The Real Chimpanzees of Cle Elum
May 15, 2024 by Anna -
If Burrito was a human, I almost certainly think he would be a reality TV buff. He might even have a favorite soap opera that he never misses an episode of. At the very least, he would be the captain of the neighborhood watch program and always up on the latest gossip. All that said, he’s pretty obsessed with the drama filled lives of the other group of chimpanzees. The more drama involved, the more likely Burrito is watching. If a squabble breaks out in Cy’s group, you can reliably find Burrito plastered to a window in the playroom, trying to get a view of the happenings, and dare I say? rooting for chaos. If things are calm and quiet, with no visible neighbors, Burrito will gesture, bounce and make raspberry sounds so that caregivers will turn on the TV, “tuned” of course, to a playlist of videos of his neighbors. His busybody nature knows no bounds!
Why all the drama you may ask? Loud arguments are a natural part of chimpanzee group culture. It also appears that Cy’s group is still working out their dominance hierarchy after being integrated into a group of 9 just a couple of year’s ago. Here’s Willy B starting a subtle display seemingly geared towards intimidating Gordo and Terry:
On the bright side, having interesting neighbors does seem to mean that there’s rarely a dull moment in Burrito’s day.
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After a trying Humpday as a cog in the wheel that is Organized Crime (Or, as it is more commonly known, the American health insurance racket), reading about Bub’s schadenfreude at the turmoil of his next-door neighbors gives me the giggles.
Thanks for the great laugh with this one, Anna! Bubba’s nosy nature never disappoints!
Sorry to say this, Anna, but since Burrito keeps me endlessly entertained filling my days with a little laughter and joy, I’m sort of rooting for a wee touch of chaos and I’m cheering o Willy B on the flipside of the chimphouse. Burrito deserves to be entertained at least half as much as he entertain us. He is such a funny character!
Burrito, Bubba…I can’t help but love him!
Oh, my, these chimps sure keep you on your toes with their individual personalities and shenanigans! I loved the look on Burrito’s face as he watches carefully the antics of his mates. Lookey lookey. Did Willy B succeed in intimidating Gordo and Terry with that thrusting display and what did our Burrito make of that I wonder as nothing seems to escape his notice. It may be a tad chaotic at times but it’s never dull in your neck of the woods!
How sweet it would be if they could all live together. Since they cannot this is the absolute next best thing!
Bubba is such a nosy neighbor! That guy absolutely lives for the drama. I love seeing him up on his barrel, toy in his mouth, utterly absorbed in the chaos nexy door!
Also Willy B with the flex! He certainly cuts a handsome figure!
He is the “busy body neighbor” that exists wherever you live. Love it!
Thanks Anna. This is so sweet. Love that look he has on his face in the first picture. We love Burrito!!!