There are times I wish I was able to peek into the chimpanzees’ thoughts to see what they actually are thinking. For instance, I really wish I could peek into Honey B’s mind to see what that brain conjures up imaginatively.
For the six years I have known her, watching her has always been intriguing. If you were able to watch her almost every day, you too would understand that mind is running on all cylinders at all times. From the luring in of unsuspecting caregivers to spit in their face, to the placement of toys in places to mess with daily shifting, to her strategic placement of items when she is building her nests, and yes, to some how figuring out how to steal a hose while the caregivers were away.
I was spending time with her in the afternoon while she was in the mezzanine. She was specifically in the area commonly know as “the cubby.” If there is an spot in her areas that she without a shadow of a doubt love, it’s that little spot. She was in such a playful mood (with me at least), spinning around on her back, making her little grunts of happiness that serenades my ears. She reached outside her area, grabbed a purple blanket and drug it in. Draping it over her head, she grabbed two corners and held them up into the cage mesh.
It looked like a little tent or fort. Honey B then invited me to come closer. It was like we were both playing a little game of “fort,” which she seemed to think was fun.
It was really reminiscent of being a child again, playing fort and telling secrets. And as it happens somewhat frequently, I missed a grand opportunity. I was telling my friend about it, to which they asked if I had a blanket on hand to complete Fort B. Unfortunately, I did not since I had not anticipated this fun little game. Next time though! (Hopefully there is a next time.)
Side note: here is Honey B’s mother, Missy, utilizing a fort during “Blanket Fort Day.” Missy was enjoying her food puzzle and watching that young whippersnapper, George, as he was on the Bray earlier.
*Bonus Photos*
