One of the most special parts of my job as a caregiver is being able to build relationships with the chimpanzees. This can be a slow process, with most of the first steps being them testing you and seeing how you react to things they do. Sometimes these things are not so pleasant for you, like poking at items you are serving, spitting at you, jumping at the caging to try to startle you, or even throwing poop. But all of that is so worth it for the friendships to come. It is incredibly rewarding when they start to let their walls down with you, and you start to get to see the chimpanzee person behind the tough exterior they first put up.
When I was first starting as a caregiver here, I admittedly struggled with “being the new guy” with the chimps more than I had expected. I had worked with many chimps as a caregiver at Chimp Haven, and had helped to welcome in many new residents to the sanctuary over my years there so working through those initial steps of relationship building was not new to me, and the hazing by the chimps was to be expected. But a big difference, which I quickly noticed, was that I was greatly missing my reliable, constant friendships that I had built over years of working with specific chimpanzee friends. I could always count on having a grooming session with Keeli, Maxi’s excitement when I showed up to train with her, and a good game of chase with Hamlet, but now I was working to build new friendships without those old ones to lean on, and remind me of all that is to come.
But thankfully, the weeks and now months have passed by quickly, and while I do still miss my old friends, I remain very excited for all of the new relationships I have and continue to build with my friends here. There is something extra special (as I mentioned in a previous blog post), about being able to have safe ways to touch and be touched by the chimpanzees that has allowed for an even greater level of trust and friendship that I have not been able to experience before.
I don’t want to spoil anything in the video for you, so you’ll have to go there to see who I got to share a few extra special moments with recently! I’m so grateful to be here, and to be able to build friendships with these very special chimpanzee people.
Bonus photos from the day:
Honey B resting in Riverview
Jamie flipping through an extra large magazine sent by a donor – it was a HUGE hit!!
Negra napping in her nest after a busy morning
I didn’t, and never would have thought, it was Negra!
You lucky duck, Ellen!
Glad that you were so careful with Neggie’s chompers…she’s gonna need them to hold out!
Oh, Jamie has been picking at her belly again…:disappointed:
That’s the first time that I can recall seeing Neggie playing tug-o’-war. It would appear that the Queen won the sheet and pillowcase, and Ellen won Negra’s friendship.
Wow you should feel special, can’t remember any caregiver reporting playing with Negra. Your patience paid off big time. Happy for both of you.
No way!! Negra! I was guessing your tug competitor was going be Jamie. How wonderful was it tugging on the big rainbow sheet with Neggie?! From my perspective it looks like a dream come true. Oh Ellen, you’re winning over the Queen herself! And another tug game today?! I’m guessing Neggie was waiting for you, her new friend. Please keep us posted on your progress. I am so jealous. 😉
I could see Jamie in the background enjoying her new large gift. What fun. Thank you to the donor for finding a new read for Jamie.
I enjoyed your blog post a lot, Ellen! Congrats on your precious friendship!:hibiscus:
The Queen herself playing a game of tug!!! I can imagine how special that was to witness first hand! I loved seeing her droopy bottom lip. Meanwhile, Jamie’s in the back perusing some light reading.
AND, we hear her laughing! With a non-chimpy person
The beginning of spring amd the delicious spring grass really has Queen Neggie feeling the love!
Oh Ellen, you’ve really hit the jackpot! Our Queen Neggie playing tug of war! Her name entered my mind but I didn’f think it was, and there there she was… I’m so happy, for you and for her.