I planned on posting a blog about chimpanzee gestures since a common question we have received in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, and even here within the blog is about when any of them request something from us and how we know. I.e. Jamie requesting to go on a walk, her requesting the Gator, Burrito requesting snowy treats, Foxie asking for a doll, etc. Also because gestures are near and dear to my heart, and has consumed most of my life for the past couple of years as part of my studies. However, as we all know every day is different and what you had planned in mind could change within an instant.
Today was one of those days. Not because anything bad happened. In fact, today was a really calm and smooth day. The chimpanzees were very cooperative in going where they needed to go so we could clean enclosures. Cleaning was done at a relatively fast pace. There were virtually no fights (there were minor arguments, but nothing too serious that resulted from them). All this calm on a day nobody has decided to go outside since it had snowed a little bit last night.
What caused me to change course and post something different were these:
Honey B and Mave had one heck of a play session earlier today. It reminded me of the old Andy Capp cartoon. Just a cloud of fur with feet and hands flung everywhere, and every so often a head would pop out. Except it wasn’t a fight like in the cartoon strips. This was play.
Then there was Honey B at lunch, enjoying her leek.
Kelsi and I debated for a longer time than we would like to admit about which of the two photos were better and to include. So we decided the best decision would for me to just include both of them. Though they are extremely similar, there are some minor differences that add a little pizzazz to each them, respectively. For instance, in the top one you can really see the coloration of Honey B’s eyelids and detail in her face. While the bottom one has the slight little turn away from the camera with a little side-eye that adds a little sass.
For me, these photos HAD to be shared today and could not wait. But don’t fret, I will post the blog about gestures soon enough. Maybe with photos a little better than the ones I currently have. As I mentioned before, every day is different.
Here are some bonus photos from today:
Jamie resting on her favorite barrel.
Willy B looking dashing, while also about to dash to the camera to review this photo.
Hi.I received a letter from Diana, thanking me for my donation and i it she mentioned the names of the six chimpanzees Cy, Lucky, Gordo, Terry, Rayne and Dora you are planning to bring to the sanctuary. My question is how did you decide on these six?
Hi, Lynda! The groups were chosen with careful planning between officials at Wildlife Waystation and each NAPSA sanctuary based on the ability to provide adequate space for the size of the groups, as well as group dynamics with the possibility of integration with current groups at each sanctuary. In our case, Wildlife Waystation has suggested that Cy and his family would best be suited to come here and we are excited about their arrival.
So does that mean that all of the new ones are an established family already? I also have wondered if the “three” were an established family when they arrived? And were the original seven a family when they arrived? I’m so fascinated by these chimps!!
I honestly think that Honey B looks very happy in your photographs these days. She no londer looks as serious as when she first arrived at CSNW, and that’s a wonderful testament to you and the home you provide. So lovely to see.
I can certainly see a number of thesis topics spinning around out there…..
Chad, thanks so much for these great pics and your commentary about them. I just love looking at the chimps playing together and these stills of Mave and Honey B are just wonderful. The other shots of Honey B and Willie B (of course!) really capture the intensity of both of them. The old saying that “the eyes are the windows to the soul” really shouts out in these pics. Some of them have such old souls, far older than their years. I think it’s hilarious that Willy B has a “thing” about looking at his own photos for approval. I’m so grateful that they have a lovely and loving space for those old souls to live out their years. Thanks to you and all the caregivers for sharing so much with us.
Hi Chad well I can certainly see why you decided to you needed to share these pictures today. They are wonderful! I love the ball of fur that is Mave and Honey B. The close ups of Honey B are beautiful. Glad you showed both. And of course pictures of Jamie and Willy B are always welcome too. Love them all. Thank you.
It’s the Cle Elum Honey B and Mave [play] smack-down.
Looking forward to the gestures blog Chad. A language exchange between two different species is fascinating and has always been an interest of mine as well. Having raised a deaf puppy on hand signals and gestures, communication can be achieved with diligence and patience.
As Honey B enjoys her leek…..and your souls….muahahaha!
Thanks for the photos of the chimpy pretzel people, Chad. Stay warm, everyone!
Thank you Chad, I loved the pictures of playtime. I look forward to your next blog on the gestures, I have wondered about them also.
Goofball shenanigans should always be a priority, at least that’s how I see it. You are way too young Chad, so how is it you know about Any Capp? The reference is so perfect, gave me a good laugh. Thanks for sharing both of the Honey B photos. Ever since you pointed out her pink eyelids it’s now the first feature I see when looking at her face. I also loved the little piece of bright green leek on her lower lip on the second image and you can see a hint of it still remaining on the first image. Honey B, oh what a face! Speaking of faces…I always enjoy an upside down Jamie and a Willy B with a hint of horns.
Love your blogs! When I see Honey B and Missy, it breaks my heart that they have no idea they are mother and daughter! I wish there was some way to “tell” them…..when you guys experimented with intigration when the 3 first came, was there any interaction between the two? I look forward to your blogs and videos!!!