12 Comments

1. jen in NH on January 4, 2012 at 10:38 am

   Jackie, do you think Burrito is ever likely to become more like a stereotypical alpha male? Any idea how much of this would be related to his inherent personality rather than his background? Obviously there are many wild and captive male chimps who never become alphas. Thanks!!

   
   
   
   • Jackie on January 5, 2012 at 1:39 pm

     Jen- Though Burrito does seem to have his more confident moments lately, I think it’s pretty doubtful that he would ever become the dominant member of the group.

     
     
     
2. Sara Lissabet, Fairfax on January 4, 2012 at 11:13 am

   No one comes between Burrito and his food! I wonder if Burrito is going to use this tactic to get more special treatment from the gals in the future!

   
   
   
3. Linda (Portland, OR) on January 4, 2012 at 2:56 pm

   I loved the end of the video when he gives her a very careful hug but then still doesn’t give it to her!

   
   
   
4. Rita Stevenson on January 4, 2012 at 3:41 pm

   Buritto is so smart. Miss Jody is such a charming ,typical female. I love them both so much.
   Buritto loved the affection and kisses,and grooming,BUT, he did NOT lose sight of his prized coconut. When he gave Jody the very careful hug, he did in fact give her a bended hug she could not see the coconut, yet Buritto, still could keep his coconut and still have safe contact with Jody. I loved it, The chimps politics and negotiations are truly remarkable.
   Considering these dear chimps were all in prisoned cages, for all them years, its a blessing ,that they have developed,grown,and evolved, and they’ re all such well adjusted – high functioning chimps. The healing that has taken place is so evident. I viewed thier pics from before to
   now, WOW. I commend each and every CSNW staff . thank you for giving these chimps such a wonderful, and enriched life. They know they got it really good.

   
   
   
5. Tim on January 4, 2012 at 3:59 pm

   Burrito, good for you man…..not falling for all that womanly charm. They do it to us all the time buddy! You are a tribute to your gender! LOL
   T

   
   
   
6. Tanis on January 4, 2012 at 4:20 pm

   Burrito “I love you Jody, but you’re still not getting my coconut” Sorry What a sweet video, and good for Burrito for not giving up his found treasure.

   
   
   
7. Jeani Goodrich on January 4, 2012 at 5:38 pm

   I think it is great that Burrito is finally standing up for himself! I remember when it seemed like Burrito would have given up whatever he had if one of the girls looked cross eyed at him. Burrito you are da man!!!

   
   
   
8. Chris on January 4, 2012 at 5:50 pm

   This is PRICELESS!! :))

   
   
   
9. Teresa in TN on January 4, 2012 at 5:54 pm

   Burrito: “you can have my toys, you can have my blankets, but nobody, and I mean nobody, gets my food!” 🙂

   
   
   
10. Rita Stevenson on January 10, 2012 at 11:57 am

    Why does Buritto have such yello stained teeth vs the much older chimps, Could it be due to the effects of bio medical research.? And do they brush their own teeth?

    
    
    
11. Jackie on January 11, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Hi Rita,

    All of the chimps have pretty stained teeth, which is probably just due to their age. We’ve tried giving them toothbrushes before and even brushing their teeth for them, but for the most part, they just want to eat the toothpaste so it doesn’t work very well (I’ve known other chimpanzees who do like to brush their own teeth). We wouldn’t want to anesthetize them unless absolutely necessary, but if we had to do another procedure, we may opportunistically do some dental work. In the meantime, we give them Spry dental gum, which they love!