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!
One glance at any photo of Burrito and my heart sings. Honestly, my whole face lights up, and I’m smiling before I even know what hit me! Your photos prove my point. Who else could have a single prop such as a headband or a scarf and find 101 silly uses for it. Each one making all of us giggle at his dear charms.
Happy Valentine’s Day Burrito! (I love that Burrito actually waits for you to eat your lunch in the hopes you’ll return to play with him! Krissy, you are one lucky gal!!)
Burrito was my introduction to the CSNW, through a YouTube video where he was playing tug o’war with his old friend Kari. Bubba was laughing up a storm. Then and there he stole my heart.
Hi Krissy thank you so much for highlighting Burrito today. We have a Burrito Fan Club!! Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone there. Sending love and hugs:)
Happy Valentines Day to you caregivers for giving your all. Happy Valentines Day to you lovely Chimps for giving us warmed hearts and daily smiles.
Thank you Krissy for this fantastic set of photos showing our goofy, special boy. He was the first one I fell in love with because of his playful ways and those beautiful eyes which shine with mischief! Of course, the love expanded then to all of the others, but Bubba still holds a special place….Happy Birthday Burrito!
It’s impossible to look at any photo of Bubbie and not smile! What a lovable goofball! He really is a charmer, for sure!
Everybody loves a burrito and Burrito!
Who couldnt love this guy, so full of joy to be around after all his years in medical research. He is truly a testament to sancuary life. Thanks for all the great photos.