Ketchup

Since i'm on the topic of babies, I thought I would introduce you to another one. This is Ketchup. He is the youngest member of LV and was born in December 2009. When I first arrived at Santa Rosa, he was so small that he didn't ever leave his mom (Salsa's) back. She carried him around everywhere she went. She is a great mom. This is a photo of him when he was about two months old. The little monkeys often make faces like this with their tongues sticking out. Apparently it helps them to thermoregulate and keep cool in the hot sun. I think it makes them look super cute and hilarious.

Baby ketchup is starting to grow and he is learning quickly. He is always watching the other monkeys to learn how to climb and forage and make the right monkey noises... and whenever I am around he can't take his eyes off me. I must look like a strange giant monkey to him. hehe. Ketchup's siblings now carry him around a lot (giving Salsa a break) and he often jumps down and climbs around in the trees all by himself. The other day, I watched him for about 10 minutes as he practiced his jumping. He would stand on a branch and then just jump forward for no reason, and land back on the branch again. He was all shakey and awkward and sometimes he would lose his balance a little. It was hella cute.

The younger monkeys often use Ketchup to practice their baby skills. I often see him riding on his sister Velveeta's back. She is nearly old enough to have her own baby...and I like watching her practice carrying Ketchup around and watching to make sure that he is safe. One time I was watching them and another monkey gave an alarm call (probably for a bird or something making noise on the ground). Velveeta quickly scooped up Ketchup and took him up to a safe spot in the tree. She was so fast! It was great to see.

Here is a photo of Ketchup from 2 days ago. You can see how much bigger he is now. His face is a lot fluffier and he doesn't look like a little gremlin anymore. I am not sure of which juvenile this is that is carrying him here. They are cute huh?

Ok. that's it for now! i'll try to post again later.

xoxox
Dayna