It’s a typical afternoon here at CSNW. Gordo was just yelling at Willy B, which led Willy B to intimidate Terry, which caused Terry to yell at Willy B, which led Honey B to yell at Gordo. And now they are all grooming together with Cy. I can hear the breathy panting and teeth clacking from the foyer. All’s well that ends well, I guess.
Gordo:
Things have been fairly quiet on the other side of the building, save for a few minor spats. I just took a walk with some of the gang to the top of Young’s Hill. Missy seems to think something is amiss with this giant tree root that we left behind as enrichment.
But she’s not willing to get close enough to find out what that might be. It’s too early for snakes, but better safe than sorry.
This afternoon I was putting together a new scale, which we can use to weigh chimps while they are on the cot as they are entering the clinic for an exam or procedure. A chorus of raspberries from the other side of the door suggested that it was a bit rude to keep this new piece of equipment a secret.
When I opened the door, all nine of Cy’s family were sitting in the medical room and the room adjacent to it, waiting to see what all the commotion was about. This group is often alarmed by new, large pieces of equipment but the scale appeared to be more of a curiosity that anything. After a quick look, they all went about their business.
Our old feral friend Barn Kitty recently returned from his travels throughout the canyon with a new and improved attitude. He’s mellower and generally less intent on hurting us, which is nice. In the past, his MO was to follow us around and use his tiny kitten voice to ask for food, only to hiss and swat at us when we tried to give it to him. I’m not sure what prompted such a change but it is most welcome, for however long it lasts.
I’ll leave you with this photo of our farm hand, Benny, assisting Kelsi with her cattle care chores. To be perfectly honest, he’s really not that helpful. I think he’s in it just for the Gator rides.
Linda C says
Oh, before I even open the blog, I see 5 on the hill, and an Annie waistband!
Maybe BK’s in love…it’s spring, after all:laughing:
Thanks for the Benny.pic, JB!
CarolR says
JB, I thought you’d added more snake protection when the outside areas were being changed? As you know, Annie and I both have a phobia about them …..me in Australia, land of snakes…..but I live in fear for Burrito. Even Annie’s screaming doesn’t seem to deter him.
J.B. says
As far as rattlesnakes go, we believe it’s as safe as we can possibly make it. The rattlers den within the rocky slopes above the sanctuary so they should be excluded by the fencing when they start to roam around again in the summer. However, there are other species of nonvenomous snakes like garters, racers, and rubber boas that live within the fenced area and the chimps will continue to come across those kinds.
CarolR says
Thanks, JB. They’re all nasty, slithery things to Annie, but it’s great to hear that the rattlers hopefully are all banned.
Linda C says
Speaking of Burrito, I love how he’s shadowing Jamie there. It seems like he’s been doing that more and more lately
Jackie Pordon says
Hi JB, How long has barn kitty been gone. Could just be the angle of the picture/his ears. Is the left one tipped(has a bit of ear cut off)? Maybe someone took him to get neutered? I took my 5 female ferals in for spaying and they tipped their left ears. That may be the demeaner change?
J.B. says
He was neutered in 2021 so maybe he’s just begun to mellow out in his senior years 🙂
Marie says
Living outside is wear and tear on a poor body….. the Cold the Heat…. with age and time they start to mellow…..I hope he stays near the safety of your barn
Tobin says
I’d agree;. From the shifty-eyed look on his mug, Benny does give the impression that he has been caught in the act of slackin’ on the job.
As for the squabble amongst Gordo and his gang, one can only imagine the recriminations being thrown about for who should take the rap for the weekend’s episode of “Raiders of the Lost Hose”. Will any of the Chimp’s Curiosity Insurance cover the expense of a replacement?
marianne says
I think Dear Dora should hand over her allowance for this month: She is the one that made all those little pieces of hose..or think about a way to reuse those bits ( peanutbutter inside?) for enrichment.
And to be fair, Honey B. should help with cleaning for a week…she might even enjoy that!
Kathleen says
So much going on every day! Unless that’s an old photo, I see Annie is still sporting her splash of color waistbands! • Man, Gordo looks like such big guy, if he yelled at me I’d fritz out a little too. • With some birds migrating earlier than usual, and peepers coming out early too, why wouldn’t Missy assume that Mr. Snake is out of his brumation state and laying in wait to surprise her at any moment! Better safe than sorry is right. • The new scale is impressive, no wonder everyone was lined up to check it out. (That photo is priceless) • I’m wondering if Barn Kitty realized that his time spent at the sanctuary is actually pretty darn special and perhaps he should be a wee bit more grateful to be able to call this place his home, even if it is just a seasonal stay. • Benny! :kissing_heart: Since I speak dog, with Benny’s ears back and eyes opened three quarters (better known as the ’stink eye’), he is clearly saying to you “Who you callin’ not that helpful?!” I have to agree with Benny. If you have the gift to make others as happy as he is making Kelsi, Benny is very helpful. Please give him a good belly rub from me.
Marla says
As a huge Benny fan i have to come to his defense. supervising humans is a tough job!
Kate Held says
I love Benny (I’m a sucker for a pitty) and as my sister says “a whole lot of helpers and not a lot of help”. He’s the co-pilot and takes his job seriously. I’d hire him anytime.:feet:
Pat F. says
Love the very cute picture of Kelsi and Benny. so all American.:hugging:
Diane Kastel says
I loved the picture of Kelsi and “Benny”, and I too, adore pitbulls!
Others seem to be famiiar with him, but I have never seen him before. Why is he called the “farmhand”? Does he live with Diana and JB?
Linda C says
yes, they rescued him after Wilson passed away. like Lulu, the office cat, he’s there, but makes rare appearances
J.B. says
Yes, Benny lives with us, along with another rescue dog, Abbey, and a new foster dog, Nala. I was just joking about him being a farmhand because he was riding with Kelsi while she was doing farm chores.