Yesterday, our dear Burrito turned 41. Can you believe it? To me, Burrito personifies youth, playfulness, & goofyness, so it’s hard to imagine that he is a day over 21.
We adore our dear Burrito for so many reasons, not the least of which being the fact that after just a few moments with him you’re smiling- no matter what kind of mood you were in beforehand. It’s like he is his own scientific principle and instead of Newton’s Law, it’s Burrito’s Principle: Emotions other than happiness cannot exist in the presence of Burrito.
Burrito’s back story makes us appreciate his reliably happy disposition even more, I think. Burrito was born in a lab in 1983 and used in research when he was just over a year old. Then, he was moved and used as a ‘house chimp’ before being leased out to an animal act. He spent one year outside of the lab before being sent back into research.
His story, like many others, is hard to hear and, often, hard to reconcile with the chimp that I know today. He greets me in the morning with a game of chase, then throughout the day he has a caregiver or two race him around Young’s Hill, then play a game of tug-of-war. All between grooming with his chimp family, watching his neighbors, and the other shenanigans he gets into throughout the day. Knowing what he has been through and seeing who is he today is a privilege and we owe it to him to share his story (and his joy) with as many people as we possibly can.
So, in honor of Burrito and all he is, we celebrate him every chance we get!
Yesterday, staff and volunteers put together a big birthday bash that included snow cones (with fresh fallen snow!), slinkies, giant kongs, coconuts, a Young’s Hill forage, TV time, and a special dinner of spaghetti with special sauce of sweet potato, red pepper, avocado (and love, of course).
Check out the video for the full party and don’t forget to vote for Burrito’s photo contest! It ends tomorrow, January 8th at 6:00pm!
Burrito’s Birthday Bash in Photos:
Burrito’s birthday wouldn’t be complete without Giant Kongs and Slinkies (and snow-cones)!
The sun came out for a bit, so Burrito’s group enjoyed a lunch forage on Young’s Hill:
Annie (back), Negra (middle), Burrito (front)
Everyone got into the party spirit!
Jamie enjoyed her spaghetti on her table:
Negra:
Best birthday for a super guy. we all love you Bubba. You’ll forever be a youngster.
Burrito watching the neighbors while enjoying his sno-cone instead of popcorn and seeing and hearing how much he loved his birthday spaghetti just made my day! Happy Birthday, Bubba!
Is that Jenna with the fish head!? :joy:
Happy Birthday Mr B!
Burrito really does have the best food squeaks. Glad he got that thing that sends him over the moon on his birthday!
Hi, Linda! It’s not Jenna, it’s long-time volunteer Lizz with the fashionable fish head mask! 🙂
Happy birthday, handsome Buritto and not only did you enjoy your special day but you made sure everyone haf a great time! Your exuberance spreads over all the gang. Awesome.
Boy… this year Burrito really ate like a Gentleman !!! last year he Guzzled it down with Absolutely No regard for Manners:face_with_monocle:..Bubba …. better to enjoy some of the spaghetti then to inhale it in one sitting:grin: Sweet Burrito and all his Favorite Toys…. it was a Birthday Party for everyone to Enjoy… Those Screams were Screams of Pure Joy:joy:Ahhhhhh
I agree with the formulation of Burrito’s Law: There is just no way to resist the sense of fun and playfulness that Burrito exudes. And his food squeaks…the sound of pure bliss. Today’s video is easily the best so far this year. It is almost flawless…except for one detail: it is said that Bubba is 41 years old. Nah, can’t be…with his energy and sense of mischief, the number for his age was was meant to read “14”.
Happy Birthday buddy! Many more happy days. Just adore you.
and Jamie whose Birthday is this anyway!….another Hoarder:face_with_monocle::smirk: 4 boats!..your a Mess!:rofl::grin:
Happy birthday to the one and only Burrito! Looks like the party was an absolute riot. Of course, Burrito always has time for a quick game of chase with caregivers and a quick bounce on a giant kong. After everything he’s been through, it makes me so happy to see him being his crazy, lovable self.
Oh my Burrito, how I love you so. Thank you so much to everyone who cares for and makes these chimps so safe and happy. And for giving My One True Love Burrito the best birthday!
What a fabulous party! Everyone having a great time, but as usual Bubba was over the moon with his toys and yummy birthday foods. I see Jamie isn’t on a diet then!!
Burrito personifies one word to me R.E.S.I.L.I.E.N.C.E.
I am so happy he had a wonderful birthday and a safe place to live with chimp and human love.
You’ve put together a really nice party, guys, congratulations! It was balm to the ears to hear Burrito and fellows’ excitement. It’s incredible how honestly they express their appreciation for the tasty bits – the more carbs the better!
Happy Birthday, Bubs:tada::gift:?
You’re the best??
Now THAT was a party! An all-day-long party! You guys are amazing. The time and attention to every little ridiculous detail is heartwarming (but wearing the fish head mask and pirate ship goes beyond. Did you show it off to both sides? Could you breathe?! So funny.)
Tobin is correct, Burrito can in no way be 41! He is 14. Or he certainly is in his heart. Thought I would die as he was bouncing and dragging (with his arm through his legs) his Kong. And the joy over Spaghetti Boats with special sauce! All those satisfied food squeaks lets you know your efforts are more than appreciated. (Negra was pleased.)
Happy birthday Burrito. I marvel over your gift to find joy in everything. Thank you.
Happy birthday and happy everyday dearest Burrito! So thrilled to see and hear your excitement for all those birthday treats! How fun to celebrate with all those who love you so:) May you have a joyful year too! Love you. Thank you to everyone who makes this possble.