Chimpanzees spend a lot of time grooming one another. You might think they have a pressing interest in cleanliness, but grooming is less about hygiene and more about strengthening social ties. Chimpanzees groom to make up after a fight, to build new relationships, or just to catch up with old friends. One evolutionary psychologist has hypothesized that chimpanzee grooming is the equivalent of human gossip. It allows individuals to build and reinforce social networks, and gain social capital. And of course, it just feels good to spend time with friends.
Burrito
The return of Ellie the elk
Ellie (as we call her), our local neighborhood wild elk, spends her days roaming up and down the valley where she grew up after losing her mother. During the winter she tends to stay more frequently at the neighboring ranch, but she always makes her way back to the sanctuary in the springtime to hang out.
On one of her first days back after the snow melted she decided to accompany the chimpanzees (everyone except Negra!) and I on a walk around Young’s Hill. The chimpanzees, however, (specifically Jamie and Foxie) weren’t so welcoming of her return and wanted to remind her whose territory she was in. (Be sure to watch until the end when Jody and Missy offer Foxie and her Dora doll reassuring hugs for their bravery).
Burrito Chimpanzee
Age: 33. His actual birthday is January 6, 1983. Click on the link to find out more about Burrito’s history prior to arriving at CSNW.
Nicknames: B, Mr. B, Bub, Bubs, Bubba
Best friend: Foxie
Favorite food: FOOD!!!!!
Best known for: His love of food, playing chase with caregivers, getting massaged while playing tug-of-war, playing with Foxie, his impressive displays, banging on the doors and spitting water (especially geared toward the lead caregiver while he/she is operating doors)
Distinguishing physical characteristics: Well, he’s a boy, so that part is pretty obvious. He has a lot of white freckles on his face and is missing the top part of his right ear. He’s pretty excited a lot of the time, so his hair stands on end (pilo erect) making him appear “fluffy”.
Personality: Fun, sweet, playful, cute, goofy, silly, charming, handsome and energetic. He can also be a very boisterous troublemaker!!
Other: Sometimes while walking around Young’s Hill, he does a little “goat-like kick” and although he is the only male of the group, he is not the most dominant.
One of my favorite videos is of Burrito playing with his new friend.
The elk that stole my job
Many of you know that Jamie likes to be accompanied by a caregiver when she patrols Young’s Hill, her 2-acre enclosure. It’s the best part of the job, in my opinion – fresh air, exercise, and some quality bonding time between chimps and the humans that care for them. And if I’m being honest, it’s just nice to feel needed once and a while.
But it looks like us humans won’t be needed much longer.
This morning, Jamie and Burrito took a walk around the hill with our neighborhood elk, Ellie. This wasn’t the type of patrol we typically see in response to an intruder – Jamie wasn’t aggressive or even particularly vigilant. In fact, it looked to me like the same leisurely stroll that we take with Jamie every day…I mean, used to take every day. Before Ellie took over.
At least Jamie still needs us to clean her enclosures. For now.
Stickin’ Around
Burrito doesn’t need much to have fun. Just a good friend and a good stick.
Today is in memory of Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Joan O’Flaherty in memory of her parents, Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty, on their shared birthday. Joan has been honoring her parents by making the chimpanzees’ lives better for many years now and we are so touched by her kindness. She shared this message about today:
“In memory of my late parents’ birthday, both of whom were great animal lovers and supporters of conservation.”
Joan, thank you so much for all that you do for the chimpanzees in your parents’ memory, they must have been very special people. We are so happy to honor Ned and Noreen here at the sanctuary and celebrate their lives along with the chimpanzees. All of us here hope your day is filled with comfort, love and memories held dear.
Burrito and Jody:
Burrito, his slinky, and the terribly difficult job of being a caregiver
Could Burrito be more charming? Watch the video and decide for yourself.
