Those that regularly follow the blog might remember that my daughter Luna was born just before the pandemic took hold of this country (January 2020). I wrote about her first visit to the sanctuary in this blog last year. At the time,Honey B was particularly interested in her and wanted to get a closer look.
Luna, now a curious toddler, got a (special daughter of staff) opportunity to visit the chimps again last month. This time, for the chimps’ safety and hers, we visited through the windows in our new enclosed mechanical room. This room gives us a convenient little peek into two areas inhabited by Honey B’s group and Cy’s group.
Somehow Honey B seemed to already know about her little visitor and was waiting at the window to greet her.
For those that know Honey B well (and have been repeatedly dowsed with mouthfuls of smoothie spit directly in their face), it’s a little bit odd that she seems to show a gentler side to smaller humans. We’ve joked that perhaps she’s planning a long con so she can entrap Luna in an eternal squeeze. We’ll never really know, but for now, I choose to believe she just really likes children.
Jackie in Wisconsin says
How precious. Honey B & Luna have a bond. The photos are so special. Especially the blowing kisses and that Honey B spits smoothie at others. So funny!
Marya says
Thank you, Anna (and Luna), for these great photos and your commentary. So sweet, even the smoothie spitting image! Your sharing Luna’s visit is very special.
Pamela says
Luna is so pretty! Very nice she could meet Honey B.
Jennifer Mackanos says
This is super sweet! I don’t find it surprising at all that Honey B likes human children. After all, most humans find baby animals enchanting, so why would a smart primate like a chimp not reciprocate such feelings? Thank you for sharing this lovely encounter with us !
Linda C says
That’s an excellent point, Jennifer!
Nancy says
The magic continues! It is said animals have the best instincts & they are right on with Luna. Thank you for keeping everyone safe . No one likes a Zoetis ( ? spelling) shot.Anna , you can melt hearts everywhere. Thanks?
Linda C says
Oh my gosh, that’s adorable, Anna! Who would have thunk it!? Thanks for sharing Luna with Honey B and with us! She’s absolutely precious!
Maureen says
Ohhh, Anna, Luna is adorable! I loved this post, and pictures, and stories. Honey B looks so sweet. And so loving. Thanks for this.
CeeCee says
Honey B’s like “Give me that Baby ” !
These pictures are so sweet, I love the way they are looking into each others eyes.:revolving_hearts:
Jeani Goodrich says
Honey B and Luna must have made a bond before she was even born Anna. it is so clear how much they love each other. Thank you for the wonderful pictures and prose.
Laurie Mowat says
What a special visit. Luna was so sweet blowing kisses and Honey B’s Smoosh face was pretty cute too! Honey B is probably pretty intrigued that humans come in much smaller sizes compared to her caregivers. This seems like the start of a happy new friendship!
Kathleen says
Of course we remember Luna coming into the world! And I remember the blog post of you showing off Luna to Negra who was very curious to see little baby Luna from afar. Oh Anna, she’s a big girl now. Luna is beautiful. Honey B looks so intrigued her. Perhaps she remembers you showing off Luna when she was a baby and she understands this is your baby.
On the flip side, what must Luna be thinking?! How many children get the incredible experience of meeting chimpanzees so close up you can look them in the eye and place your hand up to the glass and *touch* their hand?! Wow!! To blow a kiss and receive a smoosh face (well, to be honest it’s more of a smoosh chin), it’s just too priceless for words. Lucky Luna. Lucky you!
Pat says
Darling pictures. maybe Honey B just wants to be part of your family.?
Francoise says
I have never questioned how or why animals know or do things that are not expected of them and that surprise humans. We may have so-called intelligence but, to me, animals are the higher beings. Hands down. We have little understanding of how much we could learn from them.
Kathleen says
I agree!
Laura G says
I keep coming back to these photos. They really blow my mind! Honey B is such a complicated personality. To me, there is something a little wistful about her in these pictures. Such a connection to make!
Karen says
I agree Lauar G, she looks quite sad. I wonder if she has had babies taken from her and understands that this is a baby with a mother
Elaine Reininger says
Thanks for sending us these priceless photos. Everyone else said everything I was thinking so I’ll just say once again thank you for sharing this speicial moment with all of US.
Rick Ottenstein says
I remember meeting you and Luna when she was still a newborn at the coffee shop in Cle Elum. She has gotten so big. What beautiful pictures of Luna and Honey B. I am also the recipient of a Honey B shower although with me it was a water shower (I’m not complaining).
Pat M says
Isn’t this just positively the sweetest?!
Nancy says
Incredible! Love it!