During the process of the nine’s introduction, we had kept front room 7 closed off from them. The reasoning behind having it closed from the chimpanzees was that it posed some safety concerns. This room is smaller than the others and it only has one entry and exit way, making it a dead end. After the chimps were integrated, and out of rational skepticism, we continued to leave it closed as it served as an extra room in case we needed to separate a fight or isolate an individual. The thought of them getting into a serious fight in such a tight spot with only one way to escape had us a bit nervous. That said, considering that the group seems to be handling itself pretty well, during our most recent staff meeting we decided to give it back to them on a see-how-it-goes basis.
Before the groups were integrated, front room 7 was an all time crowd favorite. Honey B loved to nest in there, Rayne loved to use the firehose as a hammock to relax, Lucky would gather blankets and refuse to shift for us with a very determined looking grin, and the boys loved running through the three front rooms while playing chase with us. As you can all imagine, all nine were very excited to have the room again. Our hope is that they get to keep access to their favorite room forever!
What a fun video! Gordo was hysterical building his nest right in the doorway@
Hey, Sofía!
I knew before it started that Beezus would be the first one in: “I haven’t messed this one up in a long time!” :laughing:
Love that since the integration, we’re finally seeing those Mave hops that we’d heard about!
And Cy’s efficient way of putting down a Willy B display! How cool is that man?
Was there a picture of all 9 crowded around the window? I don’t remember seeing Lucky…reason to watch it again!
Had to chuckle at Gordo and his box. A placed just isn’t home until you get your things situated in the right place. Those males are all handsome, can’t wait until the girls next door see them.
Just slays me all the politics and playfulness all at once. Yup, Gordo blocking the door & Willy B displaying. Those guys! It’s great they all have that room back and that the new chimps get to experience it. Thanks for sharing it with us, Sophia.
Wow, when Willy B followed Rayne into the front room, I really got a sense of his size, seeing their profiles. He is a big boy! Then Miss Dora and Honey B are so much smaller. Of, all the boys are good sized, and this video gave a good perspective of their sizes.
Honey B needs to show Gordo that blankets make much better nests than boxes, lol! Or maybe a really BIG box with blankets inside. Such a fun video.
And, I can’t believe we are to the point of closing off Young’s Hill for construction on The Bray!! The grand opening is just around the corner, hoot hoot!
This goes on the list of all time favorite videos. Simply fantastic! I have to ask, how long did it take for Honey B to discover the room was open and ready for visitors? Two seconds after she heard the door open?!
How did all of you feel watching everyone pack into that small-dead-ended room all together?! I have to admit, watching it while knowing it was all going to turn out all right, I still looked on with a slight feeling of trepidation! That was a lot of excited chimps packed into one small space! (Like the clown car in a circus!) And those boys with their displays. Cy made me laugh with his slapping feet as he walked in.
Amazing how far everyone has come! Well done, all of you!
:smile::smile::smile::smile::smile:
That was awesome! The Mave hop surprised and delighted me.
uh…. Hello?? you can’t build your nest in the doorway Gordo:rolling_eyes:
Loved the whole video. :heartbeat:Where’s Lucky??
Mave actually did a little foot clap on that last jump!
i have to agree with Kathleen that this is one of my favorite videos!!! Such fun and exciting times! Mave jumping up in the air was a highlight for sure!!! They were all so happy and excited! could you have imagined that this one room would have been so special and held such meaning for them??? Good call on giving them access once again!!!