Some chimps love to play with their human friends. Think Burrito, Cy, Terry. Others are less interested in human interaction, for different reasons.
Annie and Gordo are two of these chimps.
I don’t often get to interact with Annie. She tends to be a nervous chimp, and it seems like she is a little uncomfortable about interactions at the mesh caging. Most of my interactions with Annie have happened with a window between us. I jump at these opportunities!
Gordo likes to play chase with his human friends. But you have to be paying attention to his cues, because they are quite subtle. On this occasion, Diana had been playing with Willy B (another chimp that engages less often with caregivers) and Gordo wanted to play, too. So I attempted to entertain Gordo. Unfortunately, he wasn’t into it. I tried a few different methods, with little success. Until I tried, what I like to call, “I’m gonna get you” (one of Burrito’s favorite games!). Gordo loved it, and laughed so hard Diana could hear him throughout the building!
I hope you enjoy today’s video of me with Annie and Gordo, playing on their terms!
