The New Annie
January 22, 2011 by J.B. -
Diana and Elizabeth have both noted on this blog that Annie seems to be getting more confident. She’s taking food in front of the more dominant chimps – sometimes from more the dominant chimps. And she has begun interacting with chimps other than Missy.
What really amazes me is her newest choice of playmates. In the past, Annie would occasionally attempt to join in on games that other chimps were playing, and it almost always ended badly. It’s like she didn’t know how to read the cues that playmates trade throughout a game. The other chimps would be playing a quiet game of tickle, and Annie would come running in with a slap to the head or a full-on tackle. Someone would get upset and a fight would break out, ending with Annie splayed on the ground in a full-blown, chimp style panic attack. This was especially true when she tried to play with Foxie.
That was the old Annie. The new Annie has realized that there is a world out there beyond Missy. And she seems to be figuring out how to get along with everyone else. Her newest playmate? Foxie. Go figure.
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well done Annie ! what wonderful progress . loved how foxie was coming back for more head slaps and Mr b was sat there looking a tiny bit confused xxx
Yay Annie!! I am so thrilled to for her! Something that I think is so wonderful from these videos of the last few days is getting to see not only how each chimp is changing, growing and coming more into themselves, but they are helping each other do this as well. It’s really so touching. Thanks for the wonderful videos!!
It looked to me like Foxie was a little confused and was waiting for Annie to get too rough, and I thought Annie was going to be then decide against it, each testing the waters as it were. Once Foxie moved in on Annie and the play faces came out everything was good. And yes B did look a little “left out” or confuseed, like “what the heck”…. I love to see the progress each of them is making.
It does my heart good to see her playing like that. Loved the head smacks with her open hand. So gentle. She’s doing wonderfully and 55 seconds wasn’t nearly long enough to watch her do that!! 🙂
Ah well done Annie. It’s great to see the progress that Annie (and all the chimps) are making.
You go, Annie girl!
I am catching up and it is so good to see what has gone on while I was out of it! Oh Annie, you bring tears of joy to my eyes. It is so good to see what is happening to all the chimps but for Annie I think it is really special to finally be included in play and be comfortable enough to engage in more confident behavior. Thanks everyone.