Today has been a much needed rainy day, which meant a lot of chimps looking all comfortable in their blanket nests. While rain was coming down, introductions continued with the original plan of having a quad group that included Willy B, Honey B, Cy, and Rayne. But as we have said many times before, the chimpanzees definitely decide how things are done over here. To start the day off Willy B, Honey B, and Mave decided they wanted to keep the Mezzanine during lunch, postponing cleaning. Honey B and Willy B teamed up and took turns to go out to the playroom to grab food while the other secured the area. Quite admirable if you ask me. Then, the ideal quad group was not achieved and the chimps that were together yesterday, Honey B, Willy B, Cy, and Lucky met again in the front rooms.
While off to a rough start with a lot of displaying and a minor scuffle, they managed to share some very nice peaceful moments. Willy B and Cy shared a long grooming session that lasted over ten minutes straight and then some shorter moments that were also very positive. Willy B even had some saliva foam on the side of his mouth from all the lip smacking while grooming Cy. On the other hand, Honey B and Lucky took a little longer to interact in such positive ways but Lucky invited Honey B to join her in the platform for a grooming session and she complied. While not as long as a moment, every positive moment gets us closer to uniting the two California groups. When the time came to separate the four and get them back to their original groups, they did not comply. Having Jen Feuerstein, behaviorist specialist, here has been a amazing to help oversee and make decisions like letting the four have a sleepover. Tonight, Willy B and Honey B, and Cy and Lucky will spend a *supervised* night together in the front rooms. We will update everyone tomorrow hopefully with good and exciting news!
Cy and Willy B grooming
Lucky and Honey B engaging in some play and groom
Jamie spotted Negra’s nest and climbed in as soon as she got the chance
Honey B this morning hanging out in the green house before the rain started pouring down
and Negra is gonna put up with the nest intrusion…? hahaha………..
I thought the exact same thing, Tom!
Tom, that was my first thought from looking at the photos, too! I wonder whether Neggie managed to reclaim her spot or if she allowed Jamie a restful nap in “her” nest! I’m sure the intros and gatherings of all the powerful forces of each of the chimps will play themselves out over time. All in all, it sounds like it’s going very well given the newness of it all & disruptions in the usual flow of things. Those grooming sessions sound very soothing for both the groomer and the groomed, as well as all the “political” implications. What a complex process, and so very worth it!!
I am cautiously optimistic after the last attempt to join the groups didn’t go well and poor Burrito was seriously hurt.
It was interesting to me when you shared that wild chimpanzees almost never accept new members into their groups except for juvenile females that have not mated. That helped me to understand what you’re up against with the introductions.
Okay, let me touch on the sleepover before I dive into Negra’s daily nest in the greenhouse. I am excited (and just a little bit anxious), as I am sure all of you are, over the prospect of your very first *supervised* slumber party. By *supervised* do mean that Jen Feuerstein will be joining the sleep over (in the human primate part of the building of course) with her mummy sleeping bag and camp lantern? Popcorn night bags for everybody?! Maybe Cy will read some ghost stories from one his magazines? I look forward to hearing nothing but great reports tomorrow and I am also curious about who will sleep where. Best of luck to you all! Fingers crossed.
Now, on to Negra and her incredible greenhouse nests. I have an idea. We need to make a Negra’s Nest page-a-day calendar. 365 photos of HRH snoozing in that favorite spot. It is such a crack up to zoom in and look at her nests. Two of the past photos had a boot added in with the blankets, seems as if those nests would be attractive to the Boss. Funny how todays nest has 5 dolls (I am assuming there are 5 because I can see doll hair coming out from the platform below Negra!) but no boots. And yet….Dear Jamie sneaks right in there to pull off a “Fake Neggie”. I don’t know why but this made me laugh out loud as does seeing Negra in that same spot over and over. New day. Different nest. I just love it.
Sweet dreams to everyone, especially Willy B, Cy, Honey B, and Lucky.
All my thoughts exactly!
Their first sleepover! Makes me think of how anxious and excited parents are for their kids first sleepovers. I’m sure you are all feeling the same. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
I’m sure that a few of you are in for a long night of “supervision,” but please know we all admire your patience and dedication toward your long-term goals. All the best tonight, and going forward.
A sleepover!!! wonderful! Fingers crossed.
super tolll die sind aber liebe affen niceliy beautifully chimpanzee , lovely thank u .
I agree with everyone! Very Exciting!!
It is a bit like going camping with your new love…..together in a tiny tent will bring out the essentials of a relationship! Lets all hope that this “tent” is large enough so everyone can have their own space if needed.
I just want to express my gratitude to all the human people at the sanctuary for your love and dedication to make these introductions succesful and build on connections that are everlasting.
Well done!!
:heartbeat: