Not only is today Valentine’s Day, but today I have the distinct honor of highlighting everyone’s favorite chimpanzee, and my best friend, Burrito!! Okay, I know he’s not EVERYONE’S favorite, but he’s pretty high up there, I’d say.
Has there ever been a chimpanzee as playful as Burrito? Quite possibly not. Burrito is always up for a game of chase, tug-o-war, whack-a-mole, tickle/poke with the spoon, or a run around Young’s Hill at a moments notice. And when I say, “he’s up for it”, I really mean he DEMANDS it! Bubba (Burrito) is ready first thing in the morning, blowing raspberries and begging for a game of chase. Without fail, once Bubba is done with his lunch, he is relentlessly pounding on the caging, demanding that I drop everything to play, play, play. And everyday, I remind him that I, too, need to eat lunch, and I promise to return to yuk it up. Sure enough, he waits (patiently?) for my return from lunch so as to commence the caregiver/chimpanzee shenanigans! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Burrito was born in a laboratory on January 6th, 1983. That’s right, he turned 43 just last month! He is half brothers to Noah, Negra’s son, and Clay, Jody’s son. He spent the majority of his first 25 years in biomedical research, though he was also used in the entertainment industry for a year or so, as a youth. In 2008, he and his family, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Annie, Negra and Foxie, moved to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Cle Elum and were known far and wide as the Cle Elum 7.
For more about Burrito’s past, click here.
Burrito is best know for his endless, playful energy. He’s also known for his resiliency. Burrito was bitten not once, but TWICE by a rattlesnake, on two separate occasions a few years back! It scared the daylights out of us! We hope that Burrito has become wise with age and learned his lesson about snakes! Don’t be a hero, man!
Burrito loves his toys. He loves to put them in his mouth while playing and laughing. Some favorites include wooden hammers, wooden blocks, plastic serving spoons, and anything that bounces! If you’ve been around the blog for a while, you’ve no doubt seen him bouncing on a Jolly Ball, or a Giant Kong!
Burrito will play with just about anyone who’s willing. But his best friend is sweet Foxie. He has taken to watching her back during family squabbles, and offering reassurance when needed.
Burrito has 16 pals! Do you have a pal? Are you looking for one? Burrito would LOVE a new pal! You can sign up to be Burrito’s pal (or another chimpanzee’s pal) here!
THANK YOU to all of Burrito’s Chimpanzee Pals! Your donations keep us going!
