Many things have happened from the last update at the Center. Africa, as you probably read on the website arrived at MONA at the end of May. She is a pretty chimp, smaller as we imagined, a little bit capricious ....but improving very fast in many ways: her food habits, locomotion, and being less jumpy with noises or screams of the other neighboring chimps. As you probably know she had a serious problem on her skin; after applying the correct treatment she so desperately needed, her hair is growing up again and the painfully cracking has completely disappeared. She is spending a little time alone to get used to the routine and we are hoping that she will be associated with other chimps very soon. Until then it is very nice to see how she is changing every day: with all the love from the carers.

We have been very dedicated to our new “girl” and also with Tico and Victor’s integration into our family group. If you have a chance to visit us, you can enjoy the views: seeing the two boys and the other members of Family group all together!. Specially the naughty Juanito chasing Tico ALL the time!. Victor is getting on very well with Nico and the little boy and Toto being a number one alpha as always (we all love Toto!!!). Sara and Waty trying to be princesses at the eyes of the two new handsome boys, and of course causing problems into the group…!. So, not only MONA staff is busy, chimps as well.

 I never stop learning about chimpanzees; they always teach me something new: what I’ve learned is that they need time to get used to new things and it is very important as a carer to be patient and just be there for them, trusting  their abilities to socialize and not showing fear of new events or situations for them to see.

The best Enrichment of these months (and probably the best of the year): Meeting other chimps.