Table for One
May 14, 2021 by J.B. -
As we opened up the hill this morning, the chimps scampered off in different directions.
They harvested plants from across the hill and stuffed their mouths with grass, dandelions, and prickly lettuce.
By the time breakfast was ready, the chimps were nowhere to be found.
With the exception of Negra, that is. So as we called and food grunted in vain to notify the others, Negra enjoyed her own private breakfast service in the greenhouse. I’m pretty sure she has been waiting for this moment her entire life.
After cleaning was over, I went to see if any of the Seven were still outside. I could hear laughter coming from the greenhouse.
Jamie and Burrito were wrestling.
The group has been squabbling a lot lately, as you can see from the abrasion and patch of missing hair on Jamie’s arm.
But today it was all play and grooming.
This is how chimps work.
There will always be fights.
So you just have to make the happy moments outnumber the bad ones.
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Do you let wounds heal naturally?
I think they spray topical antibiotics (part of their PRT)
For most scrapes and minor cuts, yes, though we sometimes use a topical antiseptic spray or salve.
Aw, nice that Bubba is finally appreciated! Funny that the two raised in human families and entertainment took the longest to get along
Where did the six chimpanzees go?
They were at the very top of the hill, hidden behind tall grass and bamboo.
SO Negra, who usually doesn’t come to eat (except for her chow bags), passes on going outside for her yummy prickly lettuce and spring grass and instead shows up for breakfast all by herself?! All hail the Queen. Diana serving Negra all by herself, priceless. Has this ever happened before?
The photos of the new BFF’s are also priceless! Especially the first two images. I hope the squabbling slows down. Do they seem to have confrontations when changes take place (like the new rooms opening up for the CA gang?
I can’t remember a time when Negra has dined alone.
I would say that while we all have a tendency to look for external influences, in the end most of their fighting is the result of normal intragroup dynamics.
It is so wonderful to see Jamie and Burrito intensly playing together, with fingers in mouths and hands on heads; it looks like they fully trust eachother. That makes me happy.
And Negra would have been very pleased with the greenhouse ( and Diana ) all to herself. Just peace and quiet and food served when you want it; no waiting involved.