The thing about Dora is that everyone loves her! If you had told us that she would be the popular girl, I think we all would have been shocked. But it’s hard work being popular, we don’t know how Dora does it. She doesn’t seem to get a lot of alone time, but Dora also doesn’t seem to mind all that much. Especially when it comes to Mave. Again, if we were making predictions of friendships going into integrating this group of 9, my money would not have been on Mave and Dora. But that is the thing about chimps, they are always surprising us! And this was one of the best surprise I think we all didn’t know we needed. It has been so sweet to watch Dora and Mave’s friendship blossom. They truly care for one another and enjoy their time together, which is how the power couple of Mora became. However, there are rules to Mora:
1. Groom or spend quality time as often as possible
2. Three can be a crowd, but not all the time.
*** Rules 3 and 5 are very important and can be repeated or enforced multiple times throughout the day!***
3. No, and I repeat no, more than one arms length apart from each other. If Dora or Mave are to far apart, adjustments must be make quickly!
4. Always try a little bit of each others food. Sharing is caring you know!
5. It is important for any relationship to hug or hold hands as much as possible. The more engulfed the hug is the better!
Jeez, Terry, it wasn’t even mealtime!
Thanks, Kelsi!
Thanks for this charming display (no pun intended) of affection between these two, Kelsi! It’s so heartwarming to watch them being so close and connected with each other. Really does my soul good watching them interact and being caring and affectionate. Of course, everything related to the sanctuary and all the chimps, bovines and staff does my soul good every single day!!
I remember the very first thing I read about Dora was that she always had to be with someone, grooming. Clingy. I’m so glad she found Mave who seems to be everything Dora needs. I don’t know the age difference but Mave seems like the mom figure of the two. Maybe it’s just Dora’s adorable little size. I love it when she lays on her back with her legs straight up in the air. So cute! It is just all together too wonderful having all nine of them together!
Thinking of the Bray again, just because I can’t wait, I hope Mave doesn’t hold Dora back. I hope the opposite happens and Dora can coax Mave out into the open. For any newcomers here, only Willy B would venture out in the courtyard. Mave and Honey B wouldn’t leave the chute:disappointed:
Cross your fingers for Save The Chimps in Port St Lucie tonight. Another storm hitting them tonight.
I can’t help thinking how wonderful this friendship feels for each of them. It’s just so endearing. So very very sweet.
Kelsi, do you know if they were together in their early years, or at any time for that matter, at WW? Maybe Mave simply always adored Droa from afar. 🙂