THE CHIMPS…… and us

......I think we woke the chimps up a little early for Santa. Some of them seemed a bit lethargic, but it was great fun and a lot of laughs. I am sure the best show was after we left and they really get into all their gifts. They are always anxious to try all the food first before anything else. The biggest hit of the day was the sugar cane, thanks to Tracy Anderson and her friend Craig. Thanks a million for that wonderful treat. It was disappointing not to be able to get up closer to be able to videotape their antics but we will hope for a better view next year. We were able to pack an incredible number of boxes. So, as of this week, the keepers are still giving out boxes. This is really good because it spreads that sweet stuff out over a longer period of time.

......Whitey had to have a root canal and feels and acts a lot better now. Figment seems to be having some problems with Sabrina and Ian. So we ask those of you observe Bashful’s group to be watchful of those three and report what you see in your narrative observation.

......Speaking of your narrative observations: Please always put the date, and the weather in your report and try to put a time for each observation you record. That makes it easier for Terry and the keepers to understand some behavioral situations. Report any injuries you notice to the keepers. If they are not available, write a little note stating the situation and leave it at the desk to be put in Terry’s box.

......We are trying to come up with the best way to distribute these narrative observations. Until we come up with a better solution, please send them to me in an email and always keep a copy for yourself. I will send them to the active observers so that we all will get a picture of all of our chimps.

......The Chicago Seven in Higgy’s group will be in the “house” this week to begin their health checks, etc. Hopefully they will all be fit and funny to join their new family. I will try to find out when they will be back out and let the Higgy group observers know.

…..and STUFF

......We had a wonderful turnout for the wrapping enrichment and the wrappers brought fruit from their trees, tennis balls, sugar cane, stuffed animals and clothes. The stuff was piled high in the trailer. We just kept packing boxes til we ran out of boxes, then we joined the group making them pretty. The pile was sensational. It is a good thing we were inside because it really poured most of the afternoon. To say we were working in close quarters is to put it mildly, but we were dry except for the sweat. I have asked that arrangements be made next year for us to have the use of the pavilion next year, either the one over at KOA or the new one to be built in the expansion program going on now. Either place would give us a lot more room and be cooler.

......Our second observers meeting brought out a really good group and we had great discussions. We heard a lot of interesting and informative tidbits from Terry. There was a lot of input and that is what this is all about. The next meeting will be on March 3 at Sharon Powrosek’s home. I will send directions as it gets nearer the time. Please put it on your calendar and try to come.

......The January enrichment workshop on January 18 will focus on painting the piñata’s that we constructed in November. I hope that enough of you will come that we can make Jello, and do some other enrichment also. We need to make a back log for the keepers.

......It would be so great to see more of you out observing, do try to work two hours of chimps into your schedule in this lovely cool weather. Keep those observations coming to my email.