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| THE CHIMPS |
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| COBY'S PLACE ............. Unfortunately, not much of the chimp enclosure can be seen from this picture, as it only shows one small corner. Inside, is a huge gym for climbing, and on the day this picture was taken, a small children's swimming pool was on the other side of the enclosure. Coby took great joy in splashing everyone that came over to see him, but he would be oh so clever about leaving his victims unsuspecting. |
| Coby learned a bit of sign language from his previous owners .... enough to discuss what he would like for breakfast .... or requesting a drink. His preference was beer (after an unfortunate mishap when he accidentally got hold of one), but he also enjoys Pepsi. Loves to read magazines .... and give him a slinky and he goes ape wild. |
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| Here is Coby's cage mate, Tina. I've never seen a chimpanzee so sweet. We shared shortbread cakes one day, at her insistance. Introducing two chimps to the same enclosure is a time consuming process ... and dangerous, should they not get along. But Tina's sweet disposition and Coby's confidence in his caregivers made this a perfect match, much to everyone's surprise. |
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| THE GORILLAS |
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| Above all, gorillas are the heart and soul of my interest in primates. I've never had the opportunity to work with them directly, but I hope that some day in the future I will. Luckily for me, I have access to the environmentally suited and well maintained Myombe Reserve enclosure at Busch Gardens, FL ... where I have been known to spend hours with these glorious creatures. I have sat next to them, with only a thick sheet of glass between us, and it's easy enough to interact, once you understand their "language". Leaning against the glass one day, a female came up to me, and placed her hand over my heart. A gesture of acceptance. How could I not adore these gentle, quiet creatures. |