Let us give Ellen one more round of applause for her amazing Olympics inspired blog! It has given us ideas for many more!
Okay, I thought I might share a nice moment with our friend Gordo, I was lucky enough to have Ellen be able to capture the moment so I could share it with you all, otherwise you might not have believed me when I tell you all about it. Last weekend we put out a ton of paper, no like, a TON specifically in front room 7 for Cy’s side! Jerrol’s spoils us so much, not only do we have an amazing partnership with them but they have a lot of packaging paper, which they so kindly collect for us! We use paper for a lot of enrichment, but also we like to give it out as an option for nesting material as well. As I said we put most of the paper in front room 7, a place the chimps like to gather because they can see into the foyer and check up on what we are doing. However, one front room is a tight space for a group of 9. Sometimes if the space gets crowded it can make other individuals nervous. But something in the paper made everyone get the silly-es, including Gordo! It started off as Lucky and I grooming while caregiver Ellen interacted with Terry! I noticed Lucky’s nail was a little jagged, so I asked if she would wait until I got a nail file. Once I had multiple files in hand because, you know, you never know if you will need more with chimps. Lucky and I spent our time grooming each other and she enjoyed me filing her nails. Later, Lucky was getting silly and I start to play poke her with a nail file and then eventually a bamboo stick. Lucky thought this was so fun! But none of us could have guessed what happen next. Gordo came in to front room 7 on a mission, a mission to be poked! I spent 10 minutes playing with Gordo!
We often play chase with Gordo and can get him to play a silly game from time to time. But this play session was something I have not quite experienced! He wanted to be poked, shake his head, invite Dora to play while I play with him, he was laughing, and a little wild! Gordo is know for spitting while playing, while this may not be desired I like to think of it has a high honor because you are part of the play, especially with Gordo. It seems to bring him joy and that is what we are here for! You may see in the video that I do keep trying to play with Lucky because we got abruptly interrupted by Gordo, but I also couldn’t miss the opportunity! You may also see several other chimps join in the paper fun! Something was in the paper and it was something amazing to witness! So thank you Gordo for letting me be apart of that!
Don’t forget, today is the last day for Christmas in July! Thank you to everyone who has participated! Our chimp house is so full of supply the sanctuary needs such as: enrichment, medicines, and other necessities! So please, if you haven’t already check out our Christmas in July drive and help empty our wish lists!
What fun! wish I could do that!
Gordo playing with care givers, Willy B walking on grass – what’s next? Maybe Dora venturing out of the chute?
What absolute, delightful, FUN! Makes me wish he could be hugged after that. But he clearly feels the love.
Was he holding a piece of broccoli the whole time, too? Hilarious! :?-?D
Well, yeah, bc …Mave! :laughing:
So much for Lucky’s relaxing spa session! I thought Beezus was going to join in for a second there, and that Lucky was contemplating a ride on the blanket car! (Does she ever use paper like the blanket, Kelsi?)
How delightful is right, glad you found a game for our quiet and reserved guy. Just call the game hold the broccoli challenge.
Oh my gosh Gordo got downright goofy!!! Look at that guy! I cracked up at how he held on to his broccoli the whole time.
Lucky was a good sport about sharing the spotlight, too!
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anaïs Nin
THAT was hysterical! Gordo let his Goofy Flag fly!!! He’s ready for the Olympic men’s relay, he wasn’t going to drop that broccoli!! You both were having so much fun. Thank you so much, Ellen, for preserving that special moment for posterity!
Kelsi, I was touched by your insight on appreciating a good spit from Gordo. Yes, it is a high honor of acceptance or so it seems to me. It’s chimp speak and Gordo’s way of being silly. Aren’t you fortunate to be on the receiving end?!