For caregivers, there are many different types of distractions in the chimp house! Often when cleaning, Foxie will ask you to play troll toss, or Willy B would like you to stop cleaning so he can look at videos on your phone, or Cy wants to play chase, and of course there is the possibility of perimeter walks of Young’s Hill with Jamie. Often the best distraction is when the chimps are playing with one another. We always stop cleaning for a moment to observe. For example, Burrito is often the best at getting his group members to play with him, even if they didn’t think they were in the mood. Burrito is so good at distracting, he can even get Jamie to be off-duty!
Of course there are other types of distraction that aren’t as fun, like when a caregiver is trying to write a blog and there is endless displaying on Willy B’s side of the building which turns into a fight that required us caregivers to respond to. For Burrito’s group, that same fight on the other side of the building, turned into watching their favorite reality TV show: Mave on the Bray. That is right, MAVE was on the Bray today! Although, the reason Mave was on the Bray may have been because all nine chimps went outside screaming and gave caregiver Kelsi and Jenna a bit of a scare, but Mave, Dora, and Honey B looked good out there! When Mave returned, Honey B gave her a big hug and Dora also fully embraced her. However, terrifying as it was, it was spectacular to see everyone out there. It was the first time the entire group were on The Bray. I am not sure when Mave or Dora will go back out, hopefully soon but maybe under different circumstances. Miss Honey B, on the other hand, may only go out when she is screaming at people (that seems to be her personal pattern so far). More updates to come if Mave, Dora, and Honey B continue to go out on The Bray!
I had more content I wanted to add to this blog, but naturally I got distracted ;).
Mave on the Bray:
Jamie:
Jamie and her book:
Burrito:
Negra and Burrito foraging in Neggie’s Cabin:
Negra :):
Marie says
What! No Video on this Spectacular Occasion :astonished:Oh ….what a Sight that must have been
Eileen Hennessy says
Wow, the three shut-ins finally ventured outside! This is huge! I’d love to see video of this historic event!. I hope they make the most of their newfound freedom before winter sets in! Welcome to the great wide open Mave, Honey B and Dora!
Marie says
:laughing:
Linda C says
Kelsi, It doesn’t just look like she went out onto the Bray, it looks like she climbed the structure and sat there for a few minutes! Is that correct? ?!
Marie says
I was thinking maybe that was Cy…. I thought Mave was part of the group Walking Yonder:face_with_monocle:
Marie says
If that is Mave…. She’s one Hell of a Big- Boned Girl:grin:
Vida Lohnes says
Kelsi, you’ve helped me before. I missed “Hoot”—a long story. But last time I ordered a calendar for the current year, which I love, and had hoped to order another. I tried to go to the website :”Store” but didn’t find any calendars. Can you give a suggestion? ([email protected])
Vida Lohnes, Rhododendron, OR
a huge Blog fan
Marya says
Ohhhh! I’m so thrilled to learn that “Mora” and Honey B went out onto the Bray today! I know it is their choice always, but I must admit I’m so happy they’ve made the leap and have enough good weather time remaining that they can have more outdoor adventures before winter. What a step forward! Thanks for sharing this good news!
Gaynell says
What a day on the Bray, hip hip hooray.
Marie says
:kissing_heart:I DON’T think it’s possible for Neggie to Ever take a bad picture:heartpulse:What a Tenderoni! I could just Kiss You to no End:grin:
Kathleen says
I think I have it all figured out. Willy B keeps acting up in the hopes Mave, Honey B, and Dora will charge outside after him, and today, finally, it worked! Well done Willy B. What a surprise it must have been for all of you to see three new chimps out on the Bray.
And what goofball session between Burrito and Jamie. It’s really wonderful that Burrito’s silliness is so contagious, so much so that even Jamie can’t resist. (I love the photos of Jamie holding her worn beloved book!)
Eli says
Going back and reading the earlier blogs, it’s really amazing how far Buubba has come. It really seems like he struggled socially and definitely didn’t seem to get along very well with Jamie. Look at them now! Playing and roughousing and patrolling together! It’s just such a beautiful thing to see.
I am also glad to hear that Dora, Mave, and Honey B ventured outside! I hope eventually their confidence builds to a point where they feel comfortable going out as they please.
Of course, Neggie always takes a great photo. She’s got the best facial expressions.
Linda C says
Jamie tolerates him much more since … the resulring operation after the Fight of the Failed Integration
Eli says
Yeah, I can imagine that all that testosterone didn’t help much. I think he seems to have gotten more comfortable socially, too. At least from reading the blogs.
Deanna says
whoopie!!! you go girls!!! super exciting!!! hopefully they will see how awesome it is and nothing to be afraid of!!!