As J.B. excitedly described last week, Mave finally decided to explore the outdoors. We don’t know what prompted her newfound bravery, but we are here for it!
And so, apparently, is Gordo.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Footer
This is so awesome to see! Mave getting over her fear of going outside, Gordo appointing himself her security blanket and watching over her, and Willy B walking on grass regularly! It’s no different than humans who are afraid of something new and then finally getting the courage to try it. Although I will never get over my irrational fear of spiders, at least it’s now just the huge ones I have the biggest problem with.
Mave got used to the grass much more quickly than Willy B! I think having it in the greenhouse has helped in that regard.
Amazing that she’s going off on her own! I had pictured her with Dora and Beezus, forming a mutually supportive trio.
Are there any signs of Dora emerging, Diana? Mave is doing surprisingly well without her.
Hi Linda! i haven’t seen Dora seriously considering going out lately. I’ve been half-joking that Mave did a good job of traing Dora not to even think about going out there. Who knows what’s in store, though!
:fingers_crossed:
What a brave girl! It’s so wonderful seeing them all still pushing their boundaries and growing in confidence. I broke my hip and leg a week ago, so from my hospital bed, their shenanigans have cheered me up even more than usual……and given me a reminder about bravery! Seeing Rayne rubbing in her beauty treatment was a winner….it only hurts when I laugh, and I certainly did a lot of that at her cooperation. Enjoy the sun Mave!
Oh no, Carol! im so sorry about your broken bones and hospital stay. I am glad the chimps are here to cheer you up and inspire.
Oooh, a hip-leg fracture is no joke! :head_bandage::scream_cat:I wish you a speedy and cheerful recovery, Carol!
Rather than repeat the other comments I will just say that I thought my heart would burst with pride seeing beautiful Mave outside. So proud of her, like a mother with her child.
:heart::heart::heart:
Whatever prompted Mave to brave the bray she did it! By the look of her frolics and interaction with her chimp pals the day was a huge success. Fabulous to watch her gain confidence and I must say judging from your beautiful spring weather I wish I was there!
The awesone, unstoppable Mave. You gotta love a gal who goes at her own pace. It is heart warming to see her pals supporting her forays. You go, Mave, Sanctuary Life can take you to new heights.
Great job, Mave! And walking boldly on in the grass, no less, instead of the wooden walkway that was right there. Beautiful how they all protect and encourage one another. Must really be terrifying to see all that wide open space without any assurance it’s safe or that they’ll be able to return to what they know if they take a couple of steps away. I think quite often about how the earliest humans must’ve felt, not knowing what weather was, maybe fearing it would harm them, and facing all they met. Just like these brave chimp people.
I really enjoyed Mave’s little dance while she was between Gordo and Willy B. Was that excitement or a display? I’m thrilled she’s comfortable walking on the grass, but I really had to chuckle over her uncertainty in hanging out on the firehose. That’s a lot of newness to take in!
I am just so happy for Mave. Thank you, thank you for giving her this new and expanding life!
I thought it might be nervousness, as Annie rocks sometimes if tense.
And it may sound silly, but I thought maybe the crows sent her back to the hoses and platform.
I think it was a combination of excitement and nervousness. Mave reminded me a lot of Jody in that instance – excited when her friends were coming back down from the hill and helping to usher them back inside.
Mave is just on a roll! I love seeing her out in the sunshine! I know it must be so scary for her, but look at her challenging herself!!!
I’m so proud of my girl, Mave! I wonder: I know Mave occasionally makes food demands of Gordo, but she seems to take support from him outside. Do you think their relationship dynamic will change now that she’s exploring the Bray with him?
I do think it may change! Gordo had such a big crush on Mave before the introductions, and it’s so nice to see her displaying affection for him. She does still demand his food at mealtimes, though :slight_smile:
aw, Gordito wants to be somebody’s lobster…!
Mave..work it, girl 😉
She was contemplating going further. I was holding my breath. Go Mave! You can do it! Oh but that wide open space between climbing towers. Maybe tomorrow.
Speedy recovery Carol!
It’s heart-warming to see Mave venturing out