How much fun is it to watch a chimpanzee entertain himself? Pretty fun!
Who do you think is featured in this video?
Hmmm?
Play On Their Terms
Some chimps love to play with their human friends. Think Burrito, Cy, Terry. Others are less interested in human interaction, for different reasons.
Annie and Gordo are two of these chimps.
I don’t often get to interact with Annie. She tends to be a nervous chimp, and it seems like she is a little uncomfortable about interactions at the mesh caging. Most of my interactions with Annie have happened with a window between us. I jump at these opportunities!
Gordo likes to play chase with his human friends. But you have to be paying attention to his cues, because they are quite subtle. On this occasion, Diana had been playing with Willy B (another chimp that engages less often with caregivers) and Gordo wanted to play, too. So I attempted to entertain Gordo. Unfortunately, he wasn’t into it. I tried a few different methods, with little success. Until I tried, what I like to call, “I’m gonna get you” (one of Burrito’s favorite games!). Gordo loved it, and laughed so hard Diana could hear him throughout the building!
I hope you enjoy today’s video of me with Annie and Gordo, playing on their terms!
Willy B, Party of One
Through the years, we have all watched as Willy B has become more and more comfortable exploring The Bray.
Today, without the reassurance of his friends, Willy B ventured all the way to the top of The Bray! He traveled about as far away from the building as he could get, and climbed up and down the highest structures like he’s been doing it his whole life! While sitting atop the structures, he took in his surroundings, feeling the spring sunshine on his face and the breeze in his hair.
What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!
Pokey Joe Burrito
Let me start by acknowledging that Pokey Joe generally means that someone is moving slowly. And we know that one would almost never describe our beloved Burrito in that way. Slow? Please!
When I call Burrito Pokey Joe, it’s because he’s being especially pokey, as in poking me, poking food that’s being served, or poking my phone/camera. I recently got some video footage of Burrito in an especially pokey mood. And to top it off, I got some fun footage of Burrito and his good friend Foxie, playing and laughing their heads off!
I’ve titled this blog “Pokey Joe Burrito”, but it could also be called “That Time My Phone Ended Up In the Drain”!
Enjoy!
Honey B and Dora with a Side of Gordo
Honey B and Dora have the most fun together! My personal favorite is when Honey B is standing on her head, and Dora is playing with her feet (keep your eyes peeled and you may see this a couple of times in today’s video!).
Today, Gordo happened to be sitting close by and wanted badly to get in on the fun! While often times, two’s a party and three’s a crowd, Gordo managed to sneak in a few play moments with the girls!
A Jolly Good Day
I need to take some x-rays of Ms. Honey B’s healing hand, so I will leave you with our most beloved guy, Burrito.
Burrito and a Jolly Ball? What more does one need?
Rainy day fun!
Today, the second day of spring, started out promising! As Ellen and I were giving the cattle an early morning snack, the sun was starting to peek out from behind the clouds. The sun’s rays felt nice and warm! I was excited, anticipating a warm, sunny spring afternoon. Chimps lounging in the greenhouses, and venturing outside. When I gave Burrito access to his 2 acre outdoor habitat, Young’s Hill, he took off running! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to join him but I promised I would do a perimeter run with him this afternoon. Because, you know, it was going to be a sunny spring afternoon, right??
Well, I don’t know if it’s like this everywhere, but, spring in the Pacific Northwest is unpredictable. Cue the rainfall.
So, what do the chimps do when it rains?
Some chimps like to curl up in a big, warm blanket nest (Negra).
Others like to spend time with a challenging enrichment item (Jamie).
Some prefer to watch their favorite movies and videos (Willy B).
Other chimps peruse the latest gossip magazines (Cy).
But, what do Burrito and Foxie do?
You’ll have to watch the video to find out!
p.s. Don’t worry, Kelsi couldn’t deny Mr. Bubs a run around the hill in the misty drizzle this afternoon! You’re a good sport, Kelsi!
