Studies have found that adult chimpanzees (like adult humans) don’t play as frequently as young chimps. Annie and Missy have been too busy playing to read those studies.
Play
Burrito in the greenhouse
Although the girls have been spending the majority of the daylight hours playing, grooming, nesting, and resting in the greenhouse since it was completed, Burrito has been much more hesitant to go out. He usually has the indoors to himself during the day while everyone else enjoys the 75 degree weather outside. Even the lure of food hasn’t been enough to tempt him outside for more than a couple of very nervous minutes (and everybody knows how much Burrito loves food!).
He’s making remarkable progress, though. In the last few days, he has begun to come out into the greenhouse for a few minutes at a time (even with no food incentive). This morning, he spent about 20 minutes in the sun grooming Jody and playing with his human friends. I don’t think I can express how happy we all are to see him gaining so much confidence!
St. Patrick’s Day Party
As promised, here is some video of the chimpanzees’ fun and festive party yesterday. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed and made the party possible. You truly made the chimps’ day!
Play Faces
Missy loves going through the culvert – she always comes out the other side with a big smile on her face!
Foxie and the window
The chimpanzees are still loving their chimp-proof window. Foxie, in particular, has been hanging out near the window while we clean the playroom in the morning. Here’s a video of her and Diana goofing off.
Burrito laugh
As some of you may know from previous blog posts (most notably, All About Burrito), Burrito doesn’t laugh too often. In fact, he sometimes bites his hand in what seems to be an attempt to keep himself from laughing. But yesterday, Foxie turned over his tickle box and he just couldn’t help himself.
Missy’s Day of Play
Missy has been especially playful today (even by Missy standards). Jody and Annie have been good about humoring her (as you’ll see in the video), but even during those moments when no one else is up to a game, Missy has found a way to entertain herself. At various times today, we’ve caught her taking a flying leap from the deck outside wearing a huge playface or playing chase with an invisible partner.
