Double the Drama

Annie, Missy, and Jody passed the early part of the afternoon in the greenhouse, grooming quietly.

Annie gently passed her fingers through Jody’s hair as Jody basked in the attention.

Suddenly, there was a scream. Nothing for the girls to worry about, as it came from the other group. But they were compelled to see what was going on. Off to the hill they ran.

Having two chimp families on site means having twice the drama.

But other people’s drama is far different than our own. As social primates, both humans and chimps enjoy other people’s business a little too much. The girls gathered by the fence to catch a glimpse of the action.

To the dismay of our spectators, most of the neighbor’s drama is mild and short-lived, such as when Willy B gets a little too rambunctious or when Mave overreacts to his occasionally boorish antics. And this time, the drama was over quickly. Nevertheless, Jamie decided a patrol was in order.

Her crew followed her up the fence line and around the hill.

While Jamie forged ahead, Missy and Annie maintained an easier pace to accommodate Foxie, who is slowed by arthritis.

Upon their return, all was quiet.

The gang resumed their normal activities – lounging, grooming, napping.

And waited for the next exciting twist in the neighbor’s ongoing saga.