I don’t know how this place would function without Jody. When we are shifting the chimps from one area to another and someone lags behind, Jody goes and rounds them up for us. And when a blanket gets left in the door, you can always rely on Jody to get it…at her own pace, of course. I don’t get the sense that she does it for approval; instead, I think she just likes to keep things running smoothly.
nest
Gorgeous Annie
I posted these on Annie’s Facebook page a few weeks ago. Here they are for those who refuse to succumb to joining Facebook.
Negra looking tough?
Negra chose one of the pirate blankets (part of pirate day last week) to put over her this morning.
From the back she looked kind of tough
From the front, though, Negra just looked very sweet
How to Nest by Jody and Missy
Jody and Missy are master nest-builders. I managed to get some recent photos of them making midday nests.
Jody’s step one: stand in the middle of the nest and build it around you.
Jody’s step two: include both sheets and blue paper in the nest for full comfort
Jody’s step three: dive face first into the bed (this movement often accompanied by a “Jody happy noise”)
Jody’s step four: enjoy the comfort you’ve created
Missy’s step one: first see if someone will play with you if you put a blanket over your head
Missy’s step two: if no one takes the play bait, proceed with nest-making by placing blankets around you where you sit
Missy’s step three: unfold and place blankets carefully
Missy’s step four: do a headstand
Missy’s step four: roll into a comfortable position and enjoy
Peace and earthquakes
A little while ago I was out in the greenhouse and snapped this picture of Jamie sleeping. I love seeing the chimps asleep – they look so peaceful. And it’s especially great to see Jamie looking peaceful since she’s always so serious and busy!
About 10 minutes later, I was sitting at my computer and the chimp house shook dramatically. Earthquake! Jackie and I looked at each other at the same time that the chimps all started alarm calling. We went to make sure everyone was ok (and the building as well) and to give the chimps some reassurance. Everyone’s fine! But the chimps were rattled and I don’t think Jamie will be taking another nap this afternoon!
Negra
It’s been so exciting to watch the chimps enjoy the greenhouse these past few days. Today was completely overcast, with temperatures in the upper 30’s for most of the day. Even so, it’s about 60 degrees in the greenhouse, and the chimps have been out there all day.
Even Negra has abandoned her usual spot on the play room catwalk to make nests outside. This is more than we could have hoped for.
In fact, the greenhouse has created a new problem for us. As I write this, at 5:30, I am waiting for Jamie to come back inside so I can close the door for the night (the greenhouse does get cold at night). But she doesn’t seem to care how late I have to stay 🙂 What a good problem to have!
Foxie nesting
Today Foxie nested in straw, following Jody’s lead. I’m pretty sure this is the first time we’ve seen Foxie nest with straw! See video: