I hope you enjoy the video above and think about the different ways that primates (including human primates) learn.
I was searching for other blog posts where we talked about phantom nesting and found this video from way back in 2010 that shows Burrito and Foxie phantom nesting. It goes with this blog post, which includes some interesting comments. Anecdotally, I’ve talked with a caregivers at another sanctuary who said that they see phantom nesting mostly in chimpanzees who came from the same laboratory where Foxie was born.
I find the phantom nesting fascinating, but also incredibly sad, so I thought I’d lighten the mood a bit with the coconut cracking.
Speaking of lightening the mood, one reason this blog post is a bit tardy is because I was tuned into the end of the Sweet 16 Online Auction. There were so many items in Bid Wars! To add to the excitement, there was an anonymous donor who put us well over our goal with a super generous donation to “top things off” as she said.
I am so grateful for all of the incredibly talented artists who donated items for this auction and to everyone who participated in the auction by bidding and donating. Big congratulations to the winners. I’ll be in touch about getting your art to you!!
Gaynell says
Wow, Diana, i was following the bidding, turned away for two minutes and saw $10,000 go way over the top. Thanks generous donor.
I’m not going to say that
Burrito may be pretending he’s banging the noggin of former research staff. No I’m not going to say that. Oh boy, I said it
Linda C says
Oh, I still felt bad for our little ray of sunshine when he lost half of the water in his coconut! Next time, Bubba…next time!
Diana says
He did drink as much as he could off of the ground :slight_smile:
Linda C says
ew! Off the floor, ok, I get it. But the raceway!? :laughing:
Diana says
:laughing:
Marcie says
Oh sweet Burrito may you have many years of happiness and carefree joys in your precious life. Thanks, Diana, for showing us this interesting behavior exhibited by Burrito.
Linda C says
And we have chimpanzees teaching each other things…like Honey B teaching Mave and Willy B how the Lixit taps work. And teaching Dora how to get at that hose!
She doesn’t seem to have taught them how to use a cup when foraging, though…or does she only do that when she’s on her scooter?
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
A very poignant video and my old heart went out to Burrito as he tried to get comfort from his phantom nesting in those early days. He is such a resilient boy having spent his early life as a lab subject, then family pet and then forced into the animal entertainment industry! Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown and of course all his blankets…no more phantom nests foe Bubba.
John Dosep says
Love Burrito. It’s sad he may never fully recover from the trauma – but he couldn’t be in a better place for his retirement, thanks to you all!
Also, in the youtube description the link seems to not work properly. Just so you know. I think it’s a great idea to link the blog directly to make finding them easier as you did, but the link seems to cut off is all. Thank you
Kathleen says
Hi John, to see the video of burrito and his phantom nesting behavior, click on the link at the top of the blog that says “this video” in red. This will take you to the YouTube video that is no longer available at the bottom of the old blog post. I hope this helps.
Diana says
Thank you, John! I fixed that link on the YouTube video. I put it up there before the blog was posted and didn’t realize it didn’t copy the entire url.
Kathleen, I’m not sure why that old blog post didn’t show the video. I guess it’s still just amazing that our blog posts from 2010 still exist!
Linda C says
I think it has always been that way. I don’t think many of the videos in older blog posts come up.
Eli says
Wow, I am absolutely in awe of that donor. They topped the auction off and then some! It really moves me how many people care for CSNW’s wonderful chimpanzees and bovines. From numbers on a piece of paper in a lab to loved and chereshed beyond belief, it really is amazing.
Oh, Bubs and his phantom nest. It’s just another reminder of what was stolen from him. Does he ever nest with blankets? I know in the past it’s been said he usually just uses one or two. I assume Foxie is still all about that no blanket life.
Diana says
The support is amazing! It never ceases to surprise me and warm my heart. Foxie is still blanket-adverse, but Burrito’s nests have gotten somewhat bigger over the years. They still aren’t elaborate and elaborately constructed like some of the other chimps, but he’ll often collect a few blankets (slinging them over his shoulder) at night and then climb up to a bench that has more blankets.
Kathleen says
Ever since I first saw mention of phantom/ghost behavior in chimpanzees on your blog, it has fascinated me, too. I also recall old blog posts where J.B. showed examples of Foxie and her phantom play. This really piqued my curiosity as well.
Is the phantom nesting still seen in Burrito today?
Wow, what an exciting auction! Bidding Wars had the clock ticking well past the cut off time. And the last blast from the anonymous donor, pushing the dollar amount way beyond your goal was amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped raise funds. It was a ton of fun to watch the bidding this week. CSNW has the best supporters, and some of the finest artists I’ve ever seen. It sure was a happy Sweet 16 Anniversary celebration for all!!
Diana says
Thank you, Kathleen, for also adding your artistic talents with the Sweet 16 logo and graphics!! I’m blown away by everyone’s artistic abilities and willingness to donate their hard work to benefit the sanctuary. The Bid Wars was so fun to watch!!
That first clip in the video was of Burrito just a few days ago, so, yes, he does still phantom nest!
mo says
I felt bad for poor Burrito. Such a shame for an animal not to be raised where they can learn to do what’s natural. His early life was no gift… 🙁 Glad that he finally opened the coconut.
What was the leg shaking about as he set about his task?
And, WOOHOO to the fabulous anonymous donor!
Linda C says
That’s Burrito’s signature toe-tap. He always has some toes tapping (I feel like it’s usually the left foot).
Diana says
Yes, Linda is right. We call it “shaky leg” – there have been times we thought it could be related to his artritis, but he has done it for so long, and often when he’s playing by himself, so maybe it’s just all that Burrito energy needing an outlet!
Gaynell says
Burrito may be toe tapping to the music only he hears in his head. If it keeps him happy, why not. I love that guy’s enthusiasm for his life NOW.
Diana says
Maybe. I wish I knew his secret for staying so happy.