Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

I’ll Gladly Pay You Next Tuesday For A Pass Today

by Chad de Bree 8 Comments

The funny thing about life is that things can change at the drop of a hat. Today I had planned to write a blog about just some of the things caregivers see throughout the day and the thought process on how certain decisions are made. That will have to wait for another day because time really got away from me today because of some very distracting chimpanzees who want to play and groom. So hopefully these photos will do for now.

Terry and Gordo:

Gordo (right) inspects Terry (left) after a brief conflict in their group. Grooming, particularly after a fight, is important to reaffirm friendships and trust, especially between two conflicting parties. Though Terry and Gordo weren’t conflicting parties during this one, Gordo is still showing Terry that he can trust him.

Rayne:

Like Gordo, Rayne loves things to sit in/on. Boxes. Benches. Discarded chowbags. Just as long as it’s not the actual floor unless she absolutely has to. Yesterday, when I was moseying about on that side of the building, Rayne wanted to groom with me. Usually at this point she’ll look around to find the closest box or item to sit on. I was a tad bit surprised when she grabbed the heavy duty giant ball. I was even more surprised when she decided to take the most challenging, yet direct, route to get where I was sitting. Trees. Bamboo bushes. Logs. She pushed right on through!

Annie:

This is how I found Annie in the morning. Enjoying a peaceful Spring morning at the top of her Greenhouse.

Mave:

Mave. What can I say about the lovely Mavis? Actually, I can say this. As I was typing that, we heard whimpering coming from her side of the building. When I walked back there, she wanted a lot of reassurance. I asked her what she saw. She started to walk toward the chute but stopped short of going in. When I pointed to the Chute and asked her if it was out there, she began alarm calling. Caregiver Amanda and I went out and started to look around. And lo and behold, gopher snake! So, thank you, Mave, for making us aware there was an intruder inside the fence!

Lucky:

Lucky is wondering where her dinner is. Truly. This is about 2 minutes before their dinner was rolled out.

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Comments

  1. Pamela Moore says

    lovely Chimps having fun great photos.

    my Heart aches to see George. How is he doing please.

    Thank you for the ovingly care you give these amazing amimals.

    Respect.
    Pam

    Reply

    • Chad de Bree says

      Hi Pamela! George is doing great. Knowing about his past, it’s ALWAYS a tear jerker to watch him run out onto The Bray in morning when they are given access, making excited grunts and laughing all along the way.

      Reply

  2. CarolR says

    Never a dull moment Chad! I don’t know how you all manage to get any work done. The snake alarms me as much as Mave especially after Bubba’s two run ins. Do you still have a snake fence around the enclosures, and are they safe from rattlers? As I live in Australia, I guess I’m ultra cautious, but with Annie on one side and now Mave on the other, at least you have a good warning team!

    Reply

    • Chad de Bree says

      Hi, Carol! To answer your question, yes! There is still a snake fence around the parameter. It’s mostly effective against all snakes, but our non-venomous slithery friends somehow find a way to spook the chimps every now and then.

      Reply

  4. Penelope Yungblut says

    Loved these pictures, each so different and revelaing of the chimp. The video of Rayne rolling the big heavy ball to get to where she wanted.to go was hilarious. Thanks.

    Reply

  5. Kathleen says

    This was a great post, Chad. At least you met half of your goal by showing what you saw throughout your day. Never a dull moment! Rayne rolling towards you was the best! Thank goodness you were camera ready for that one! Not sure I’ve ever seen someone walking on top of one of balls before. Wow! Rayne is the coolest. And Mave was pretty cool. Even though she was spooked by the snake, she bravely saved the day by working with you to find the intruder.

    What incredible characters they all are.

    Reply

    • Chad de Bree says

      Hi, Kathleen! I don’t know how I was able to be camera ready this time. Usually it takes some fumbling around to get it ready, resulting in a missed shot for me. I’m just glad I got it this time. Rayne charging through behind the ball has been on repeat in my mind ever since.

      Reply

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