Okay, so it isn’t Episode IV. It’s not actually the fourth in a series of anything. Furthermore, the soap isn’t even new soap.
However, this blog post is something like an episode and it does indeed contain soap, so there’s all that to consider. I think my stupid pun works for the title, and I would appreciate it if nobody complains. Keep your eye-rolls to yourselves.
Today, the chimpanzees were particular about whether or not they wanted to shift out of enclosures. Shifting is a necessary step that allows us to safely clean the areas and resupply the chimps with enrichment materials, but we sometimes need to work around the decisions that the chimps make. After all, we can’t make them leave an area if they don’t want to. This morning, everyone was out of step- especially with Jody recuperating in Front Room 1 after yesterday’s procedure, sweltering outdoor temperatures and the construction crew hammering away outside of the new wing.
[Note: Jody recovered quickly, as she usually does, and was eager to socialize with her friends through the mesh today! She spent the day eating, watching movies and lounging in front of the fan.]
Because Willy B., Mave and Honey B. were reluctant to leave the chute this morning, we had to clean their indoor rooms in an unusual order. The three chimpanzees still had access to Front Room 5 as we cleaned Front Rooms 6 and 7 right in front of them. Honey B. isn’t one to be left out, so we created a cleaning station for her that, unlike the tool sets that the humans use, was durable and safe enough to be given as enrichment. The kit consisted of a sandbox filled with soapy water, various brushes, and a couple of towels. We are aware that Honey B. has an affinity for cleaning, so this setup is far from novel. Still, it kept her busy while we completed the daily chores.
Honey B. seemed to have a blast, although Willy B. and Mave were mostly indifferent. Mave preferred to lounge in the corner with a plastic toy and Willy B kept trying to see his reflection in the camera lens. These three chimps are a great example of how the efficacy of enrichment items varies among chimpanzees, especially those with different backgrounds and personalities.
lol, I knew that was an Anthony post as soon as I read the title!
We need to find a toy that Mave likes!
Whose vocalization was that? Willy B’s or Honey B’s?
Thanks? Haha!
As for Mave, she often carries around plastic trays, bowls, cups, etc. These become more valuable during and after meals because Mave, like many chimps living in captivity, often processes and sifts through her food multiple times. Additionally, she’ll occasionally investigate and even “wear” small items of human clothing. Still, I would conclude that a comfortable place to nap and relationships with other chimps are Mave’s favorite enrichment items!
Which vocalization? Honey B let out a low hoo while scrubbing, but Willy smacked his lips during his closeup. It’s his way of telling us he wants something, so in this case he seemed to be asking me to flip the phone around so he could see himself better.
It never fails to amuse me how chimps seem to love making faces at their reflections & checking out their teeth…Willy B sure is a handsome guy…Even with that missing tooth…smiles…
Haha, I agree with you, Debi!
Honey B is a hard worker, I’m assuming there was no need for you to gain access to Room 5, Honey B had it spotless! : ) And then we see Willy B nonchalantly swaggering onto the set as he poses on the corner of the sandbox, he’s too much. I think he knows he’s wickedly handsome. Was Mave licking some peanut butter off of that Frisbee?
Thanks for update on Jody. Still vibing my love in her direction until I know she’s 100%.
We had already cleaned 5, but apparently not up to Honey B’s meticulous standards. 🙂
Mave seemed to be sifting through some remnants of breakfast- chow and fruit.
Thank you for sending your best wishes to Jo!
“Jody recovered quickly, as she usually does, and was eager to socialize with her friends through the mesh today! She spent the day eating, watching movies and lounging in front of the fan.” I am at the least relieved to read that, even as I remain concerned (along with others at the sanctuary and who follow this blog) about Jody’s health.
And, since it was mentioned, what movies did she watch? I trust nothing with distressful imagery or themes.
Thanks for caring about Jo, Tobin!
Generally, the chimps don’t care much for TV unless there are other chimpanzees on screen, but I played some light comedies and colorful action movies to entertain Jody yesterday. The TV gave her something dynamic to watch while she rested, although I’m sure that she would rather be back with her friends in the adjacent Playroom! In the meantime, she’ll continue getting extra enrichment and socialization time with other chimps through the mesh barrier.
They are so cute! Just like us they all have such amazing and different personalities. It made me laugh! ?
Thanks, Eileen!
They are so cute! Just like us they all have such amazing and different personalities. It made me laugh! ?
Awesome post… what great cleaning technique Honey B… Super cool faces Willy B… and Move looks like I feel in the heat… thank you wordsmith Anthony 🙂
Thanks, Judy! I agree that Mave is quite relatable.
Loved the long cleaning up session. Send her over to my house, I could use a good housekeeper. When she took out the blue brush and I heard a chuckle, I thought it was one of the caretakers who couldn’t contain themselves laughing.
It was a chuckle. I have a bad habit of trying to suppress my laughter while recording video. I’m usually unsuccessful and it ends up on the final edit as a high-pitched giggle.
Anthony — Is there a pecking order among the 3? Just wondering.
As with any discussion about “pecking order”, you might get different answers from different people.
In short,
Willy B >>> Honey B > Mave
In my opinion, Willy B owns the highest rank in the sanctuary. His confidence supports that, but the most important indicator is how the others treat him (by showering him with submissive pant-grunts).
Honey B can be very forceful when she wants something badly enough, and she seems to be dominant over Mave for as long as they’re in their little trio. With that being said, Mave is socially savvy and may supersede Honey in the context of a larger social group (where alliances and friendships have more impact on dominance rank).
I hope that makes sense! The concept of dominance becomes more nebulous the more you think about it.
Thanks, Anthony. Fascinating!