Toning it down a notch

June 20, 2012 by Jackie -

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Missy probably has more energy than anyone I know, especially when she’s playing. But it’s fascinating to watch her play with Negra. Negra doesn’t play too often and is usually pretty subdued about it when she does, so watching Missy tone it down a notch in order to get to play with the Queen is really pretty special.

YouTube video

11 Comments

  1. Avatar MS on June 20, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    I’d love to volunteer there but there are two drawbacks.

    1. I live 2,000 miles away.

    2. I’d be of no help. I’d just sit there and stare at the chimps all day! 🙂



    • Sara Lissabet, Fairfax on June 21, 2012 at 4:12 pm

      Ha ha, me too!



  2. Richard on June 20, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    That’s fascinating! Watching it, I had a question: have primatologists studied and analyzed chimpanzee play, both in the wild and in captivity? I’m curious about what sort of patterns chimp play follows, how it functions, variations by age and by situation (e.g., in the wild vs. in captivity).



  3. Avatar Marcia Douthwaite on June 20, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    What a touching video, Jackie. Missy tried in so many ways to get Negra to respond and the last portion was priceless.



  4. Avatar Kat Morrell on June 20, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    I loved watching Missy play with Negra’s handsand lips. so sweet. The nose-bopping was endearing. Negra seemed to be enjoying that gentle attention. Cool watching her prehensile lips.



  5. Avatar Cassey on June 20, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    very touching for sure. In the beginning, in missy’s eyes, their is something engaging about her expression toward’s Negra – seems a look of compassion or empathy and then a gentle approach for drawing her out.

    Well done Missy!



  6. Avatar Wanda Trotta on June 21, 2012 at 7:38 am

    I know there are so many more who do this but there is never a day I don’t check in to your blog to see what’s going on with the Chimps. Please don’t ever stop the blog – the videos and photos are priceless!
    Thanks a million for it!



  7. Avatar Jordan Bwoer on June 21, 2012 at 10:24 am

    That video is so awesome. I love how Negra reaches out and touches Missy’s shoulder…..like, “I see ‘ya sister….but I don’t have much energy to do much beyond let you tap my mouth with your hand…….” So precious.



  8. Avatar Carrie on June 21, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    What a sweet and tender interaction. I love to see them looking so calm and content.



  9. Gregg Biggs on June 21, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Whenever I am feeling down, I visit your blog and always feel a bit better about the world. Seeing how these chimps can find a better life after so many years of abuse is very heartening. I have been involved in basenji rescue for several years, and since they come from the same part of the world as chimps and bonobos, primate rescue and sanctuaries have begun to capture my imagination.



  10. Sara Lissabet, Fairfax on June 21, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Negra was getting into the nose bump there at the end. How cute and sweet; capturing their silhouette at play by the window was very special.



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