infactuated with the whole boot thing that i’m on a mission now to find the right boots for one of your chimps, so we can all see the reaction and response you get when they’re donning the coveted boots that we all get a kick [pun intended or not] out of seeing in their gestures. I look forward to your segment of chimp life here everyday now. I think i fell in love with the way the chimps held on to the dolls and how they carried them, and of course the boot one with the just the right kind of music too. I just sent another box of chimp dolls, mermids actually, in different colors too. I wonder if they like the bright colors too? Any feedback on that? Thank you for giving us some of your moments of joy to share.