I know I have mentioned this many times, but being able to witness Mave and Dora’s group grow into this integrated family that has provided them more social opportunities and friendships, plus the ability to work through interpersonal relationships has absolutely been one of the highlights of my career! It is really easy to forget how stressful the introduction process was, especially since they have grown so much and worked so hard to become this group of nine! However, I can still remember the feelings of uncertainty and stress about whether the integration would actually work. It almost feels silly to think about about how stressed we all were. I just remember thinking that Mave, Willy B, and Honey B needed more friends, especially the social butterfly Mave. That was the motivation- more friends and more opportunities.
Now a year and some months later, Dora’s group is flourishing! As predicted, eventually, Mave loved making new friends and Willy B finally has some male friends to hangout with. But the real surprise, the real social butterfly is Honey B. Honey B always seems to be in the middle of a grooming train, mall walking with friends, or playing with a friend like Dora! It goes to show that in sanctuary providing more opportunities and choices really does make their lives all the better.
Bonus photos!
Jenna took this photo and was kind enough to share it with me! A sweet photo Honey B, Mave, and Dora all nesting together:
Recently, Negra has been keeping a doll in her pelvic pocket:
Jamie in the portrait studio:
Foxie right next to Jamie:
Foxie rubbing her toes together:
What could be more comforting than having an opportunity to nest with your friends. That is a testament to the excellent patience and care provided to the Chimps at the sanctuary and to their inner calmness and need for friendship with one another. Win/win for all.
How Precious …Sweet Neggie now has company in bed:relieved:……. sooooo Happy to see her getting out more with her Friends……and nothing says Sweet Dreams more than resting with a Baby in your Pelvic Pocket:hugging:
What a mess of hands and feet! They were having so much fun, it looks like they missed a bowl of popcorn going by!
Mave in the beginning seemed a bit like interrupting Annie, not thrilled that someone was playing with “her” Dora. Glad that Honey B is getting into the mix more often now.
And that second pic of Ms Foxie.. :heartpulse:
I enjoyed the sights and sounds of the video. Seems like Dora had a need to be tickled; she sure had the giggles! And , as a coda, it was lovely to hear Willy B clack away while attending to Cy’s grooming regimen.
And, as always, Foxie, Jamie and Neggie are so photogenic.
Your concerns-worries-fears were warranted. After your first integration with The Seven and Willy B, Mave, and Honey B unfortunately ending with poor Burrito’s injury, how could not have been on pins and needles this time around? The Nine became a group of nine because of all your experience, patience, thoughtfulness, determination, and hard work. I can only imagine how good it must feel for you to see all nine thriving while expanding their comfort zones.
“Mora B” are three funny friends. I am so happy they have each other, and they really enjoy each other. I guess the Bray can wait. Right now these three girls are having such fun together, why rock the boat? And who knows where tomorrow will take them….
Oh, and wonderful photos of these fabulous ladies. Beautiful!
“Mora B” 🙂
Mave+Dora=Mora
Mora + Honey B= Mora B
apologies.your smiley emoji came off as a question mark
Oh, Kathleen, you’re so creative — “Mora B” — I just LOVE that!! It’s so perfect for their threesome! Thank you!
What fun it is to watch the “Mora B” group (a la Kathleen!) play and interact so enjoyably together. Love that panting! It appears Mave may have a scratch on her upper left thigh, maybe? I also love the other pics, esp of Jamie. What an old soul she has! And Neggie’s pelvic pocket is perfect for a troll baby, of course.