Building a friendship with Gordo has been an extremely rewarding experience. For those who follow our blog, you may have heard us describe him as “aloof” or “shy”. In general, Gordo takes time to warm up to people. Gordo is an observer, and to earn his friendship, you in return have to be observant enough to notice his subtle tells. However, Gordo is quite a silly guy when you get to know him. For example, one day, I brought a long cardboard tube back to Cy’s side of the building to be able to play with one of the chimps. To my surprise, Gordo was the first chimp to want to be poked with the cardboard tube. He wanted to be poked/tickled on the back on his neck, side, and butt! Gordo thought it was the funniest thing and would start breathy panting which turned into a game of chase, bunny hop and all.
Being Gordo’s friend also means you have to have the patience to allow him to be a little spit-y or pokey! Often, Gordo incorporates spitting water while playing. He is not alone in that either, Foxie loves to spit water and spin away, before coming back to do the same thing all over again!
Finding a relaxed Gordo who wants to sit and groom really takes the cake – it’s such a rarity!
I love you, Gordo! ?
– your secret best friend
Years ago, a (artist) friend introduced me to the Briggs Meyer by telling me over dinner, “I think you’re an INTJ. You quickly pick up on sll of the subtle details and nuances. And you don’t always realize that not everyone’s mind works that way.”
Maybe that’s what I like about this guy and his stubby feet and funny walk. That, and understanding that you’ll never win the popularity prize! :laughing:
Kelsi,
Have you guys ever taught them that you can amplify your voice through the cardboard tube? I’m wondering if any of them would find that fun. Just what you needed, right? Amplified pant hoots!
I’m glad Gordo had some positive introductory visits with George which included grooming..
Thank you Kelsi! I followed George here, so I’m pretty new. It’s fun to learn about the other chimps and their different personalities.
Welcome, welcome!
Have you watched all of the “fall in live with ____ chimpanzee? They’re linked on their profile pages.
I also love “Rescued chimpanzee adjusts enrichment puzzle”, “Drag Racer or Jamie races the gator”, and “Christmas 2015″(Jamie), “Thanksgiving 2018”, “Burritos (36?)th birthday bash”(when pasta cam first appeared), “sharing”, and the epic play session between Jamie and Foxie, and “Foxie’s new doll”, “Burrito will play with you now”, “Snake hunters”. For a start.:grin:
Linda, don’t forget Honey B’s great overnight hose caper. Such shenanigans.
You’re right, Gaynell! I can’t remember the title of that one! was it “the hose heist”?
And the one where Annie snuck a tube into Jamie’s smoothie like a straw!
It’s hard to believe big Gordo can curl up and fit himself comfortably on top of his orange stool! I love the way the chimps grab and hold their feet.