I have to admit I was starting to wonder how this was going to work.
After unloading George’s crate and transferring him into the building, I really didn’t see much of him due to our strict quarantine procedures, which made it difficult to pop in and out to say hi while still getting other things done. But when I did see him, he would scream bloody murder and seek reassurance from another person in the room. My presence was exciting, to say the least. How would I be a part of his caregiving team if he was going to be so unsettled by my presence?
It makes more sense now that we’ve been told that he would often react that way to tall men.
Thankfully George has realized that, despite my height, I’m not very intimidating. And today he decided that he would officially consider me an honorary shorter person. It feels good to be pals with George.
Transitions like this are hard for chimpanzees but George is making great strides. From my perspective, it’s like I’m getting to meet a new George every day. He’s funny, confident, and playful. He’s a very gentle groomer. And his food puzzle skills are…going to need some work. But we’ve got plenty of time for that.
