Interspecies Awkwardness
April 5, 2014 by Diana -
Last October we were paid a visit by an elk, who we’ve since been calling Ellie. Learn more about that visit in this blog post. When the chimpanzees saw Ellie last fall, their immediate reaction was to defend their territory.
Ellie has been hanging out at the neighbors’ ranch for a while now, though she’s free to come and go. The last couple of days she has been visiting the sanctuary.
While Jamie tried to chase her off a few times, you’ll see in the video below that she’s becoming more comfortable with Ellie and perhaps trying to figure out if there’s a way to expand their relationship. The result was a little awkward.
I was going to write about the strangeness of captivity vs. freedom, what’s wild and natural, and what happens when humans become part of the equation in the lives of animals, but I’ll leave all of that pondering up to you.
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I predict they will be BFFs by mid-summer.
Diana — Absolutely fascinating. I hope you’ll report back on the progress of this relationship!
Maybe there will soon
be multi species treks around Young’s Hill, humans, Ellie, Wilson, Jamie and her companions…..
Expanding on Cindy’s idea – you wouldn’t hapoen to have some elk sized cowboy boots?
Ha ha!
What I love is the curiosity both Jamie and Ellie have for one another.
What a perspective on the freedom verses captivity. Almost as if Ellie would like to help her to freedom. I love your posts and look forward to seeing them always.
If you look up Rocky Ridge Rescue you’ll be amazed at the interspecies interactions. I had no idea so many could get along with one another like that. Ellie seems lonesome, or wanting a snack?