Alopecia Chimpanzee and Friend

It was my birthday today and Jane and I went to Twycross Zoo. I took 211 photos so you will see quite a few pictures over the next few days

This is a shot from the chimpanzee enclosure showing an intimate moment between a chimp suffering from alopecia and his female friend.

She was debugging him, picking and licking bits out of him.

I won't describe some of the areas she helped clean up, but her actions drew roars of laughter from young and old onlookers :)

Shot through glass and edited in rawtherapee

Hope you like this first shot from Twycross

[Loopy-Lou]

Happy Birthday Phil. What a great way to spend your special day. Look forward to seeing your zoo shots

[Phil Howcroft]

@bizziebeeme thanks lou. it was a good day :)

[Annie D]

I love a visit to the zoo and could sit and watch the chimps for hours. 200...oh dear I at least double that when I go to the zoo hahaha

[Hazel]

A great shot on your birthday, Phil, and what a nice birthday treat! Many happy returns of yesterday, and many more. That chimp does look a bit vulnerable!

[Dione Giorgio]

I had to look up the disease on google, Phil - I had never heard of it before. Terrific picture and clarity and a very happy belated birthday to you. Hope you had a great day.

[Nick]

Belated happy birthday Phil.

Fab shot. Did they say why the chimp has lost all his hair? I bet he's glad summer's coming.

[Judith Johnson]

I thought this might be for one of your 100 strangers! I guess he didn't interview very well. Happy birthday, enjoy the day!

[Ivan]

Fun - and happy birthday, Phil.

[Pat Knowles]

I couldn't make out why this shot looked odd to begin with then as I read your words I realised that of course he had no hair! A bit creepy looking poor boy but good to see that he is still getting proper attention! Glad you had a good day!

[Phil Howcroft]

@happypat thanks Pat a good day indeed :)

@ivan cheers ivan

@busylady good shout re "100 strangers" Judith

@nickspicsnz Cheers Nick, I don't know what caused the Alopecia :)

@quietpurplehaze thanks for the birthday wished Haze , I have quite a collection to post :)

@annied ha ha Anniem Yes 211 was a little restrained :)

[Annie D]

@phil_howcroft less to sort through...I need to learn restraint ha ha

[Lee]

A little sad really, You've captured the moment well.

[Jacqui Jay]

A sweet moment, if a little sad. Looks like you got decent weather for your birthday.

[Phil Howcroft]

@gamelee cheers lee :)

@irisr it was a sweet moment jacqui . it was a lovely day out at the zoo too :)

[Alison Hewitt Bailey]

Poor fella! Still, it seems that he is not being rejected because of his condition.
An endearing moment, well caught.

[colinbarber013]

Great shot and it reminds of a rather difficult question on a zoo trip from my daughter when she about 5 years old and it was "Daddy what is the chip doing with the ice lolly stick" - I sure I don't need to describe where the stick was being placed.