• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

  • Our Family
    • The Chimpanzees
    • The Cattle
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • Visiting the Sanctuary
    • Philosophy
      • FAQs
      • Mission, Vision & Goals
      • Privacy Policy
    • The Humans
      • Staff
      • Board of Directors
      • Founder
    • Annual Reports
    • The Future of CSNW
    • CSNW In The News
  • You can help
    • Donate
      • Become a Chimpanzee Pal
      • Sponsor A Day
      • Transfer Stock
      • Be A Produce Patron
      • Be a Bovine Buddy
      • Give from your IRA
      • Personalized Stones
      • Bring Them Home Campaign
    • Leave A Legacy
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Volunteer
    • See Our Wish List
    • Events
  • Resources
    • About Chimpanzees
    • Enrichment Database
    • Advocacy
      • Advocacy Action Center
      • Apes in Entertainment
        • Trainers
        • Role of the AHA
        • Greeting Cards
      • Chimpanzees as Pets
      • Roadside Zoos
      • Chimpanzees in Biomedical Research
      • Conservation
        • African Apes
        • Orangutans
  • Shop
    • Merchandise Store
  • Contact
  • DONATE NOW

The Two Sides of Burrito

April 4, 2016 by Elizabeth

Burrito is not the most popular guy on the block. That may shock those of you who are human beings, because humans are completely unable to resist his many charms. But if you were a chimpanzee living with Burrito, he’d probably be a thorn in your side.

web_Burrito_sit_on_platform_toy_enrichment_in_mouth_look_at_camera_GH_ek_IMG_0268

Burrito is a unique (and completely endearing, says this human) mix of macho and vulnerable. At times, he is a whirling dervish, composed entirely of testosterone and muscle. In the next moment, he is all confused little boy, cowering in a corner while the ladies put him back in his place. As a male chimpanzee who grew up in an unnatural and impoverished environment, he is a slave to instinct but lacks finesse. He is the teenage boy who does something incredibly misguided, and when asked why, cannot provide an explanation. He is more action than thought.

web_Burrito_lie_down_platform_alfalfa_look_at_camera_GH_ek_IMG_0282

But most of the time, Burrito is like a puppy. He is affectionate and goofy and a little needy. He just wants love and attention and praise and food and someone to play with. Because he’s slightly intimidated by the other chimpanzees, he usually turns to his human friends to fulfill these needs. It is a burden that we take on because someone must, but it is rough. So rough.

web_Burrito_sit_in_windowsill_hold_inspect_alfalfa_GH_ek_IMG_0298

web_Burrito_sit_in_windowsill_bite_alfalfa_look_at_camera_GH_ek_IMG_0299

web_Burrito_sit_in_windowsill_lego_enrichment_in_mouth_look_at_camera_GH_ek_IMG_0302

Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
BurritoSanctuary

Share

Share
Tweet
Share
Pin

Subscribe To the Blog and Get Notified of New Posts First!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathleen says

    April 4, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    I’m melting! Well expressed Elizabeth. When are you all going to put your brilliant heads together and write a photo journal on the Cle Elum Seven? It would make a fantastic fundraising item to support the new expansion!! (hint, hint) Your writings are so personal, touching, and insightful and when combined with photos like these, who wouldn’t want a copy?!?

    I adore Burrito and I am so happy he has all of you to comfort him when the gals pile on. Poor chap. ; )

  2. vicki brabandt says

    April 4, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    Love Mr. B…..and i would be his playtime human friend if i could!

  3. Lisa E Grillo says

    April 4, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Oh Burrito. Sounds like you are right where you’re supposed to be (given the circumstances, of course).

  4. Kathy B says

    April 4, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    Who could not love that face ??? Such photos

  5. Brenna says

    April 5, 2016 at 12:46 am

    That made me love him even more.

  6. Arlene and Michael says

    April 5, 2016 at 7:47 am

    He is so adorable. Thank goodness he is in a place where he is so accepted and understood.

  7. Jackie says

    April 5, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    Can’t help loving the handsome Mr. B!

  8. PatC says

    April 5, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    I read this post and thought “i’m more in love with him than ever” and I see by other comments, I’m not the only one! Love you, Mr B! <3

Previous Post
Today is in memory of Linda
Next Post
Missy on pause

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe To the Blog and Get Notified of New Posts First!

Archives

Calendar of Blog Posts

April 2016
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
« Mar   May »

Categories

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Footer

PO Box 952
Cle Elum, WA 98922
[email protected]
509-699-0728
501c3 registered charity
EIN: 68-0552915

Official DDAF Grantee

Menu

  • The Chimpanzees
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • You can help
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Donate

Proud Member of

Connect With Us

Search

Copyright © 2026 Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. All Rights Reserved. Site by Vegan Web Design