It’s not everyday that we see Lucky engaging in a long play session with one of her group mates, but yesterday was one of those days! We were wrapping up the first round of cleaning on that side and stumbled onto a very sweet play session between Lucky and Willy B, with Cy and Rayne close by.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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OMG, that has to be the sweetest play session I’ve seen. Some very tender touching was taking place. Thanks Grace for catching and videoing it.
Wow, her play style is unique, Grace! Is this how she plays with everyone (when she does play)?
Her arms are stiff, she’s not making eye contact, not intiating (other than turning her back and leaning into him), no laughter that I could hear or see, and very little play face, and when there is, it’s not a typical play face. Definitely a hard read. Had you not told us, I might have thought she was merely tolerating it, and Rayne was breaking it up for some relief. Lucky is enigmatic.
I’m happy seeing Willy B happy. I hope he’s settling in with Cy and the girls. It seems very sweet of Lucky to play with Willy B. She’s a good friend. Like Linda pointed out, at times Lucky seemed uncomfortable (for lack of better word). Especially after she turned her back to him. Lucky wrangled away from Willy B and when she did she did this little session of scratching her face that seemed as if the gestures were expressing something in “chimp speak”. But Willy B was playing so sweetly with Lucky I was wondering if Lucky was simply feeling uneasy because she understands Willy B can be mercurial at times.
Saturday is Willy B’s 34th birthday!! Hope he has a festive celebration with his new small group. And I hope this year brings him endless new opportunities and wonderful new experiences.