One of the best things about working here with the chimpanzees is that you are always excited to see them in the morning when you get to the Chimp House and if you’re lucky the chimps are equally thrilled to see you. When the mornings are quiet, it is so enriching for us and the chimps to have a quick grooming session or a game of chase to get the day started.
One of the more challenging aspects comes when one of us gets sick. I recently had my first experience with Covid-19, so I was out of work for over a week and I was finally able to return a few days ago. This is challenging for most caregivers because we definitely feel some amount of sadness over not being able to be a part of the chimps daily lives when we’re sick. I know for me personally, I miss them when I’m away for more than a few days and I find myself wondering what they’re doing a lot during my day.
While we can’t know if the chimps think of us or wonder where we are, we do get some indications that we’ve been missed when we come back and are greeted with very exuberant pant hoots and invitations to groom and/or play.
A memorable instance of this occurred when J.B. took a vacation last year. After a week-long absence, he came by to visit the chimp house when he returned, only to be spotted immediately by Jamie from Young’s Hill. Jamie, in her excitement let out an enthusiastic vocalization, that I imagine must have been just for J.B., and the whole group came out very excitedly to see him and take him on a walk around the Hill.
Also, Honey B is home with her group after her recent separation for an injury near her eye! More on her homecoming in an upcoming blog!
Sabrina, I hope you are feeling better! I also had my first, and hopefully only, bout of COVID this past week. I also hope you weathered your illness as quickly and easily as I did. I’m sure at least some of the chimps missed you and I love what you shared about J.B. and Jamie.
Sabrina, thanks for the update on Honey B. I hope she continues to do well. And, you too! Don’t overdo it in your Covid recovery. Yes, it is so nice to be welcomed back somewhere you know you’ve been missed.
Negra remonds us to cherish the little things!
Like peanuts! 😉
Welcome back to Sabrina and Honey B!
Glad to know you have recovered from your covid bout ( I have just recovered from mine despite covid vaccinations!). That demon is still around.Sabrina, you must have one of the best jobs in the world ‘up close’ with the beloved sanctuary residents and it’s no surprise that Jamie greeted J B so enthusiastically on his return. Jamie missed his human buddy. Thankyou.for sharing the photos and for the update on Honey B and her pals.
So sorry, Sabrina, I meant to say that Jamie missed Her human buddy not “his”.
Sorry to hear you were ill but glad you’re back enjoying the company of the chimps. Thanks for the great pics too.
I’m glad you’re better and I want to Know the Culprit that scarred Neggie’s Head:tired_face:They got a Lot of Nerve Messing with the Queen…stay under the covers Sweetie :kissing_heart:
I think it’s so sweet you miss and think about the chimps when you are away from work. I bet most people would recover quicker if they had 15 chimpanzees and 4 cattle waiting for their return. (Happy to hear you recuperated from Covid quickly!) Wish you had filmed your return. Must be nice to know how much they appreciate you. And I can only imagine how exciting it was for Jamie to see the return of her longtime friend J.B. — and for J.B., how incredible did it feel to hear and see Jamie’s response?!
And speaking of excitement over seeing a dear friend….there’s Negra! I bet that moment wasn’t quiet. Her carrot crunching must have been wonderful to hear. (Was Neggie in a scuffle?! I see a scar in the middle of her forehead?)
And wait, there’s another friend I am happy to see. Welcome back to your family Honey B!!! How exciting was that moment?! Can’t wait to hear and see more.
I can imagine how incredible it must be to be greeted by the chimpanzees after an absence.
I’m glad to see that Honey B is back to causing mischief with her group. And, of course, the photo series of Neggie eating her carrot made my day.
It’s so sweet to hear how excited Jamie was to see J.B. when he returned. Speaking of returning, I am so happy that Honey B is back with the group. I wonder how long it will be before she thinks of some trouble she can get into.
Thanks for the pictures of Neggie, and I’m glad you are feeling better..
So glad Honey B is making a great recovery. :slight_smile: