Today’s blog is all about how to ID our lovable friend, Cy! Out of all the chimpanzees I have worked with over the years, I have never met a chimp like Cy. Each chimp I have met has amazing and different qualities about them, but Cy is kind to his very core. Even when he is displaying, he has a play face, he just never seems mad.
Cy is a big guy with an even bigger heart!
Cy has the kindest eyes.
Cy has a prominent white beard. From the front he has very dark features, but from behind his hair is more grayish white. We joke that he reminds us of a gorilla from behind!
Cy is an good leader. He knows how to navigate social situations extremely well. He can recognize when to let things go and when to make a point.
Cy is a bibliophile
Cy resembles his sister Lucky quiet a bit!
Cy is the type of guy to become your instant friend. He will want you to play chase, sit while he tickles the back of your hand, or just hangout with him while he reads.
Cy is also stubborn! He and Lucky are often hold outs, like their half sister Honey B!
Tobin says
Oh, that Psy just makes me sigh. You are absolutely right, Kelsi: Cy is one of those people who is instantly likable. You are so lucky to be able to work for him and be in his presence. If I were in your position, I would want to get his opinion about the cover story in the latest Atlantic Monthly.
As for his resemblance to a gorilla, no wonder Psyrus Maximus gets along so well with Willy B, who I have long suspected of having duel status as both a gorilla and as a chimpanzee (a “gorilanzee”? A “chimparilla”?). When this year’s nominations for the Academy Awards for best CSNW videos of 2021 are announced, I fully expect to see “Clack of the Titans” from August 31 listed among the nominees. Have teeth ever clattered with such sublimnity?
tom austin says
if he was on our side of the gene pool, in what profession might he be involved…?
lawyer, librarian, mediator, bouncer in a bar, educator…..???
Linda C says
Mediator, for sure!
Laurie Mowat says
Elementary school teacher?
Laurie Mowat says
He would have a great story time.
Nancy D says
Oh dear, I’m falling fast for this hunk, Cy. Good looks, sweet disposition, well read, you can’t ask for more than that. A little touch of stubborness is an admirable quality also.
Laurie Mowat says
Ditto! I love the time he was late for lunch because he was to busy reading.
Linda C says
That was very telling, Laurie!
Cindy Peckham says
I could watch Cy thumb through his magazines forever. Love the boy!
Kathleen says
Kelsi, you had me at “Cy is kind to his very core”!
How lucky you are to be able to forge a clsoe friendship with Cy (and all the chimps). His passion for reading is curious, has he always been a book worm? The world needs wise, kindhearted leaders like Cy. And I love the stubborn streak that is clearly embeded in Cy, Lucky, and Honey B. The apples were not falling far from the tree is my guess! Thanks for letting us learn more about this captivating individual.
Debbie Reintzell says
I love you Cy!
Anamaria Hildebrand says
Cy always looks content and calm, an unflappable kinda guy…until the Xmas party! Loved to see him get so very excited with anticipation. He was so appreciative, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for bringing so much joy to these interesting, complex individuals…and to we who follow them. Happy New Year!!!
Paulette says
I love to hear Cy is kind. He seems to have all the qualities of a great leader. And he’s dreamy handsome to boot!
Isn’t it amazing how much room there is in our hearts? no matter how many more chimps are added, we can love them just as much as those who came before. The human heart has an amazing capacity. And mine just keeps expanding!
Judy J says
What beautiful pictures! Such a handsome face.
Marya says
I just love everyone’s comments and I concur with all of them! He’s a very handsome guy and seems kind-hearted as well as devoted to his friends and his readings. I could watch him reading forever. Albert Schweitzer came to mind when I thought about a human he reminds me of. Can’t get much better than that in my book. Blog postings bring tears to my eyes so often. Partly related to sadness about the lives they used to live and partly in gratitude about the lives they have now and all the people devoted to their care and welfare such that their individual natures can be appreciated and recognized. There are many old souls among the beings at the sanctuary, and that inclues the humans!
Kim Harris says
From the very beginning, Cy had me swooning over him! As soon as I saw he was an avid reader, he had me hooked. And everytime one of you post about him, it’s about yet another great quality about him. I can’t tell you all how much I enjoy getting to know all of chimps (and bovines and barn kitty and all seeing all the wildlife that visit). How truly special it must be to get to know each of them personally. Not many people have such a unique opportunity. Thank you for giving us the unique opportunity of getting to know them better every day and coming to love and care about them. They all have a special place in my heart.
Betsy says
Cy the bibliophile. Just perfect. I resonate. I’m feeling the need to endow a chimp library in honor of Cy, or perhaps a little library for humans about chimp behavior/physiology/medical needs in honor of Cy, the bibliophile. Maybe a tangible library for the chimps, and a virtual library for the humans?
CarolR says
He’s so handsome! Has he been awarded his PhD yet….in primatology politics or Celebrity Gossip? He would certainly be a straight A student in human terms with all that knowledge. If only we knew what thoughts go through that brilliant mind.
Paulette says
My favorite photo of Cy is from August 3, 2021 blog titled “For Christine and Her Family.” The last photo of Cy, in the greenhouse, looking very Charlton Hestonesque.
https://chimpsnw.org/2021/08/for-christine-and-her-family/
Deanna says
Cy boy is an amazing guy and has such great energy! Playful and kind with a passon for reading. He stole my heart long ago! Caring for these wonderful beings is an awesome responsibility and a priviledge and everyone at CSNW has risen to the challenge so beautifully! They have been through a lot in their lives and it warms my heart to witness all the love they receive and the truly wonderful life they lead now!