You may be asking yourself, does Burrito ever stop playing? The answer lately is, yes, when he’s asleep. I do wonder if even in his dreams he’s tickling and chasing and wrestling, though.
A very special thank to you blog readers who have posed questions on my blog post last week. You have inspired a lot of contemplation and conversation among the staff, and already a blog post or two, with many more to come in the future.
I had considered picking a topic among those questions for today’s blog post, but Burrito dictated that I put together this compilation video.
I trust this is a welcomed decision!
There is no doubt in my mind that Burrito has superpowers! He has proven this time and again. He’s a joy bomb. I bet he does play in his dreams, and eat, you know he eats in his dreams too.
While I was enjoying Burrito snarfing up his snow dust it was Foxie who stole the show with that walk of hers! Talk about drama, she’s clearly not liking the feel of the crispy, prickly grass under her delicate feet! It was nice seeing Annie the mix but it appears as she has a lump on the inside of her thigh? Is everything all right with her? I assume all is fine but it worried me. And Negra and Burrito are so funny together. Negra looks so serious while Burrito is cracking up and why not, there’s nothing funnier than giving a few solid head smacks! But eventually he got Negra to share her beautiful playface smile. Is it ever hard to get your work done when it is so much more fun to watch and enjoy the antics of ten chimpanzees?
Great video, thanks so much!
Good eye, Kathleen. We’ve been monitoring that lump for several months and it has not changed. Cancer in chimpanzees is exceedingly rare and it’s not in a place where we might worry about other troublesome issues, so our veterinary team and consultants are not overly worried about it at this point. We are actually in the process of deciding whether it’s time for Annie to have a few hours in the clinic. It’s a challenge to weigh the risks and benefits. Actually, that was going to be my blog post last week – how making pretty much every decision in sanctuary is about balancing different aspects of welfare. It’s not easy! And there’s often no clear-cut right and wrong answers. At least we have Burrito very clearly letting us know he’s having a good day :).
Thank you for the reply. Precious Annie. In one way such good news she has been so healthy she hasn’t needed a visit to the clinic and yet as you have all stated recently, the chimps are now (gulp, I can’t bear to write the word!) “geriatric!” and needing a different kind of care. It is hard to imagine the concerns and responsibilities involved in your “balancing act” and I’d love to hear more on the topic. Especially with a chimp like Annie. There may not be clear-cut right and wrong answers, but there is no doubt that you and your veterinary team look at very possible emotional, physical, and imaginable angle to ensure each individual receives the very best care. The proof is right there in this video of Mr. B!!
Is there something wrong with Foxie’s left leg? It looks like she’s favoring it.
Foxie was walking carefully/cautiously in the wet grass.
Oh, thanks, Diana! I was wondering the same thing.
I have been a volunteer at a wonderful chimpanzee sanctuary since 2003 & was fortunate enough to have met & spent quality time with Dr Jane Goodall. I am far from an expert but I have devoured as much knowledge as possible from the experts & the best teachers- the chimpanzees. I watch your videos & marvel at everything I see. Look at the chimps glossy hair! Their weight is perfect. Their home is kept spotless! That is impossible! Lol! The enrichments…I could go on forever. I will end by just thanking every single person that makes this Chimpanzee Utopia possible.
It was so nice to see Burrito enjoying the snow again!!! Such a happy goofy lovable guy…
Totally welcomed, Diana! I chuckled throughout watching the goof ball and friends. He’s certainly a good role model for those of us who take life far too seriously (like yours truly)!
“Troll doll (unknown age)” :P!
Annie and Neggie should know by now that you can’t grab Burrito’s toes ’cause they’re always a-tappin’!
What a great video. Though I must say I am glad i don’t LIVE with Mr. B. His rambunctiousness could get pretty annoying as he repeatedly smacks you in the head. I love when he laughs, mouth open, teeth showing. Thanks Diana for putting their names (and this time their age) on the screen. Except for Foxie who is much thinner than the others and who is always holding a troll doll, I still can’t remember who is who.
Troll age: unknown. Cute bit…made me smile even though I’m in a grouchy mood right now.
Great video, love the trio together they are looking so well. Burrito and Neggie crack me up. Thanks again love following you all. Best wishes from Down Under x
What a lovely long video Diana, and I too am glad to read that we don’t have to worry at this time about the lump on Annies thigh.
About the age of the troll doll: she must be a newborn, bacause she still has all het hair!
I wonder about Burrito’s playfullness. The blog mentioned a few times that “lately Burrito has been very playfull”. Do you think his castration has anything to do with that? ( not to compare chimpanzees with dogs by any means, but I hàd to think of a friends dog who was so very free and playfull after hìs castration). I am really curious to hear what your thoughts are.
Re-watching this, Diana, and realizing….no one can competecwith JoJo’s play face, of course…..but I’m trying to remember when I’ve seen Annie making that play face, and can’t….even in that darling picture of Foxie, Ko and Annie in one of the greenhouse windows, I think her mouth is closed….
I’d never noticed until now what a beautifully glossy coat Burrito has.
I’ve been noticing Burrito’s and sometimes Jamie’s for a year or so now….of course, Mave and Willy’s, too, but compared to what they were before, they are just so shiny and full!
good job with the snow Burrito. I love it when he stands up and walks.
I loved watching this video. handsome Burrito, enjoying the snow.
And then the Foxie One, with her troll (age unknown, I had to laugh!)
I love seeing his playfulness!
Reminds me of my pesky little brother. 🙂 Such a great video, made my day. The love that fills the sanctuary is palpable even on video.