The Many Uses of a Ball
July 26, 2024 by Ellen -
Burrito is one of the most fun chimpanzees I have ever met and, don’t tell my other chimp friends, but he is absolutely the funniest. One of the most endearing things to me about Burrito is how he can have fun with just about anything. A sock? Perfect for playing tug with the humans. A headband? Get over here Missy, let’s see how far we can pull it! A slinky? Obviously the perfect accessory for the foot or leg. A stuffed animal? The best for tossing around. A bandana? The ideal size for covering your face while playing with your friends. It goes on and on! Burrito is also, to my recollection, the only chimp I have ever heard laugh while playing by himself. I have heard him laughing and gone over to see who he is playing with, only to find him laughing at the silly things he is doing all by himself.
A very silly upside down Burrito
We recently received 3 stuffed knots, which each form a ball shape, as a gift for the chimpanzees from a generous donor. Since they have stuffing, we gave them to Burrito’s group as some of the members of the group of 9 eat stuffing, and therefore can’t have it. We started by giving them one ball, and Burrito had the BEST time with it! He quickly discovered every possible way to play with it. He stretched it out so it could fit over his body, he knocked it around like he was kicking a soccer ball, he put one of the stretched out bands around his foot and pulled it around behind him, he threw it as high as he could into the air and caught it on the way back down, he hugged it tight, and he bounced on it! We gave him the other two toys today, and he has been enjoying them throughout the day, somehow finding even more new ways to have as much fun as possible with them. Check out today’s video to see Burrito with his beloved new toys. Many thanks to the donor that sent them to us!
If you’d like to spread more joy and fun like this among the chimps, the cows, and their caregivers, consider joining us in celebrating summer by helping to empty our three wish lists for Christmas in July!
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One of the moves made me think of something he would really like. This coming winter, why not put a sled out at the top of the hill and see if he figures out how to ride it down the hill? I bet he would love that!
I thought of that …and then pictured them sliding into the electric fence…:disappointed:
Who eats the toy stuffing from the 9?
Based on yesterdays blog my guess would be Willy B, then Im going to guess Gordo.
My money’s on Dora, and can’t remember if the other was Lucky, Rayne, or Mave
I think Rayne and Terry also have a tendency to eat things they shouldn’t.
Burrito with the ball is the cutest thing I have seen in a long time. Tossing the ball up and catching it again…adorable!! Thanks to whoever sent the balls.
His silliness knows no bounds!
I’m glad he’s finally got some bouncy toys big enough to bounce on! Thanks to the donor!
Interestingly the knot is a sailors knot called a “monkesys fist”. I don’t think sailors have as much fun with them as Burrito does!
Is there anything better than Bubba woth a new toy?!?! He is just such a character. You can’t help but grin watching him have so much fun.
Reading the older blogs, it’s hard to imagine that he used to hide his laughter! What a joyful whirlwind of a chimpanzee man.
Burrito has certainly had a sip of the elixir of youth! Thank you all, kind and generous donors! ?:monkey_face::clap:
I swear that Burrito would create fun in an empty room! His total enjoyment and absorption in his ball game, not to mention his energy and exuberance, gladdens my heart. Burrito is just one heck of a funny and delightful boy. Thankyou for sharing his jolly japes with us all.
“Look, it’s Burrito the snail!” Very funny, Ellen. Thanks for capturing the 101 ways Burrito can have fun with his new toy/s.
And I loved hearing that you have heard Burrito laughing to himself. Why doesn’t this surprise me?! Referring back to post by J.B., I believe chimpanzees “talk” to themselves in their glorious little heads just like we do. I could see Burrito’s wheels spinning as he was playing with his new squishy knot! His thought bubble was working overtime! “I bet I can kick this around like a Footsie.” “I wonder how bounceable this is.” “Oh yeah, I bet I can bang my head on this!” “Humm, should I carry it over my shoulder or around my waist like a fanny pack?” “I hope I don’t have to share this with anyone.“ “This thing is fantastic!” “Ellen seems quite interested in this toy, I wonder if she wants one too.”
Burrito is such a, free, spirit, and, so, creative! It is a joy to watch him play! The happiest of chimps!