If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that all chimp personalities are different. Each chimp has their own unique quirks, traits, and histories that have no doubt played a role in who they are today. One of the greatest joys for me, as a caregiver here, is having the opportunity to get to know each of them on their own terms.
Life in the chimp house is a busy one and a lot of our days are taken up with cleaning, enrichment / food prep, and other important tasks that have to get done every day and usually by a certain time. In between the tasks of the day, we try and find moments to hang out with the chimps- if they want to see us, that is. Sometimes, we have everything done early and have a good amount of time in the afternoon to hang out with the chimps, but they’re not feeling it and would rather hang out with each other or nap (fair). Sometimes, we have to make the tough choice of balancing time with a chimp that’s asking for attention vs. catching up on the long list of tasks. Most of the time, though, it all works out to where we are able to get everything done and make ourselves available for the chimps.
These moments, I think, are where we really get to know each other. Trust and mutual understandings can be built and solidified through serving meals and little interactions throughout the day, but I think when we set aside everything we have going on and are totally present with a chimp friend is when we get to know them and they get to know us.
Willy B, as mentioned throughout a variety of our blogs, does seem to have some anxiety that can make it tough for him to interact or engage with both other chimps and the humans. He’s really grown as a person in the last few years as his group was integrated with Cy’s group and it’s been so wonderful to see him forming bonds with the other chimps in his group, who seem to have a high level of patience for the often-awkward guy who enjoys causing intermittent chaos throughout the day.
Up until recently, most of my interactions with Willy B have been him asking to look at photos / videos on my phone, which is totally fine. The last few weeks, though, he has seemed more interactive.Yesterday we finished cleaning in the morning and the task list was looking good, so I changed out of my scrubs to head out for office time. I went in to say goodbye and immediately Willy B initiated a game of play! It was the longest I’ve ever experienced with him and I couldn’t get myself to walk away, until he signaled to me that he was wrapped up with it too.
He can be aloof and hard to read, but he can also be so funny and sweet. He’s a complex guy and it’s such a special moment when he initiates spending time together!
Willy B, also affectionately known as William, Wilbert, Willard, and / or Sir William:
Bonus Photo:
The drive to work in the winter can be treacherous, but boy is it a ‘beaut!
