We have very exciting news to share…George has gotten his first experience exploring The Bray, one of our outdoor habitats! We have been preparing him for this moment for several weeks by teaching him about the electric fences that serve as the barrier of the habitat (see this post to learn more about fence training). The big day arrived, and we were all excited (and a little nervous) to see him explore this large outdoor space for the first time. See the video here!
We stationed caregivers around The Bray to monitor him as he explored, and were thrilled when he stepped out into the large, open habitat within moments of the door opening. He has amazed us with his bravery in every new experience at the sanctuary so far, and today was no exception. Not only did George step out into his new space, he truly explored it. Some captive chimpanzees, who have lived their lives in enclosures with closed tops and limited exposure to grass, can take days, weeks, months, or even years to find the confidence and comfort to be in such an open space. I have personally known chimpanzees that after many years in sanctuary still are not comfortable walking on grass, or being in open-top spaces without having the security of caging to hold onto (almost as if they are afraid they could “fall up”). To see George step out onto the boardwalk, then into the grass, was truly special. But he didn’t stop there. He climbed the first structure, all the way to the top! He took his first (of many, we hope) walks around The Bray, going to greet Caregiver Krissy who was monitoring him from outside the fences. After walking with her for awhile, he turned around, and minutes later was walking up the other side of The Bray with Caregiver Diana, all the way to the top to see Caregiver Dusty. He foraged for food we spread out on The Bray for him, food grunting as he ate his cherries (one of his favorite foods). Many of us remarked on how brave he was, to be exploring this new space with such confidence and curiosity, and to be doing so alone. Chimpanzees (much like us) often rely on their friends for reassurance to do hard things, but George conquered The Bray all on his own. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him once he has chimpanzee friends, and we are certain he will continue to amaze us with his courage and enthusiasm in meeting every new experience offered to him.
What an amazing young man George is proving himself to be!
Thank you, Ellen, for explaining how difficult it must be for some chimps to adjust too strange things. I’m sure no chimp In medical research ever received high fives and congratulations or their accomplishments. It was amazing to see how brave George is. He’s head bobbing with staff, eating new food, entering new spaces, climbing new structures. All without much hesitancy,. It must have been thrilling for all of you as it was for us watching the blog, to see him gallop along the fence. We wish you well George, as you slowly meet your new sanctuary family, the Lucky 6. Pop the cork on the champagne, or peel a banana, with a rousing round of applause. You’ve got this, buddy.
He was so so happy out there, and his exuberant joy at the end, when everyone went to congratulate him, made me beam. This may be my favorite video ever. But I have a question about fence training. I recall a video of Negra touching the fence and screaming when she got a shock. Staff comments were so sympathetic and worried, to the effect of “Oh, no! Not Neggie!” Had she not gotten the training? Or not made the connection? Can someone remind me? Thanks.
She did touch the training fence but we were never sure if she made the connection, as her encounter with the training fence wasn’t as deliberate as the other’s – she may have made contact as she was climbing the caging to get up to a platform. And it does sometimes take another contact to make the connection between the training fence and the real fence, even when they knowingly and willingly touch the training fence. But in our experience, once the make the connection they never have any trouble again and they get to enjoy acres of outdoor space.
I loved every moment of this video! It might be my new favorite. His joy and excitement are contagious and the celebration afterwards is so heartwarming. What an intrepid guy! Congratulations George!
What a beautiful and heartwarming video and George’s exuberance shone through as he explored his domain; open space and fresh air.I actually felt that I was there on that Bray with him! I loved the little yelps that he made at the end of the video surrounded by his human pals and enjoying his snacks. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Watching this makes me so happy!
This video is a document of a miracle. My gratitude to all of you who brought George to this day and experience.
Atta Boy, George!! So wonderful to see your resilience and heart. Your friends in Port Orford are cheering for you. :clap:?
George knows he is finally safe. Run, George, Run! So awesome! xo
Go George!!! He’s so brave. Seeing him explore… That’s what sanctuary is about!
Way to go George, well done. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience with us.
so far I’ve watched this 10 times….and will think of watching this again when driving by the fortunately empty Bandon Game park……thank you for taking the time to share this very much needed good story…….
Amazing! Absolutely incredibly brave. To be out there all on your, in a completely unknown terrain, my gosh! George didn’t hesitate to explore all those unknown surfaces under foot! When he made it to the top of the Bray, I had this feeling he was just itching to go through the tall grass but decided to stick to the safety of the mowed path. And there was one moment when the expression on George’s face was visibly full of amazement as he was sitting on the climbing structure (while J.B. was speaking to him). His eyes grew two sizes bigger taking it all in!
How proud did each of you feel?! There’s no doubt George was proud of himself. He clearly loved it when you rushed in to fill the room with praise! Wow. Wh as t a day!!
I’m so ecstatic for him? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Georges life worth living:revolving_hearts: I’ll never forget what youve done for him.
George is such a spunky young man!
To adapt so quickly, and to explore that much on the first sortie, all by himself!
I’m glad you were all there for him (as if anything could keep you away on such an important day!)
What a joyful, beautiful, heart warming video!! George is not only handsome, but so courageous! Wow…..thank you so much for sharing his exciting adventure!! It must be so rewarding for you all to watch his progress.
Trusting little lad, that’s for sure! Well done, Georgie, well done, staff!:notes::green_heart::clap::house_with_garden:
oh my goodness! He was soooo happy! My heart just burst with joy for him. When he was laughing with his tongue out he reminded me so much of silly Beni in the movie Bonobos, back to the wild. He certainly does have a bonobo look to him. also, I can see how much he loves his caregivers. I think he just appreciates you all so very much. He’s lovin life right now, and it’s only just begun!
Today we witnessed good, kindness and love triumph over evil. Thank you for sharing this with all of us and all that you do day in and day out to bring joy not only to those in your care but all of us as well! :heart::heart::heart: