We have several human-oriented chimpanzee residents. These are the type of chimps that yearn for human attention for play, grooming, or just quiet time (ex: Burrito, Terry, Cy). The human-oriented chimps are very easy to become friends with because they’re not picky, they just want love and attention from you. These three boys: Burrito, Terry, and Cy, are also the most interested in volunteers or visitors as well. They want to check each and every person out and spend time with them.
On the contrary, we also have chimpanzee residents who do not crave human attention (ex: Missy, Annie, Gordo, Mave, Dora, etc). Gordo specifically, will avoid eye contact with humans, as much as possible. He typically doesn’t want us to acknowledge him unless we need him for something specific (e.g. meal time, gum, etc). However, he will breathy pant with us during exciting occasions (such as a party day) or seek reassurance (when a scary train goes by). Every so often, Gordo will glance at his caregivers quickly while scratching his arms, legs, and torso. If the caregiver picks up on these cues, the game of chase has been accepted. Seconds later, Gordo will start running, expecting you to chase after him.
Another thing about Gordo is that he typically doesn’t build elaborate nests. He will nest with some random pieces of paper or a nearby firehose, but he is not interested in nesting with blankets. The other day I caught him nesting downstairs in the Playroom with paper, boxes, and toys. He does not often nest before bedtime so I captured the occasion on camera! Which, as you will see, ended in a fun game of chase!
Gordo doesn’t need our attention often, but it sure is fun when he wants it!
Who was that in the same
enclosure as Gordo? Glad for him not being human oriented.
Reading about their likes, dislikes, favorite things etc and their individuality is so interesting. Thank you for taking the time to post these fascinating blogs and pictures.
Gordo is afraid of the trains?! Oh no! I had no idea. Am I to assume Gordo is a “chimps chimp” like Missy is often described? Or is Gordo simply a shy guy overall? I do like his very chimp way of asking for a game of chase. Wish we could see the smile on your face after he offers up the invite to play. Lucky you!
And I have to comment on that cute little profile of Dora as she checks herself out, as close as she could possibly get to her own reflection, in the mirror. Seriously squeal worthy!
you know, as humans, we tend to think that every animal around us is waiting for US to pay attention and to interact, whether it’s your dog or your cat or your horse or your guinea pig. I love the idea that Gordo has his own life going on, and yeah, sometimes he might want to interact, but I would guess the majority of folks would have a hard time understanding that that’s kind of low on his priority list. interacting with humans is not his goal in life! go Gordo!!