A few years ago, when we were embarking upon introducing Honey B, Willy B, and Mave to the Lucky Six, Anthony (who is no longer a staff member but was coincidentally here today as a volunteer, meeting George for the first time) wrote a thoughtful blog post about the complications of introductions.
Because we are planning on introducing George to members of the Lucky Six in the coming weeks, it seemed like a good time to share Anthony’s blog post again, which you can read here.
I also thought it was important to set some expectations about how we may or may not be sharing the details of these introductions.
Introductions can be a challenge for staff and chimpanzee alike. We don’t want you to expect to be kept apprised of every pair-wise introduction that George is involved in as we embark on this process. For sure, we will share – it’s in our nature to do so and this blog certainly has gotten us in the habit of providing daily information.
In order to honor this process and George’s in-limbo status (no animal welfare charges have yet been brought against George’s former owner), we will be less synchronous with our updates, and trust that you will appreciate how taxing the introduction process can be. We will of course share updates in time!
Thanks, Diana
We know you’ll show us what you can and will try to be patient.
Funny you mention Anthony, I was getting ready to send the chimps and staff sone things, and I was remembering him.
Thanks for sharing Diana,
First and most important are the Chimps and what they need,
I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for George to find some friends.
I know you’ll give us the details when you can.
Thank you :revolving_hearts:
Good luck George and Team Cle Elum! Sending good thoughts and prayers for smooth introductions to his new family. Thanks for all that you do for those beautiful souls, sending lots of love,
Caroline
Thanks for the update on introductions as well as the link to Anthony’s past post. I had to double check the date on that post (August 2021!). In some ways I feel as if the introductions occurred yesterday and at other times it feels like ages ago. Anthony’s post reiterates the resilience chimpanzees have.
I hope that George, oozing testosterone at twenty one years old, will allow his adorable sweet boyish charm to win over his new group mates. I’m very curious to discover how this one lone chimp finds his place in his new home. If George only knew how many people are cheering him on. And we’re cheering on all of you too!
Thank you, Diana, for setting the sttage for we, the onlokers, in this introduction ptocess. We are probably as excited for George as we are for the Lucky Six. We woll observe closely what you share and try not to be a set of anxious grsndmas throwing out suggestions on the care of a new baby. Team CSNW has the ecpertise. You are the actors in this drama. We are the audience. We all hope for a happy ending for the star of the show.
Why was the decision made to integrate George with Cy’s group? I’m guessing either his age or Jamie maybe not allowing it. Also, I noticed Grace wasn’t listed when you were honoring the caregivers. Has she left CSNW? I love that Anthony still comes by to volunteer.
Cindee – the thought is that Cy’s group have proved themselves to be welcoming to newcomers and George could use some good social role models because he hasn’t been in a group of chimpanzees before. Grace is also now a volunteer. She and her family moved from Washington but is still close enough to volunteer once in a while!
Thanks for clarifying, Diana. I’m glad Grace isn’t completely gone. I don’t think anyone can leave CSNW and not want to come back.
Thank you for all you do. 7
Thank you Diana for your side of the story. I totally understand.
Of course I would LOVE to follow all introductions as they happen, but I can see that you need time and space for the best results.
Looking forward to news when the time is ripe.
I wish you wisdom and patients and I send Lots of love to all!
Thank you all for understanding and for your well wishes! It helps to know that you all are cheering George and everyone else on at a distance ?
I appreciate that the staff will be focused on all that must be done to integrate – particularly since George will be in uncharted territory and there is no way to know how he will respond, and how the others will respond to him. We will await the occasional updates and the eventual outcome with tons of good thoughts and hopes for success, knowing there will be hiccups on the road to George’s future family situation. i loved re’reading Anthony’s integration post – thank you for the link Diana. I miss Anthony’s insightful and thorough posts. It’s great to know that Anthony and Grace still come to visit their friends, and the humans too. 🙂 as well as bovines and feline. Thank you all for all you do.