grizabella

Bella never had any enthusiasm for kibble at all, but since she absolutely loves Applaws. I assume because of the high meat content. I'm definitely happy with how well she's done on it.

Oh no, now I can't unsee it!

Today I saw, for the first time, a whole lot of interaction between Sandali and his kids, Zuri and Enzi. Enzi clearly likes playing with his dad! Sandali, Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Sandali and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Sandali and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr As per the norm, Gali was right in there playing with the infants too. Galatea, Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Galatea and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Galatea, Enzi and Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Galatea and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

Bella by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Bella by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Bella by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

Oh my goodness, that face! So kissable! I just love the faded face of an oldie.

My first thought was a cocker spaniel, but then the coat maintenance would be an issue. Other breeds that came to mind were Boston terrier, collie smooth, or Border terrier. I have no personal experience of these breeds though!

Funny, I don't see it that much! I've always thought Zuri looks a lot like her mum with just a hint of Sandali's family look (Enzi on the other hand, looks like his dad). I can see some similarities though- I think the hair-do. When Zuri was a little baby she had a similar look to Sembe, but that might have been because she was bald in similar places!

Just so you know, I expect to see photos. ;) I hope you have a great time at the zoo; Enzi will have changed a lot since you saw him last.

Some new pictures of the little dude (and Zuri too). Zombi and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr He just LOVES playing with big sis Zuri! Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi and Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

Yes, that's Kluet. He's just the loveliest boy. Kluet by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Gazing adoringly at Karta from under his blanket. Kluet by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Playfully tussling over the possession of a coveted blanket! They just loved each other. Karta and Kluet by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

I really hope so. I can't even imagine Kluet without Karta with him; he needs someone. Thank you. She was a lovely animal to photograph, just the most soulful face.

She wasn't expected to produce a child, she'd been on contraceptives. Any decisions for her to have an infant were made only because her carers believed she deserved a chance for it to go right. It was after the two stillbirths that the decision was made to stop trying. It's so tragic, and I'm sure decisions would have been made differently in hindsight... but these things are never straight forward. My heart breaks for Kluet and the primate team. Kluet has never been successfully introduced to the other female, Puspa; but I hope he has an opportunity to form a strong bond with a female soon. He's a special boy, a real sweetheart.

Someone who has been dear to my heart for the past ten years died last night. It was a sad end to a story filled with hope and loss, but also love. Karta will be so missed, and by none more than her mate and best friend, Kluet, who absolutely adored her. Karta and Kluet by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Back to her old tricks! by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Karta and Kluet by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

It's surprising in a way, because Kuma is a very big lady- I guess Zombi is even bigger! This is Zuri at approximately the same age Fumo is now, definitely a substantial girl for three. Do you have any recent pics of Fumo? Zuri, Zombi and baby by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Gombe, Boyd and Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

She's four and a half, so much older than Fumo. Not sure where that time went!

I'm certain Zuri's big for her age! She does look so grown up these days, and takes a very responsible role as big sister. Still a playful ratbag though! Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Here's Zuri at a similar age to what Enzi is now: Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

Thank you so much, I get a lot of joy out of taking them. Enzi's still a little guy, but he's developing a big character! Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi and Zuri by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

Back to Enzi! :D The chimps had their annual Christmas party yesterday, so naturally I was there taking happy snaps. Climbing a candy cane striped tree! Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Hanging out with 'auntie' Galatea. Enzi and Galatea by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Playing with a streamer. Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Tired out from all the fun. Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Hands of mama Zombi and baby Enzi. Zombi and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri giving Enzi a spruce up. Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Recently, Zuri has started carrying Enzi around on her belly. :) Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Brother and sister snuggling together. Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Sweet face! Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

Not many questions about trainability, what you intend to do with the dog (other than amounts of exercise and grooming), or preferred temperament traits. All of my results were waaaay off. I do wonder how the non-dog-savvy person goes about research; I'm sure in many cases it's none at all. There are some fantastic breeds out there that could be awesome fits for many families, but people don't know they exist. I wonder what could be done to promote proper research and planning(other than tests like these that are in my experience pretty useless).

Those poor monkeys, fingers crossed the baby pulls through. I can't imagine must their keepers must be going through.

I just saw that, poor baby doesn't stand a chance without her mum.

That's very true. Sedation is always risky as well, and we've already tragically lost one chimpanzee under anaesthesia. Naturally, if deemed necessary that risk would be taken, but it's never something taken lightly. Thankfully, Enzi is very good at coming close to interact with the keepers, so they are able to look at him closely and monitor the situation. The present consensus seems to be that it's a large wart, but if it keeps growing that may change.

Yes, I asked about the lump/warty thing. They're keeping a close eye on it and the vets are aware. I'm naturally a bit worried though.

Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zuri and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr

Zombi and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Zombi and Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr Enzi by Amy Atherton, on Flickr