Initially, I had today’s blog all planned out in my head. I was going to write about food peering, a behavior where a chimpanzee stares intensely at the food another is eating in hopes of that individual sending some their way. I was inspired to write about such topic based on this photo I got yesterday of Willy B food peering at Honey B for her coconut.
However, as I went to take some photos during lunch service, Negra had other plans for her subject. During lunch, Negra had me stand at the corner and rub her back during the whole lunch service plus some. And to clarify, by “rubbing her back” I mean with one of our approved safe physical contact methods called Knuckle Rub.
That coupled with a biweekly staff meeting, I was not able to have enough time to write out a lengthy blog or get photos of some food peering. The Queen has spoken and I, her dutiful servant, must oblige.
Here are the very few photos I was able to get today:
Foxie and Negra giving each other a kiss during dinner
Cy watching Willy B, Rayne, Terry, Gordo, and Lucky out on the Bray
Both Rayne and Gordo were able to find some coconut husks leftover from yesterday’s celebration
And a photo of the thunderstorm that was rolling in, though it quickly dissipated
Lastly, we added a whole bunch of things to our Wish List ranging from masks for caregivers to keep the chimpanzees safe from human pathogens, two-way radios for staff and volunteers who work in the Chimp House, and new enrichment items for our residents! If you are able and willing to, please take a look at the items needed to help maintain our quality care of these magnificent beings. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
Ah nothing like a good back rub from a royal subject. How kind of you Chad.
Ah, Chad, the best laid plans, but you still produced a fantastic mix of photos with the chimps enjoying their day.I particularly loved the thunderstorm photo! Were the chimps thrown by the storm I wonder?
As if your outstanding party planning and catering skills haven’t wowed me enough, you tell us you spent the lunch service portion of your busy day pleasing HRH Negra. (My heart swells.) That must have made Negra feel so happy. Her very own personal massage given by her dear friend. I’m standing with Negra, that food peering post can wait for another day. It’s all about priorities!
On the topic of food peering, if handsome Willy B looked at me like he is looking at Honey B….I’d cave instantly. Great photo! I look forward to your peering post when or if the time comes to write it.
LOVE Foxie and Negra photo! So sweet.
Chin in hand, her Majesty seems to say, “waiting for my backrub.” With all the.chores that you all have each day I don’t know how you find.time for the blog or photos. Many thanks that you do.
First a dance with her on her birthday, and now a knuckle-rub:. There can be no doubt, Chad, you are the apple of Neggie’s eye.
And for those in need of a tutorial on the fine art of food peering, may I refer you yo yhe blog post from 7.19.2019.
First a dance on her birthday a fortnight ago, and now a royal command for a knuckle-rub:. Chad, I think you are quite possibly the apple of someone’s eye.
For all of you who anticipated a tutorial on the fine art of food peering, may I recommend the blog post from 7.19.2019, in which our Royal Majesty goes bananas in regal splendor…
Was Foxie’s kiss a substitute for good peering? :laughing:
I love that on top of Enrichment Coordinator and Burrito’s Playmate of the Decade, you’re now also Neggie’s personal masseur! 🙂 There are so many things that would be worse, Chad.
On top of Tobin’s rec, I’ll just remind everyone of the most serious food peering I’ve seen in a while….Li’l Dora with this year’s Jubilee Waffles!
Oh! And if you haven’t seen it yet, CNN posted a short clip of Vanilla from WW going outside for the first time at Save the Chimps. The look of wonder on her face when she sees the sky for the first time, wide open over her, is something to behold!
https://youtube.com/shorts/TwWsJ4k6wuM?feature=share3
Vanilla
Absolutely beautiful and priceless. This video took my breath away. Now at last these amazing Chimpanzees are living the life they always deserved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuJTam2-zoU
The version from Save the Chimps.
I love the encouragement from the chimp who is thumping her as if to say: “come on you can do it!!”.
I hadn’t seen this version. I forwarded the one I did see to nearly my whole mailing list. So exciting! She was trembling with excitement in this one. Happy happy happy for her and others like her. Hope there are no more who still haven’t seen sky and grass and FREEDOM!