Earlier in the summer, J.B. and I fixed up the irrigation and soil for the old garden beds that are now near the chute. I, a little late in the season, pretty much randomly threw some seeds in the ground. Not much has grown, with the major exception of some sunflowers. One sunflower in particular has shot up exponentially compared to the others, grown a thick stem, and is going to bloom soon.
It’s so interesting to me that among all the seeds, it was just that one who not just survived, but seemed to find the perfect conditions to thrive.
I’m not a very good gardener, or at least not a very ordered and meticulous one, as you can tell from this story, but I love to see plants thrive. Just like I love to see the chimpanzees and the bovines, and the humans too, thrive at the sanctuary. We don’t always know the exact ingredients and conditions that each individual will respond to, so there’s a lot of trying and observing, taking note, and doing more of the things that produce happiness, joy, contentment, relaxation, and interest. There’s no one formula that works for everyone.
Missy, for example, doesn’t need a lot of human attention. Her physical environment is important. She needs space to run, things to climb on, and puzzles that she has to solve.
When she does seek out human attention, like today, it is pretty rewarding for the human. Today that human was me. I’m pretty sure Missy is quite aware that I love her toes. Whenever she’s in the mood to hang out, at some point she will put her toes out for me to touch. It’s the best.
She also puts her back against the caging so I can give her a little knuckle rub massage. This is my view when she does that:
One bonus photo that shows her face. At dinner, Anthony cut up some romaine lettuce, much to the delight of every single chimpanzee in the house. Here’s Missy enjoying hers, with Annie lurking behind:
We are trying to put together all of the ingredients to make our HOOT! event thrive for all of you (too much of a stretch)? Don’t forget to get your tickets!
This is a nice post to read and look at, Diana. While Missy has her dermatology and podiatry practices to attend to (in addition to her Chimpolympian pursuits), I’m sure that regards you highly enough to permit you to knuckle-rub a hard-to-reach area of her spine.
Next task on your list:. get Anthony to stay awhile at the Sanctuary…Honey B has discovered new uses for garden hoses which she can demonstrate for him…
Wait Missy let’s you rub her toes and Anthony cut up the lettuce. What a day. And a shout out to the surviving sunflower.
will the sunflower be ready in time for Annie’s birthday?
Hey, Anthony!?
That was supposed to be a wave :ocean:
Diana, you may not see yourself as a gardener, but you have clearly mastered the right conditions to allow the chimpanzees to grow and thrive, each in their own individual ways. That’s a rare gift.
Missy! I appreciate seeing Missy’s back rub from your perspective. That may become my new favorite photo. What I would give to have Missy’s trust and friendship and to be able to be close enough to knuckle rub her floofy back through the caging. Anyone can water a sunflower, but being accepted by Missy (of all the chimps!), so much so she gives you her back, that’s special.
Thanks, Anthony, for making everyone happy with lettuce!
I love Missy’s stubby toes, too
Did I miss something? Is Anthony going somewhere?
Yes, Anthony had a careermove a while ago, but still workes at the sanctuary as a volunteer.
Lovely post and photos!
I tried to book a virtual Hoot ticket to join from here in the UK, but the only country options to register a credit card are US and Canada and you have to pick from a drop-down list of states or provinces. No worries of too complicated to change though, look forward to hearing about it on the blog.
Diana, What a great read. It is easy to see why you love and respect Missy and why Missy reciprocates her feelings back to you. What a beautiful friendship.