Every morning, the lead caregiver (we rotate this role daily) will go unlock the chimp house and turn on the lights. During this time, the chimps are already awake, but are still starting their day slowly (like Rayne being wrapped up in a blanket, sitting in the sun). Usually, once the caregiver comes around to turn on lights, some of the chimps demand to groom or play, while some still have their “bed head”. Some chimps, like Negra and Terry, offer kisses to the back of our hands. Some choose to engage in a solo activity, such as Gordo foraging in the Greenhouse for seeds. While the video above is all from this morning, I will admit it is pretty chaotic and accurately depicts working with chimpanzees!
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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You can tell who’s excited for breakfast!
Lucky was ready to drive her blanket car through the drive thru!
Mave is not a morning person.
Neggie out of bed without peanuts! The joys of non-winter months!
Do you ever feel like you have so many things to get going that you don’t have time to stop for grooming with Cy? (because Terry’s hungry? or the other side hasn’t seen you?) Or is it staggered like a McDonalds morning shift? (5:15 openers get grills and oil heated, drawers ready, coffee brewing, prep food; 6:00 puts ice cream and shake machines together and does stock list, goes up and down for stock and mans dining room counter), etc.
Oh, what a charming video! And to get kissed by Neggie and Terry, too. I empathize with Raynie and Jamie in needing more time with a blanket and a nest.
Rally interesting video.
Neggie’s got some crazy bed head going on! I love how Jamie has to check out any footwear first, The Boss definitely has her priorities in order!
Also, aren’t Terry’s raspberries the cutest? No matter where you are, you can hear him just raspberry-ing away!
Terry is a constant raspberry rhapsody! He’s so funny.
This video is so sweet. I would love to be greeted by those sleepyheads first thing in the morning. It seemed as if everyone was anticipating your arrival and each individual had their own personal “Good Morning” for you. I bet they hear your car coming up the long driveway.
Happiness is ….. seeing those faces. How do you ever get beyond greeting them so you can start your non chimp chores?! I would just want to linger. Now that I’ve asked that question I think I can answer it. I bet if you linger too long with your good morning greetings you would find yourself surrounded by protesters hooting, clapping, and raspberry blowing for smoothie time to begin! 🙂
Thank you so much for capturing one of your special little everyday moments. The feeling I have after watching your video is one of the best starts to my morning. think I need to hoot to express my joy!