We have been enjoying unseasonable warm weather this year which means the chimpanzees still get to enjoy their outdoor play area and the sunshine! Last year at this time we had several inches of snow on the ground…maybe global warming isn’t all bad!
Archives for December 2008
A predator in our midst?
I am feeling a bit guilty about one particular piece of enrichment I put out today: a big scary plastic alligator. When the chimps first discovered this predator, it was in a bag hanging on one of the windows. Missy bravely climbed up and tossed it to the floor, where it has been sittting all day. Here are a few video clips. You’ll see Burrito bravely touching it, Foxie looking on, Jamie inspecting, then Jody doing a run-by, then Jamie again, with back up from Missy (who touches it again!). I didn’t capture it on video, but both Negra and Annie took a look too, and then hustled away. At one point all seven were perched on the catwalk above the alligator looking down at it!
Day of play
Yesterday ranks as one of the most playful days for the Cle Elum Seven. Foxie was in the center of the play throughout the day. It began with her and Jamie wrestling in the morning in the front rooms while J.B. and I cleaned the playroom. It was gorgeous outside in Cle Elum yesterday, so the chimpanzees went outside as soon as they had the opportunity. We even served lunch outside because the weather was so nice. Foxie, Jamie, Missy and Annie played for over an hour straight after lunch. One of the best sights of the day was Foxie and Missy hanging from the ceiling of the outdoor area, each by one arm, tickling each other. Here are just a couple of photos (taken with the new lens, of course!)
Below is a shot of Jamie with a beautiful playface. I can’t believe how much she has changed. Check this old blog post to compare.
