This past Tuesday marked my first day back from maternity leave and let me tell you, it’s good to be back! As we all regrettably know, the world looks a lot different right now. A pandemic was definitely not part of my worries as I started to plan my return to work, but now it’s the biggest worry (of course it is for all of us). On the bright side, my chimp friends and my coworkers are still here, right where I left them! The chimpanzees are still their reliable old playful selves and it’s great to see that their lives are relatively unaffected by the outside chaos.
Today Jamie made sure that I know nothing has changed on her watch.
Awkwardly sized boot on my foot…✔️
Perimeter walk around Young’s Hill…✔️
Gather a tumbleweed to use for some grooming time…✔️
In other news, we have some good changes happening around here. Chad, who was filling in for me during my temporary leave of absence, has agreed to stay on as a full-time permanent staff member! We’re feeling pretty fortunate that we get to keep him around!
Oh and this…My husband and I welcomed our daughter Luna Nyca Lockey to the world on January 2nd 2020. The chimps met her from a safe distance just a few weeks later. The highlights: Honey B was obsessed with her and really wanted her to come closer and Foxie was fascinated and shot a few mouthfuls of water her direction. My favorite moment was when Negra (pictured here) blew her a few kisses and head nodded a request to see her do some dancing (aka do a little bit of bouncing, the best a newborn can do).
What a special moment to share your baby with the chimps. Be safe.
Great to have you back. We were wondering if the chimps had met Luna and we are glad she was greeted enthusiastically. Enjoy your little / big blessing.
Oh Anna welcome back and congratulations to you and your husband on your beautiful baby girl. Luna is such a pretty name. What a special greeting the chimps gave her. Thank you for sharing that with us. And so glad to hear that Chad will be staying on!
Love and hugs to all of you. Please stay safe and be well.
Oh, how sweet! Love the photos and explanations. Congratulations, Anna!
Welcome Back Anna !
I wonder if the Chimps knew why you were gone, I bet they did.
I love that last picture of Negra,( and Foxie?) looking at your baby, so sweet.
What about Jamie? Did she care about little Luna? Or is it all about her….:)
So sweet! All these chimps were mamas, yes (except the boys of course)? They have the same maternal hormones we do, so I bet their hearts opened up a little when you showed them little Luna!
Now I have another thing in common with Negra.i am a senior, I am chubby& I love my nests& naps & I LOVE BABIES!!!I work in the nursery at church each wk.I miss my KIDS so much.Congrats Anna& welcome back!What a neat update.God bless your beautiful Luna.Wonderful update!!
Congratulations to you and your husband on the birth of your beautiful girl, Luna. Great to have you back and I know the whole gang is excited to have you back.
Thank you for sharing your blog and photos today! Congratulations! 🙂
I am so happy for you Anna, congratulations! Luna is a beautiful name. The chimps must be so happy you are back with them. And as a bonus they (we) also get Chad. Jamie must be thrilled to have to limp about in those oversize boots while you two patrol the property. My heart exploded when I read about Negra blowing Luna kisses and then head nodded for a dance. It’s too wonderful. I can see little Luna in about three years dancing for the Queen. Joy!
Can’t remember when I read something that made me feel this happy. Thanks for catching us up and welcome back.
Welcome back! Thank you for sharing Luna with us and our chimps. Quite an enrichment experience for them too.
Annnnaaa! So good to have you back again!
Thanks so much for sharing the photo of Luna! It’s even more special that it’s Luna and Neggie! Congratulations again! And thanks for coming back! Chad’s awesome of course, but the chimps must have missed you, and we did, too!
Were there any Foxie flips or soecial receptions otherwise when you came back?
What a delightful post–am amazed that they showed such an interest in Luna. Glad Anna is back and that Chad is staying — you all need all the help you can get and having experienced workers makes it even more something to celebrate.
congratulations!! There is nothing like the love a mother has for her baby.
Anna, how fun that Neggie saw you and thought of dancung! (I don’t know why, but I don’t imagine anyone dancing for her except you amd Kelsi). In her mind, then, you bring the party! And she’s glad you’re back.
For whomever is on this week, there’s a guy who, for $50, “brings the fun” to whatever party you’re throwing. Jamie might like it because they all wear cowboy boots amd hats. Look for “Tio Choko walking into 2020 like”, to see if the Boss and Neggie like it
Such a bright and wonderful ray of sunshine to our world, this tiny gift of Luna! Congratulations Anna and whole family. I’m a retired OB nurse & Lamaze teacher so you know this post, in particular, put a huge smile on my face. 🙂