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Grooming Party

June 19, 2023 by J.B.

For whatever reason, the chimps in Cy’s group like to congregate in the front rooms to groom in the late afternoon. Sure, the Bray is open to them but why groom outdoors in a 2-acre habitat when you can pack together like sardines in a tiny indoor space?

Ah, but the chimps generally know what they are doing. Maybe there’s something about the forced proximity that contributes to the process. After all, this is one of most important aspects of chimpanzee social life. These are the moments that build trust and solidify relationships. This is Willy B saying sorry for being a jerk and Mave saying she respects the boss. This is Dora saying that she and Honey B can fight and still be friends and Terry saying that he just wants to be one of the boys.

Monitoring a newer group of chimps 24/7 can be exhausting but listening to them teeth clack, lip smack, and blow raspberries as I sit in the foyer writing the blog certainly brings a sense of calm, however fleeting. There will always be fights, but the work they do during these lazy afternoons will help them get through whatever is to come.

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Comments

  1. Linda C says

    June 19, 2023 at 6:19 pm

    They were awfully quiet, in contrast to Gotdo’s clacking at the beginning, which could be heard from yards away!
    Between grooming and cabbage, I feel like Willy B is going to clack his teeth away!
    Thanks, JB

  2. Tobin says

    June 19, 2023 at 6:22 pm

    At the 3:30 p.m. mark in the video, it would appear that Terry is strongly suggestimg that J.B. is way overdue for some teeth-clacking grooming.

  3. Kathleen says

    June 19, 2023 at 7:40 pm

    Kudos to the photographer! I was fascinated being that close to everyone, especially Terry. He is so handsome. Especially enjoyed his closeup while he was observing himself in your phone, sideways no less! Something special in his eyes….I almost thought they were lighter in color than others. And it’s good to know Willy B still takes his teeth and dental hygiene seriously! Also fun seeing, and hearing, Cy grooming closeup. I don’t see him grooming often because he usually has his gorgeous face in a magazine.

    Thanks, J.B., for making it feel as if we were squeezed into that small space with the gang.

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Cle Elum, WA 98922
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509-699-0728
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EIN: 68-0552915

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