Yesterday, Sabrina wrote about the walk she took with Rayne around the Bray. It’s so exciting to see Cy’s group explore their new habitat- if there’s anything we’ve learned from Jamie’s group and Young’s Hill, it’s that seeing them explore outside truly never gets old.
So, earlier today (and every day, really), when Jamie wanted to go for a walk, I was pumped! While I was trying to figure out what she needed for the walk, I realized I had my blog topic for the day. Jamie has rules when it comes to her walks, naturally, and we have to abide!
Today, we were cleaning the front rooms when Jamie popped up in the loft of the playroom. I was walking into the chimp area from the kitchen and she started pointing, so I stopped cleaning and tried to figure out what she wanted. First, I tried showing her a few different boots to see if one was what she wanted. She didn’t stop pointing (aggressively) so I knew I hadn’t gotten it right yet. Her short, black boot had been drying on the kitchen boot dryer so I snagged that and she nodded at me, but still pointed towards me. I was getting closer, but wasn’t quite there yet, so I put the boot on and grabbed her favorite bonobo books and she was gone! I met her outside the greenhouse and off we went. Almost everyone joined us today, but Negra opted to remain in the super comfy nest she had made in the greenhouse.
After walking with Jamie, she will usually want one or all of the items she asked you to bring around the hill. Since it’s chimp approved enrichment, we give it to her! Today she wanted her three bonobo books, but didn’t want her boot, so I put it aside to give to her before closing up the chimp house this evening.
After you have successfully navigated the pre-walk steps of figuring out what exactly you need to bring, done the actual walk itself, and given her the things from the walk she wanted- then she will often want to sit and groom for a bit. 🙂 These are all ways to build your relationship with her and, when the day can get so busy, they’re also nice quiet moments that we can spend with her.
We don’t always get it all right when we try and figure out what the chimps want, but it is one of the most important parts of our work here so we always try… Even if it means disappearing from cleaning for a little while (thanks, Lizz and Courtney!)
BONUS PHOTOS:
Jamie’s group wasn’t the only side to explore outside today! Rayne, Gordo, Cy, Willy B, and Lucky all enjoyed some time out on the Bray this afternoon.
Rayne and Gordo going all the way to the top:
Your eyes didn’t deceive you- Rayne was rockin’ some Sporty Spice fashion on the Bray today!
Willy B enjoying the sunshine:
Terry being his handsome self:
Foxie enjoying lunch:
Well, of course she has rules, Grace! Sounds like you figured out what she wanted in record time! It’s so nice to see them enjoying the hill, whether it’s climbing the trees, spending time underneath them, or just exploring the extra half acre. Thanks to everyone involved, because they seem to really love that new space!
You read my mind without caption to the second photo, Grace!
Thank God that boot fit you! How crushing would it be if you disapointed Jamie.
Thank you Grace, any story involving the boss will always be my fav.:revolving_hearts:
What a lovely sunny day for a walk to explore. Thanks for taking us along. Burrito’s foot grab was really funny.
I always enjoy seeing Jamie patrol. and I love it when so many others join her.
Any “patrolling” behavior in Cy’s group yet? I know Rayne goes up to the top but is she or any of the others doing a full perimeter walk? I’m curious if that’s an innate behavior, because no one in that group is wild born.
Also, are both groups outside at the same time yet? Since Young’s Hill was always available to the seven, I wonder how they react when the doors are closed and they can’t go out. They’re so used to going out whenever they like.
yes I realize I said seven. Just not used to saying six yet…
I think it should always be the 7
I agree but might not have thought of it myself, Karen. Thank you for this heartfelt comment!
Wow….. Looks like you had a Beautiful Day as far as temperature …..I see you have some 90s this week:astonished: Hope it’s Low Humidity…. …..I always wondered with all those boots you wear…. I hope people play it safe and get a 10 or 11…:boot::mans_shoe:. …whether you walk like Quasimodo because the shoes to big or curl your toes because the shoe is to tight….Can’t Win……the things we do for Love:grin::heartpulse:
No ….you were right the first time Paulette ….7 …..Jody’s among the Lilacs:innocent::herb:
Oh gosh it is six now. That hurts hurts just to remember.
Jamie is decisive, a woman who knows her own mind. I admire her for that. You are so fortunate, Grace, to be part of her inner circle.
It appears Jamie’s gang has mastered their patrols of the new Young’s Hill! Well, perhaps Annie needs some more time to get used to that prickly mowed grass! I see she peeled out from the pack and looked as if she was going back inside. Maybe Annie needs to wear some socks, with a color coordinated waistband of course, so the grass isn’t so ouchie on her sensitive feet.
Speaking of waistbands…Rayne sporting her green band is perfect for her big climb workout with Gordo. But Foxie wins the runway with her leopard print troll scarf!
Thanks for taking us along on the walkabout, Grace! I just love seeing the chimps outdoors. I’ll never forget watching Missy (I think it was her) climb that tree for the first time in her life last summer. It was truly remarkable to watch. I wonder if Jamie will still chase the gator this year. She’ll have to send someone an invitation to do so (Diana?). I’m curious about how she tells you that she wants to do that. I’m so happy the new group goes out to enjoy the Bray so much and hope the women still remaining inside eventually feel comfortable enough to do so.