A few days ago, while cleaning the playroom on the original side of the building (where Jamie’s group lives), I heard some loud chimpanzee laughter coming from the front rooms. Of course, I was pretty sure who one of the chimps was, but who was he playing with? It was Annie! Playing in a big pile of pink raffle tickets! I really love seeing Annie able to let loose and enjoy playful interactions with her family. Being low on the social hierarchy can lead to stressful moments throughout the day, but Annie proves that she can still relax and kick up her heels with her friends once in a while.
play face
Fun & Games
Missy makes it obvious when she wants to play. The gigantic play face is the most obvious indication, but she also has the unique signal of wearing a sock on one foot.
Pure Joy
I’ve been referring to the weather we’re having in Cle Elum as bi-polar. One minute it’s sunny and the next minute there’s a blizzard. Yesterday we caught an unexpected break – the forecast called for snow flurries, but it was a pretty mild day. As you saw from the video yesterday, Missy took full advantage of the spring-like weather and was, well… spring-like.
In addition to all of that video, J.B. also managed to get some photos of Missy and Annie playing on the hill. I probably don’t need to say this, but it is still such an amazing thrill for us at the sanctuary to watch the chimps on the hill. Each time they go out, they seem even more relaxed. Playing is now a regular occurrence, but it’s still all so new and exciting. Watching Missy with a play face wrestle with Annie makes me indescribably happy.
Missy looks like she’s going to do a pro-wrestling move on Annie:
Annie returns with a play bite to Missy’s brow ridge:
Annie tries to give Missy the slip:
Missy grabs Annie’s fingertips:
Later, Missy was sitting by herself behind a post on the hill:
Here’s a close-up of the photo above. That’s a happy chimp face:
Missy and the Kong toy
Missy seemed to be having a great time working on a food puzzle this morning. Chimpanzees engage in solitary play quite often, but I can’t remember seeing anyone smile so much in the process.
Play Faces
Missy loves going through the culvert – she always comes out the other side with a big smile on her face!
