It has been a little over a year since Cy’s group got merged into Willy B’s group to form a group of nine chimpanzees. The process of introductions is complex, and the exact moment that a group is considered successfully integrated remains a bit murky in the literature. It’s just hard to know! At the moment, the group continues to get to know each other on an individual way. We have probably mentioned in the past that for Willy B, the integration process has tested his ability to get along with his group mates. He could often be heard displaying at all hours of the night and day until someone in the group lost their patience, which would trigger bouts of chase and displaying. I sometimes see him as a chimp that is just a tad “misunderstood” and doesn’t quite get social ques that help him navigate social dynamics. With time Willy B has calmed down during the nights, and his daytime routine, although predictable, seems to be less triggering for his group mates. In general, and at the risk of completely jinxing this, his group seems to be more accepting and patient of his “outbursts”.
Because of all of that, I feel super proud of Willy B whenever I catch him having long and positive interactions with members of the group. Specially when it is with another male. On today’s video, Willy B and Terry share a very long play session across all three front rooms that in reality lasted over 20 minutes. Their breathy pants, tickles, and foot grabs are enough to fill anyone’s life with joy. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Love this! It’s a delight to see the boys playing. Thanks for the smile.
So great to see this. Maybe he’s finally getting the hang of friends. Good boy Willy. Nice of Terry to comply.
Well that sure was fun! Especially at the end when both boys mouths are wide open and their laughter is full—those play faces made my day. And to think they played for 20 minutes! Amazing what a difference a year can make. Please blow a kiss at Terry from me, I want to thank him for being such a nice friend to my pal Willy B.
And I laughed out loud seeing Rayne in Honey B’s favorite position! I remember Honey B sitting like that while she supervised the crew working on the new building. Surprising how similar sisters Rayne and Honey B are.
A VERY ACTIVE SESSION……WHEN DO THEY TAKE THE HILL NEXT ?…..HOPE IT CARRIES OVER TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS…..:slight_smile:
I hear you Tom Austin…. Jiminy Crickets….. I just knew we would see the Bray….Take it ouyside Boys……OPEN THE DOOR:grin:
They had access to the outdoor chute at the moment and the plan remains to give them the Bray daily. There will surely be tons of Bray content to come!
We’re like Kids in a Candy Store:candy:..CAN’T WAIT…Thank You..
The plan remains to give them the Bray daily!
Thanks, Sofia for sharing this lovely long play session. Like you, I’m so proud to see how Willy B continues to learn and make progress, and now he has a play friend. All the chimpanzees have blossomed in their own ways, and it’s heartwarming to see them living their best lives.
Thanks, Sofía. I had no idea that Willy B had had difficulty making friends. Just that it was obviously going tobe either him or Cy in charge. Glad it continues to work out. Nice as well to see Gordito getting Mora to play chase
what a joy!! the play faces were contagious. i found myself playfacin:see_no_evil: :joy:LOL
So fascinating to watch. I am curious how a long play session ends. Does it escalate a bit to where one of the “players” gets a nip signaling “Game Over” or do they just eventually wear themselves out and move on ?
So much Joy!!!
I know it’s likely been said a heap of times before, but you’re honestly so lucky to have such a wonderful and kind group of chimps. They all seem to happy and vibrant and I’m so happy that they have the freedom to express themselves and feel happy in your care. I can see it in their faces that the chimps are happy.
Thank you for what you do, and for sharing it with us.