Binky

Rambunctious and ever playful, Binky often plays hard to get. Once he befriends you, his softer side reveals itself. He can be seen galloping through the skywalks engaging caregivers in a game of chase. He has dark hair and a lighter grey beard. Compact and muscular, Binky’s strength and stamina are impressive. His eyes are striking and piercing. He knows what he wants and understands more than he leads on — he is always listening.

Binky can be rather mischievous. Known for his perpetual playfulness, he is often found playing with staff, other chimps, or even picking on his elders. He loves watching TV and videos and can sit entranced for quite awhile. His favorite are wildlife films and short videos of himself. Lately, Binky has been living with Maya, Petra and Jethro. He enjoys visits from the others; however, there are some chimps Binky simply can’t spend extended periods of time with. His excitable personality makes it difficult for him to be with older folks who need some peace and quiet. He can still interact with others through the caging and shows fascination and interest in Sue Ellen and Dolly. Recently he has shown a lot of interest in Tatu. She is rather excited when she spots him, and he too is often found peering at her and grooming with her through caging.

Binky and Jethro are the youngest chimps at Fauna and get along very well. They can be found playing chase, play wrestling and fighting for caregiver’s attention. Binky can be quite the jealous type if Jethro receives too much attention. Luckily, Jethro is so happy-go-lucky he doesn’t seem to mind sharing the fun. Binky, Jethro and Petra go way back. Binky and Petra can often be seen tickling each other, Petra knows all the good spots! Sometimes however Binky can be overwhelming for Petra. This is when she will lock herself away from him to let him cool off.

Maya and Binky also have a rather unique relationship. They have spent so much time together over the years. They each do their own thing but enjoy each other’s company. Maya also knows him very well, and can predict when he will be upset and casually make her way into a skywalk to avoid him for a little while.

## History

Binky was born on April 10, 1989 at LEMSIP. He was used in four multiple month-long invasive studies over his seven years in laboratory research. After just turning 8 years-old, Binky was about to begin a new life at Fauna. Already he had experienced a life of loss, disappointment and deep pain. The new life he had at Fauna provided so many wonderful new adventures and surprises. Happy, fun, playful, outgoing and rambunctious, Binky seemed rather well adjusted compared to the others, so we were surprised to learn just how hard it was for him and why he caused problems sometimes. What we soon realized was that he was desperately looking for acceptance, support and love, but was lacking the social skills necessary to achieve these, as well as a mother in his life to nurture and support him.

He was lucky enough to have Annie, the matriarch of the group in his life once he came to Fauna. Annie was not able to focus on just Binky, nor any one youngster in particular, as she had six to care for. She did her very best indeed, but it was difficult and often very stressful. Annie was the most amazing mother figure — ever-patient and always wonderful, but alone with an enormous responsibility. Even though, she managed to give enough love to each one of her adopted family members to get them through some difficult years.

After Annie died, there was a long time where Binky struggled to fit in. No longer protected and supported by his adopted mother, he was once again on his own. By good fortune Tom and Yoko found Binky to be a good little buddy and Tom took over where Annie left off. It was a truly remarkable act on Tom’s part and a relationship we will always remember and treasure. He was able to teach Binky so much about love and boundaries.

From the time Binky was 13 until he was 21 years old Tom was very involved in his life and was a strong, powerful role model. Binky’s strength and good health make him somewhat of a force to be reckoned with. It took the likes of Tom to help keep him “contained” you might say. Binky was far too strong for his own age group and acting like a typical teenage boy around the girls, which only made it harder for him.

In 2008, Spock, Maya and Sophie came to Fauna. Spock bonded very quickly with Tom and somehow seemed to be a kindred spirit — their relationship so beautiful. However, included in that special friendship was the very fortunate Binky. At 19 years old, Binky was blessed to have two very wise, gentle and strong older male role models in his life.