#ChimpChat: Joel and Latricia

It’s our first #ChimpChat! Caregiver Joel has a strong connection with Latricia, the alpha female in our first group of chimps. Joel describes Latricia as beautiful, diligent, and resourceful. As the alpha, Latricia is “caring and supportive”. She’s always the one “reassuring other chimp family members after a disagreement or personal struggle”. As the alpha, Latricia has even helped Joel get in line: “Everyday Latricia is my personal trainer. She’ll have me running and jumping so much that I’ll frequently have to apologize to her about needing a break. And as any good trainer, once I’ve taken a quick second to grab a drink, she’s getting my attention for another round of chase”.

Joel has observed Latricia become more comfortable in her new home at the Project Chimps sanctuary. “Latricia has grown more and more into the amazing personality she has today. Notably, she is more outgoing everyday. With her chimp friends she plays and interacts more and more each day”. She has also developed a “unique talent of weaving blankets and firehouse through any and all toys. Every morning while cleaning, the care staff finds her awesome weaving through a multitude of toys. Not one day has gone by that Latricia hasn’t completely impressed care staff with some impossible weaving”.

We look forward to sharing more #ChimpChat stories with our supporters in the future. Joel said it best, “it’s the care staff’s honor and privilege to be able to share and connect their world to yours”.