First, a story. Or, rather, a continuation of a story about the budding at-a-distance relationship between Foxie and Gordo that Kelsi mentioned the other day.
Today, I was in charge of shifting on the original side of the building where Foxie’s group lives.
Volunteer Patti was on top of her game, and we were done cleaning with time to spare before lunch. Volunteer Ryan and I set up a lunch forage on Young’s Hill.
Ryan was very ambitious and climbed on top of Jamie’s lookout to put some food up there. Burrito, Missy, and Annie had a lovely picnic atop the lookout. Here’s Burrito:
As I was taking photos and watching the chimpanzees gather food, I kept hearing Foxie start to pant hoot. It seemed like odd circumstances for her to be pant-hooting, though not unprecedented. She finally did a little display and let out a loud pant-hoot, all the while still gathering food.
A few minutes later, Ryan pointed out that someone had come out onto the Bray. I’m still not used to both groups being out at the same time, since we’ve only been doing this for a few days. Foxie seemed quite aware that there was someone in the adjacent outdoor habitat.
Then I heard Grace on the other side of the building calling for Gordo. She and Patti were serving Gordo’s group inside, and Gordo had evidently disappeared before getting all of his lunch. All alone, he had climbed up on the Escher structure and was looking towards Young’s Hill. I can’t say for sure, but it’s possible he had heeded the call of his new love interest.
Now for some faces in familiar expression.
Rayne:
This is a very familiar Rayne pose, with her hand supporting her chin:
Mave:
Mave often has asymmetrically pursed lips:
Terry, looking uncharacteristically intimidating?:
Here’s his more familiar relaxed expression:
I don’t know if we’ve mentioned it before, but Terry has a bit of a tic or habit of turning his head from side to side. It’s hard for me to describe in words. Maybe you’ve seen it in previous videos of him. I happened to catch a photo of him in mid head turn:
I really enjoy knowing the chimps and their quirky mannerisms so well.
Oh, wouldn’t a little innocent romance be wonderful!
I can see a book or two coming out of these new dynamics……..:thumbsup:
Do you think you might arrange some play dates in the future? Between the groups? When you see that two of them want to connect?
Hi Paulette! It’s unlikely that we will be doing any introductions between any members of the two groups anytime soon. The group of nine are still settling in to their own larger dynamics, and Foxie was actually the most territorial of her group when we attempted the intros with Honey B, Willy B, and Mave. She is small but fierce! We are okay with Gordo and Foxie admiring each other from afar. Who knows what the distant future holds, but right now the two groups are fairly stable and we wouldn’t want to mess with things as they are currently.
Diana, have you guys ever thought of utilizing the howdy doors just for them to be able to see each other through the mesh?
Well, it doesn’t seem like that would be a good idea. Sometimes mesh dividers where chimps can touch but not really get to each other actually incites agression, and significant wounds can happen. Even if we were to put the solid but clear panel in, we have just one howdy door, so there could be nine chimps on one side and six on the other all trying to be in the same space, which could cause conflicts within their groups. It’s possible none of that would happen, but it doesn’t seem worth it since they already have good visual access to each other from multiple places now!
I see, thanks for the explanation, Diana!
Does Gordo realize that he would have an instant family of dozens of children??
:joy:
That is hilarious CarolR, I had not thought of that.
But Gordo and his box and Foxie and her dolls….perfect.
Blonds, redheads, bluegeads, purpleheads…:laughing:
To think Foxie and Gordo could be excited seeing each other is too wonderful for words. Makes the daily outings so much better, more reason to hang out and observe or show off! Talk about enrichment!! I just love it.
Thanks for the photos of sweet Rayne. Her expressions always brighten my day and makes me smile. Mave!!! Long time no see. Talk about making me smile. And handsome, kind Terry, sigh. I have not noticed his head shake, will have to look for it. I’m sure it just adds to his charm.
Terry’s headshake definitely adds to his charm. He’s brimming with charm 🙂
Having known and worked with the WW chimps, I love seeing them in their new and much improved life!! I really miss them!! However, I know they are much happier now! THANK YOU!!!
Would you be allowed and/or able to visit?
Thanks to all of you for caerying them part of the way!
Thank you for commenting, Julie! We do love connecting with those who knew the chimps and their former homes.
When you take on a woman you take on her children:grin: I guess their MAINTENANCE FREE so I don’t think He Minds…..Yes Carol R….. tons of headless and hairless children:astonished:
Tobin……! left a message on yesterday’s Blog this Morning!….. LATE…LATER……but, NEVER TO LATE to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY…I hear Neggie heard something about you being Cancer the Crab. She told me to tell you to come on over and pay her a visit:fork_and_knife::grin:
Thank you, Marie, for your message. I did indeed have the good fortune to enjoy not my favorite “things” but, rather (if from a distance) my favorite people. I am very grateful that my friend sponsored a day of sanctuary in my honor, and that I was able to see beautiful photographs of some of my friends at the Sanctuary.
As for an audience eith Her Royal Majesty, perhaps this will be the year that I finally evolve the additional 1.24 percent of genetic material which would qualify me for sharing a domicile with the Queen.
Just noticed the picture of Foxy carrying two children but I only see three legs…….Will it EVER END:face_with_monocle:
No there were 4 legs!!!!
The doll (on our) left has one in Foxies mouth, and one angled to the front….she is a gymnast practicing het split….
Well….that was wishfull thinking on my part.
After thorough inspection I think you are right about one leg being chopped of!!!
OUCH.
Oh, those kids are VERY high maintenance! They’re constantly getting into perilous situations, and in need of “rescue” :sweat_smile:
The thought of a possible romance is so exciting. I also had to laugh thinking about the many step children Gordo would end up with, I hope he’s up to the task! Thanks for the wonderful pictures.
Hmm, there is definitely a little something in the air with Gordo , especially with him leaving some of his lunch foods? Was that Foxie holding those flowers, I wonder. You have done a fantastic job with bringing the two groups together. Thankyou for keeping us all in the picture, and making us feel part of something wonderful.
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who doesnt love a budding romance!!!! I love how these new dynamics are opening up new experiences for all involved!!! Terry is one handsome sweet fella!!!