Negra was the recipient of some post-lunch groomin’ in the sun today. J.B. took a couple of photos. I like the second one so much, I decided to focus in and “artistify” it.
Missy
Dinner
Chimps are adept tool users, but you can’t get everything with a spoon.
By the way, this week the chimps are enjoying the first lettuce harvest from Negra’s garden!
Kissing
Chimpanzees often kiss each other as a means of seeking reassurance. Usually what we call a kiss is really more of a soft bite with the lips covering the teeth. In this case, Annie was overly excited and she looked to Missy for comfort. Missy didn’t really have to do much – really, she just had to accept it – but that was enough to reassure Annie.
Always playing
Missy and Annie were playing inside before lunch today. Usually Missy puts on a sock before she starts to play; today she did the reverse.
Never too old to play
Every once and a while, Negra musters enough energy to play with us and the other chimpanzees. This morning, she was giving kisses, tickling, and encouraging us to dance. And the other day, I caught her playing with Missy. I want to give Missy the benefit of the doubt, but I’m pretty sure she was tickling Negra just to get her blankets.
Either way, it’s nice to see Negra smiling.
How to put Foxie to sleep
Missy and Foxie spent a long time grooming together this afternoon in the sunshine. As the last photo indicates, Foxie enjoyed her session so much she fell asleep!
Eat, sleep, repeat
Last night, one of our volunteers made peppers stuffed with rice, apples and lime juice for dinner:
This morning, the chimps nibbled on grass:
Afterwards, Jody decided to make herself comfortable:
Missy, as usual, stopped to pose for a photo: