In contrast to the Negra-style play mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, when Foxie and Jamie play, they are completely uninhibited and just down right goofy. I could watch them (and laugh with them) being silly all day long.
rescue
Into the great wide open
In the comments section of a previous post, Michelle asked, “I’m interested in learning what their possible reactions might be to the wide open outdoor spaces that they will encounter, are you anticipating any anxiety from them and how will you deal with it? I’ve read how many of the chimps released in Florida at the sanctuary there have some pretty stressful reactions to natural spaces, any ideas you can share with us on how it might go?”
As Debbie mentioned in her response, we do anticipate that some of the chimps will initially be hesitant to walk out into the wide open space of Young’s Hill. To help them overcome their fears, we built a fire hose hand rail so that they might feel anchored to something familiar as they venture out. We also built a walkway made of logs for those who might be anxious about grass underfoot. Both of these structures lead to a nearby platform, which resembles the platform in their current outdoor enclosure.
We hope that these things will make it easier for the chimps to take those first steps out into the unknown, but of course, they will do things at their own pace. Some will head out as soon as we open the door, while others may need some time. And some may just need the right incentive, like a field full of frozen watermelons (I’m looking at you, Burrito)….
The many things to do with troll dolls
Troll dolls can be used in many different ways.
Getting Closer
Missy’s grooming tool
Missy loves to groom herself using a tool. She often uses a piece of bark or straw that she finds on the ground, but if those aren’t doing the trick she will create a better tool.
Foxie & Grace play chase
We, obviously, have some especially lovable chimps around here, but when I witness super cute games like the one in the video below, I have a hard time deciding who I love more– the chimps or the caregivers.
The chimps are excellent at keeping our priorities straight. When Negra is ready for her nightbag, she is READY for her nightbag, and will let it be known that nothing will satisfy her until she gets it. Foxie is a good “prioritizer”, too. She will often toss us a troll right as we are getting ready to lock up at the end of the day. Perfect timing! She also frequently “stalls” us when we are cleaning. And her caregivers will pretty much do anything to appease, no matter how sweaty they get!
Playful Foxie
Foxie was being especially playful this morning.
