When I was on my way to work this morning, I promised myself that I would do something different for the blog. The last few weeks I’ve posted videos of various chimps playing on my blog days, and I felt the need to branch out a bit… Of course, these plans came crashing down after just about an hour in the chimp house. 🙂
Lizz and I were cleaning the playroom on Jamie’s side this morning and, usually, when we’re done cleaning and start setting the room up for the chimps they come into the front rooms to watch. Something about Front Room One must lend itself to play, because most days we can find at least two chimps in there playing while we finish up. It’s actually one of my favorite things about cleaning on the original side of the building- there’s nothing better than hearing loud, happy, breathy pants while you’re putting out the forage, toys, and clean blankets. It reminds me of Front Room 7 on Cy’s side- one of the top hang outs for the individuals in that group. Front rooms, man- they’re just the best!
Today was no different, except the whole room was full of chimps. Burrito and Negra in one corner, Annie and Missy in the other, and Foxie bouncing back and forth. I got my phone out to record and, as it kept going, I knew it would be my blog for the day. But, can you blame me?! The moments we catch of the chimps playing or grooming together are precious. Whether it’s building new friendships or reaffirming relationships that they’ve had for years, seeing them happy is contagious.
Over the weekend I was thinking a lot about how many sweet moments of play and grooming we’ve seen lately and it hit me that it hasn’t been even three months since we lost our dear Jody. The time has gone fast, as it does with 15 chimps and 4 cows keeping you busy, but that grief is still very much a part of every day life. For both the humans and the chimps, it has been a time of challenging changes as we get used to a new normal. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me the moments of pure happiness between the chimps (or shared with a caregiver) during the day have helped me work through the heavy moments of grief.
Maybe that’s why these moments have caught my attention so much recently- because love is what gets us through. Or perhaps it’s just because they’re truly special and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to witness them and share them with you. Or, maybe, it’s all of the above.
Bonus Photos
Foxie:
  
Willy B:
Nutmeg and Friends:
oh that whole video is just so happy! But I have to say, at 19 seconds, burrito just filled me with so much joy. That playface!!
I just want to add… To all of the supporters here, we did that. We did that. None of that joy would be possible without the support of all of you kind and wonderful people. Thank you. Know that every dime you give ends up in those beautiful play faces.
I agree, Paulette! Thanks for this heartfelt reminder of the “village” it takes to create the wonderful place and all the possibilities for the chimps and bovines. I’m so grateful for this community and all its supporters who make it possible.
Great photo of Willy B. He looks like a pinup boy.
Speaking of Jody, can you tell us what was revealed on her necropsy?
Hi, Chris. The necropsy showed myocardial fibrosis, which did not contribute to her death. J.B. shared her MRI results in this blog here:https://chimpsnw.org/2023/05/saying-goodbye/
Beautiful and joyous post, Grace. Thank you!
Grace it’s just wonderful to see the chimps and bovine enjoying their lives at the sanctuary so don’t worry about always having something different in the blog. Appreciate all your hard work and dedication, thank you.
Those kids are having way too much fun!!
Friends will start any day the right way!
Gosh, I remember when the ladies would avoid Bubba in the mornings. And now he’s playing so gently with Neggie- I love it!
Oh, and is there something up with that Hunk from summer pasture, Nutmeg? Maybe you’ve covered it, but I missed it?
Nope, he is healthy as can be! The angle of my photo is a little funky. 🙂
That’s good to hear! Thanks, Grace!
Happiness is contagious, oh that’s so true Grace! The laughter and silliness between Burrito and Negra playing together…super contagious! Burrito is so sweet with her at times. And it’s been a while since I’ve seen Missy and Annie being so silly together. “Mora B” melt into each other! They appear to be inseparable! So funny. Your video and photos brightened my rainy day!
Grief. Jody. I heave a heavy sigh for all of you. I am sure, looking back over these past three months without Jody, it feels as if time is frozen without her while at the same time so much is going on and changing and it’s all happening too fast. As the author John Irving wrote “sorrow floats”. Grief remains. But, with time, it all softens and finds a place within you that slowly turns into memories of gratitude for the time you spent together and the relationship you shared. Seeing Jody’s family being so silly is honestly very uplifting to see. All that laughter has to help them heal too.
So beautifully said, Kathleen, and so heartfelt! I agree with everything you’ve expressed, including the lovely idea of grief “softening”. What a wonderful transition you’ve described. I’ve never thought of it that way. Also, there’s nothing like a bouncing butt in the air to provide a sense of true delight!
Hi Grace this video is so full of joy. So happy that you were able to film this and share it with all of us. And the beautiful bonus pictures too!!! Thank you.
Negra seems to be playing more these days?? I never tire of seeing Burrito playing so gently with her….a most unexpected friendship. I think the collective noun for chimpy people should be “a tangle of chimpanzees” as you can’t tell where one starts and another finishes! Farmer Jo with her treasure trove of forage is my permanent wallpaper now, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her.
It’s really nice to see how much extra time Negra has been spending with Burrito with Jody gone.