Happy New Year, I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. As we go into the New Year, many of us like to set ourselves new challenges or goals. Instead of asking my team what New Year’s resolutions they have, we thought we’d do something a little different and set some resolutions for our animals.
New Years Resolutions have been around since ancient times. In 2000 B.C the Babylonians celebrated New Year during a 12 day festival called Akitu which began traditionally in April, the festival marked the beginning of the agricultural year. Crops were planted, promises were made to pay their debts and a common resolution was to return any borrowed farm equipment.
The ancient Romans then adopted the Babylonian New Year, however when Julius Caesar was emperor he introduced the Julian calendar in 46 BC which saw January 1st as the start of the New Year. January is named after Janus, who was a two faced Roman God; one face to look back on the previous year and one to look forward to new beginnings. The Romans would offer sacrifices to Janus and make pledges for the year ahead.
In the Middle Ages (around 500-1500 A.D) medieval knights would renew their vow to chivalry by placing their hands on a peacock, known as “The Vow of the Peacock”. New Year was also celebrated at different times of the year by different societies.
More recent resolutions vary from restraining from physical indulgencies to general self improvement. And with that in mind, here are the resolutions our animals are working on this year…
Georgia’s Resolution: Patience is a Virtue
Georgia has decided that this year she’ll work on learning patience, especially at feed times. She’s also aiming to stop spitting at keepers when we’re “taking too long.” We admire the ambition, Georgia.
Agatha’s Resolution: The “Summer Body”
Agatha is already thinking ahead and focusing on that all-important summer body. Whether that means more movement, more stretching, or simply more confidence, we fully support her goals.
Margaret’s Resolution: Let the Keepers Do Their Jobs
Margaret, our baby chimp, has promised to stop making keepers laugh during public talks. No guarantees, though her playfulness is hard to ignore.
Elizabeth’s Resolution: Independence is Key
Elizabeth is learning to be a little more independent this year. While relying on Mum is perfectly natural, she’s starting to discover she can explore, grow and do things on her own too — even if she keeps a touch of princess energy.
Orangutan Resolutions: Mischief Management
Molly is aiming to stop breaking EVERYTHING in sight and to be a better role model to Belayan.
Belayan, meanwhile, has resolved to stop getting into mischief with Molly.
Whether they can resist the urges, we admire their team spirit.
Crash the Lemur’s Resolution: Respect Personal Space
Crash is determined to restrain himself from peeking into visitors’ bags. Snacks or no snacks, some things are off-limits and personal space is important.
Colobus Monkeys’ Resolution: One and Done
This groups resolution is simple: take their wormer first time. No fuss, no drama, just cooperation. Fingers crossed for a smooth year ahead.
Mali, the Black Howler Monkey’s Resolution: Inside Voices
Mali will be working on not shouting at keepers when the tap or hose is turned on. A challenging goal.
Jose, the Armadillo’s Resolution: Watch your Step
Jose’s aim for the New Year is to stop tripping people over. He may be small, but he’s certainly determined.
Whether these resolutions will last the whole year or just a few hours, our animals never stop making us smile. From all the Primate Team, we wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year and look forward to another exciting, big year here at Wingham.
By Jess B, Deputy Head of Primates
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