Here are some action shots from right after lunch. First, note the sock – which is Missy for “Let’s play!” Annie is always happy to oblige. I love Annie’s big playface!
Play
Caregiving
One of the more fantastic things that has happened in the last year is that the chimpanzees have new caregivers – staff and volunteer. Jackie is our newest staff person, and she is just finishing up chimpanzee care training. It is so fun to see the chimps react and interact with new friends. Today I spied on Jamie and Foxie playing with Jackie through the barn doors. Jamie had a stretchy hose-like thing that she was using to play tug-of-war. Being Jamie, she naturally wore a bikini top draped around her neck (complete with trolls tied to the strings).
In addition to playing with the chimps, which is a very important job, Jackie’s been hard at work caring for the chimps’ garden beds. Check them out!
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.
Lazy Thursday
Even with temperatures above 80 degrees, Negra insists on napping under a blanket. Behind her, Foxie and Jody muster just enough energy to play tickle laying down.
Afternoon play
While waiting for us to finish cleaning the playroom today, Missy and Annie found a way to entertain themselves. (I apologize for the length, but I didn’t want to cut any of it out!)
Brachiating and swinging
Just a short video of chimps being chimps. Foxie and Missy take turns brachiating across the roof of the enclosure. Then Jamie and Missy play with one of the new fire hose swings around the recently donated culvert.
My favorite part of the video: When Diana (and the camera) get hit with a flying troll. It’s an occupational hazard here at CSNW!
