What an interesting day!
We began early this morning with a quick follow-up exam on Willy B. A couple of weeks ago, Willy was treated in the clinic for swelling in his scrotum and given an echocardiogram. His echo showed some minor cardiac concerns and Dr. Erin is now working with the chimps’ cardiologist, Dr. Nelson, to formulate a long-term plan. The swelling was the result of a hydrocele, which was treated at the time with aspiration and sclerotherapy. This morning, Dr. Erin conducted a quick follow up to ensure that Willy was responding to the treatment appropriately. Most of the procedures we do take place in the clinic with the chimps on gas anesthesia but for brief, minimally-invasive exams, like this morning’s ultrasound, we will sometimes do them inside one of the front rooms so that the chimps can be more lightly anesthetized and get back to their routines more quickly. Thankfully, Willy B passed his follow-up exam and recovered promptly after the anesthetic was reversed. He is, however, demanding that his medications be administered inside cinnamon rolls. It’s amazing what they can get away with after a procedure when they realize how badly we need them to take their meds! Enjoy it while it lasts, buddy.
While Willy B was being examined, his group was involved in a soap opera with a scandalous sexually-themed plot line. Prior to the integration of the two Waystation groups, Terry would regularly copulate with Dora—especially around meal times. After the integration, when Mave discovered that her purpose in life was to protect her new best friend Dora, she put an end to those shenanigans (in what has become known around these parts as Mave’s Feminist Uprising). Well today, Terry though it was time to test the waters again. Sure enough, when Mave caught sight of Terry in action, she screamed at him. This time, however, Terry ran straight at Mave and thumped her on the back. Screaming and chasing naturally ensued. Upon hearing the commotion, Willy B even tried his best to return to consciousness so he could get in on the action…to no avail, of course. In the end, did Mave reassert herself as Dora’s ultimate protector or did Terry show Mave that he would no longer be bossed around? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode.
Later in the morning we had a visit from Friends of JACK Primate Sanctuary, a U.S. partner to JACK Primate Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to share enrichment ideas and then held parties for each of our chimpanzee families in honor of Ryan Young, as shown in the video above. Many thanks again to Karen and Don for funding Ryan’s Lookout and sponsoring this special day. Chad placed a number of watermelon bowls on Ryan’s Lookout with the hope that several chimps would be able to enjoy them…but Rayne got to all of them first.
“You snooze, you lose.”
-Rayne
Thanks, JB. Glad Willy B is recovering in style!
I saw that Missy got her bowl from the termite mound and Foxie from the platform, as per usual. But Annie got the closest one and Burrito the one in Negra’s cabin. Was Neggie able to find one, being the last of the bunch to go out the door? Or did she have to resort to begging again?
Foxie’s day coming up! I hope the summer’s watermelon bowls haven’t left her jaded! How can Chad top watermelon bowls!?
Well, there goes Terry’s political career…(then again, maybe not)…
thank Don and Karen. so sorry for your loss. what a beautiful lookout fo the chimpanzees.
many thanks to Dr Erin & Dr Nelson.
God-bless all.
What a wonderful tribute to your precious son….giving such excitement and happiness to our much loved chimpy people. You are truly special to do something that Ryan would have loved, and this video must warm your hearts to know that.
So it’s Chad that risks life and limb to place those watermelon bowls in such precarious places! I’m so glad that Willy B got to have his own party and is doing well. Their intelligence never fails to amaze me, and he deserves every cinnamon bun he can get for being so smart.
What a beautiful tribute to honor Ryan! The party and the Lookout make the Chimps so happy.
So relieved to know that Willy B is doing well and enjoyed his own watermelon bowl.
Hugs to all:)
What a day you’re having! Celebrations galore and what marvellous news that Willy B is on the mend thanks to the TLC from staff and his medics. I screamed laughing at the “amorous antics” of Terry with Dora and fiesty Mave intervening! That sure didn’t seem to dampen Terry’s ardour. Never a dull moment. Have a fantastic time and have fun on this very special day at Ryan’s Party.
So glad Willy B is doing so well! They sure do love their watermelon. I hope it’s as good as what we’re getting over here in Florida right now.
Finally getting around to watching the video. What excitement! Watermelon bowls will do that!! Whew, I am so happy to hear Willy B will be alright. Who wouldn’t be after eating cinnamon buns.
Delightful seeing the crew on Ryan’s Tower, especially today, each meditating on their own private platform. And on the other side, Annie’s greeting to Burrito and Negra’s kiss were very heartwarming. Loved seeing beautiful Missy up close. A perfect ending.
Looking forward to Foxie’s birthday bash!! What a busy month…
Glad Willy B is doing well and that Mave is such a fierce friend!!! Looking forward to the sequel!