Celebrating JAMIE’s 35th birthday!
It’s another double birthday at Project Chimps and an extra special one at that! Chimps Jamie and Lizzy were both born on the same day exactly one year apart. Today, Jamie turns 35 years old and we can’t wait to celebrate this birthday milestone!
She’s one of the older chimps in her group and is best friends with her fellow “Golden Girls” Jurita and Precious. One of the most important things to know about Jamie is that her love for juice is undeniable. Any flavor will do but, without a doubt, her favorite variety is Welch’s grape juice! Yes, the name brand. If anyone has juice in their hands, Jamie is always watching or asking for some via her signature lip smack. She does this by pulling her lips inward and rapidly smacking them together to make a popping sound. Whether watching from afar or asking for juice directly, Jamie’s eyes are on that juice!
She first arrived at Project Chimps almost 7 years ago. Just like people, different chimps adjust to change in their own way and Jamie was no exception. Moving from a lab environment to sanctuary is already a big change and uncertainty is difficult for many. According to her caregivers, Jamie could be anxious about getting her food and juice during those early days. Over time, however, she’s learned that care staff will always make sure she gets her share.
Jamie has also become more confident and relaxed when it comes to exploring the outdoors! When she first started going out with her group into North Peach Tree Habitat, she would stay near the building. But that’s no longer the case! Since spring, care staff has noticed her patrolling the habitat with her friends! If you’ve watched the Netflix docuseries Chimp Empire then you know that, by patrolling, chimps walk the perimeter of their territory – in this case, the habitat – to make sure no interlopers have penetrated their borders. With all the exploring she’s been doing, she’s even gotten a tan! But although she’s been venturing farther, she always makes sure to come back inside for her next serving of juice.
Today, August 6th, we hope you’ll help us wish Jamie a happy 35th birthday! If you’d like to send her a birthday gift, please consider some Welch’s grape juice from our Amazon Wishlist. Whether you send a gift or make a donation in Jamie’s honor, thank you for supporting her continued care!
Happy birthday, Jamie! We’re raising our own glasses of grape juice as a toast just for you!