Bad weather, happy chimps
March 8, 2009 by J.B. -
The chimps have been in very good moods lately, despite this late winter snow storm. Sometimes when they’re too cooperative, and they’re not spitting and banging at us at all, I get suspicious…
This morning, when Elizabeth and I went in to say good morning to the chimps, Foxie passed two small trolls to me and proceeded to do a dozen pirouettes and at least as many backflips. Missy and Jody both wore makeshift garter belts for a good part of the day (I think one of them was a scrunchy). I managed to catch a few more of the day’s activities on camera:
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Oh JB It looks like everyone had such a fun day. I love your description as well as the video. Great catch Foxie!
Impressive catch Foxie! What are some of the reasons chimps spit? I imagine to get your attention, what else.
Very fun post and video, J.B.! Thanks so much for sharing it. Even with the frosty weather, they sure must be feeling frisky!
This is all so great! I love how the chimps just casually hang from the ceiling!
Wow — JB — watching you toss the troll doll back to Foxie made me think about how it must be for her and the others to have such attentive care after years of having their needs ignored. We have to get all the other chimps out of labs, too!
Candace – Yes, they spit to get people’s attention. They also spit when they’re upset with someone for something they did, or to intimidate a stranger. Sometimes they spit playfully (Foxie does this). Chimps can always find a reason to spit 🙂
When you’re in a cage (even a big enclosure like at a sanctuary or zoo), spitting is one of the few ways that you can affect the outside world, so it has many purposes.
I have been out of town on business for a few days and boy did I miss the blog. It’s great to see them all playful and happy. Great throw J.B.! Super catch, Foxie!
You know, I wouldn’t mind one bit to be spit on by one of the chimps. I just hope if it ever happens it’s because they are trying to get my attention.