Hi all! Calvin here. JJ is a real character, especially when it comes to eye contact. It’s fascinating to watch him. While other chimps mostly use eye contact to establish who’s boss or to show they’re not happy about something, JJ does something different. He seems to make real eye contact with us. It’s almost like he’s trying to say something, something beyond the usual chimp communication. He holds their gaze a little longer, a little softer, than you usually see with chimps. It’s not typical chimp behavior. Usually, if a chimp looks you directly in the eye for too long, it can be a sign of a challenge. But with JJ, it just feels different. Maybe it’s his way of building trust, of making a connection. He seems to use his eyes to show curiosity, even a little bit of playfulness. Like when he’s us prepare his food – his eyes follow every single move. Or when someone’s talking to him, he locks eyes with them, appearing to listen so intently. Of course, JJ’s still a chimp, and he uses all the usual chimp ways to communicate – the vocalizations, the gestures, the body language. But this special way he uses his eyes adds something extra, something really special. It makes you wonder just what JJ is thinking, what he’s trying to say with those expressive eyes of his.
— Calvin Poe