It is incredible how the memory works, People and (and maybe chimps as well) have a extraordinary ability to forget the bad moments. I was just reviewing data from last summer and I came across our notes about Nico’s right hand. That was the time when we amputated two of his fingers because he had a chronic infection. He taken him out of the group for a few days to make sure that the others could not touch his wound. Caregivers were with him all the day long and believe me it was very tiring for both sides: Nico was older and we becoming increasingly more difficult to handle. We had bruises from the rough games he played, also adding to our stress when next morning he would have removed his bandage and  and all the stitches where out…!!!!!!!!!!!.

Today Nico doesn’t need any bandages. He is improved so much but he will always have his congenital disease and problems with his locomotion but he appears to be a much happier and socially well-adjusted chimp.  We consider him a very friendly chimp (with humans and chimps), he is our social “boy”. He is the only one who makes Tico and Victor laugh when they sometimes spend the night together.

That reminds me that the happiest moments for me now are when we can see them all of the chimps playing together just a chimps should. I mean in a chimp style…

Enrichment of the week: hairy carpet with smashed food for the macaques group, they are so delicate and patient picking up it.

 Thank you and have a nice day.

 Alba Gomara – Primate caregiver