Expect the unexpected
January 10, 2016 by Keri -
I’ve come to expect certain behaviors from each of the chimpanzees as I’ve gotten to know them throughout the years. For instance, if I see a chimp running, I would expect it to be Missy. She’s the one most likely to be seen running at full speed for no other reason than to run. And at any given moment of the day I would expect to see Negra nestled in a large blanket nest with one draped over her body and head, as that seems to be her favorite thing to do.
So, when I saw movement in the Greenhouse this afternoon, I expected to see Annie or Jamie, perhaps even Missy or Burrito. But no, I was so pleasantly surprised. It was Negra sitting in the raceway (the area that leads from the Greenhouse to their 2 acre outdoor enclosure). The absolute last chimp I would expect to see sitting in the raceway on this overcast, drizzly day would be Negra, but there she was!
I walked over to where she was and she gestured toward the snow at my feet. I picked up a few chunks and served them to her.
Afterwards she headed back into the warmth of the Playroom. Here she is sitting on the bridge eating alfalfa cubes.
I love seeing the unexpected!
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Oh beautiful Negra! How nice of you to serve her snow so she didn’t have to go out and get it! ???? She’s very clever …
My gosh I miss these guys.
Awe~ Bless her sweet heart, ~
thats one way to get a snack…lol…carry on miss negra.
Great pictures of the lovely Queen Negra!
Love you Negra!!
What a wonderful post Keri, unexpected indeed. I think I’m a little weepy over Negra sitting out in the runway contemplating a snowy snack. Just look at her, she always makes my heart flutter. I love you Negra.
I am so happy to see and hear wonderful news about Negra. It’s so great to see her out of those blanks. She always seems to be by herself, watching from afar, all the other chimps running around playing. She does act like a queen….watching over her flock. Love to my Negra and love to all the chimps and care givers. ????????
Goes to show how “human” they are (I hate using that word as it implies that by calling the chimpanzees human we are still better and someone to be strived for, but I don’t know how else to express it). Changeable, growing, with desires of their own, and the impressive wits to know how to get them!
I can’t imagine she’ll give up her blankets anytime soon however.