As J.B. discussed in a recent blog, Willy B, Mave, Dora, and Honey B are currently living together in a subgroup. We are and will continue to monitor the subgroups to determine what our path forward will look like, but for now I wanted to share some wins with you all!
As I’m sure you’ve noticed (and will see in today’s blog video), Honey B and Dora are keeping up with their rigorous play schedule. Mave joins in at times, but seems to prefer the quiet moments grooming with Dora. Willy B has been noticeably more playful with caregivers, engaging in more games of chase and his newfound love of being tickled with a long-handled spoon (Caregiver Krissy even got a play face from him while tickling him recently! Somewhat blurry proof included below)!
The other morning, as we were preparing for our team huddle to discuss the day, we heard chimp laughter. We all looked to the cameras and saw Willy B and Dora playing! We saw with our own eyes the magic of Dora. Willy B can play a little rough at times, and some of his playful slaps were getting to be too much. With some chimps, this would have easily escalated into a fight, but Dora kept giving him opportunities to alter his play style and be more gentle, then eventually screamed at him to let him know that was enough. The scream was brief, Willy B stopped what he had been doing, and just a few minutes later they were back to playing again. Dora seems to often bring out the best in those around her with her playful spirit and tolerance of weirdness. I’m glad to report that she is doing well in this current subgroup, and am grateful for her silly side and the patience she extends our oftentimes awkward friend, Willy B.
