Mornings are some of my favorite times at the sanctuary. Usually everyone is happy and playful (playful can also lead to excitement, which can lead to displaying), however, there is lots of breathy panting and kissing which can just make your heart melt with happiness. Most mornings I can hear Missy ripping around on the second level of the Playroom with Annie – or she puts a blanket over her head (ghost Missy) and wrestles with Annie – Jamie throws a boot for you to put on and then breaks into chase, Negra is often still in bed enjoying the warmth of the Greenhouse, Foxie is stomping around or can also be found soaking up the warm sunshine in the Greenhouse, and Burrito bursts into games of chase that turn into grooming and kissing. There is often a lot of grooming and silly play going on with all the chimps. Sometimes I love when I come into the Chimp House and they don’t even know humans are there yet and it’s calm, quiet, and you can see some sleepy chimpanzees still in bed, though most really already do know you are there, but are too tired to get up quite yet.

Negra this morning:

Burrito engaging in some morning chase:

Annie enjoying some morning grass:

Jody was the first on the Hill this morning:

Missy grooming herself:

Burrito grooming Negra:

Jody:

Annie lounging in the Greenhouse:

Lounging turned into grooming Missy: