The past couple mornings we have found Mave’s group spending a lot of quality time with one another before breakfast. For chimps, especially Terry’s group, it’s important to strengthen bonds. A great way to make a friendship stronger is by grooming. Recently, this group has been having their ups and downs like most chimp groups do, but when we have a few calm mornings or afternoons, watching them play or groom feels very nice to see. It is crazy to think that it has been almost a year since this group was officially put together. What they have accomplished as a group is truly something to celebrate!
There is more social work to be done in the next years to come for them, but let’s give them a round of applause for what they have accomplished so far!
Here are some bonus photos of Foxie’s group!
Foxie with one of her dolls:
Annie in the raceway:
Jamie in the portrait studio:
I love Jamie’s side-eye:
Oh, what I wouldn’t give to know what Rayne is saying at the 0:45 mark! It seems like a concise, if pithy, witticism (was she perhaps commenting on Terry’s ability to clack his teeth between Bronx cheers while grooming Willy B?).
And Foxie, Annie, and Jamie remain as photogenic as ever. Please share these pictures with them.
Kelsi, I laughed when the video said “turn up your sound to hear grooming noises”–all I could hear was Terry’s berries!
I feel like Jamie side-eye is hard to capture….that woman looks you straight in the eye, takes things head on!
when the great outdoors is finally opened, it will certainly add a new dimension to their lives…….
I love seeing these grooming moments of care and connection they share with each other. And I can never get enough pics of Jamie! Not that all the others aren’t favorites, too, of course! But I’ll admit to a certain connection to Jamie that I’ve had since the beginning of my connection to the sanctuary. Gotta respect strong-willed women, even if they’re throwing their “opinions” around at others!!
I love seeing (and hearing!) those bonds being strengthened! May peaceful grooming continue.
Best of all are todays bonus photos. Foxie enjoying a new doll. Super fashionista Annie, perhaps looking for her raven friend from yesterday. Jamie in the portrait studio. I’m not sure if I have ever seen that side-eye of hers captured before! You nailed it. I’m beginning to think Jamie was an undercover agent at some point in her life. Beautiful photos of my favorite boss lady.
good job, Cy’s Group of 6 and Willy-B’s Group of 3 on your accomplishments throughout your first year together. so happy for ghe friendships made between one another. many thanks to your Caretakers for being there to calm things down when needed. like us humans, there are times when we just need space and others may want to play but we don’t.
congratulations again to everyone and hope all have a wonderful Easter weekend.
Cheers ?
Hello, first what a fantastic video and of course the amazing pics, just wonderful. Can i please ask, you often say about one of the residents asking to play. But if you are in doing the cleaning or other things, do you stop to play, or do you have to say no, not just yet? Me, i would find it extremly difficult to say no, especially if asked to groom with them. Love and best wishes from a tiny part of Scotland.
They stop and play! isn’t that amazing!? ?