Having grown up in southern California, I don’t think I ever really appreciated spring until I moved to a part of the country with a real winter. It was only a few weeks ago that it was finally warm enough outside for me to open the windows in my apartment. That’s probably my favorite part of spring: the first dose of glorious, fresh air. I thought of the chimpanzees and how it wouldn’t be long before we would be able to open the barn doors in their playroom and let the warm air in. As Jackie said in this post, that opportunity came just the other day, and the chimps seemed to be just as grateful as I had been. Here’s some video from that day.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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I loved watching Jody try to get her face close to the mesh to see what she could see. I then began to think of all the things she’ll see out on Young’s Hill and how we’ll watch her tote blankets to a platform or a spot on the grass. I picture all of them laying on their backs and with an unobstructed view of the sky. When that day happens I’ll have to have a hanky at-the-ready.
What’s the next step for Young’s Hill?
I am waiting on bids for the welding, but some of the excavation for the steel components and for the fence itself will begin in a few weeks. In the meantime, we’ll probably build a couple more climbing structures.
lovely clip , i keep wondering of each of the chimps reaction to Youngs hill , who do you guys think will be the first to venture out and who will be more cautious , it will make my summer cant wait ! xxx
My hunch is that Jamie will probably be among the first out on the Hill, while Burrito might be a little hesitant. Sometimes former laboratory chimpanzees, once they reach sanctuary, can never bring themselves to venture out on grass — probably because the novelty of it is a little frightening after decades of walking on steel or concrete. Another factor will be the open-air nature of the enclosure. After a lifetime of living behind steel caging, being out in the open might feel pretty scary at first. It may take the chimps some time to adjust to Young’s Hill, and it’s possible that some may prefer the (perceived) greater security of the current chimp house. But we can’t wait to offer them the choice!
If you’ve ever seen any of Save the Chimps (STC) videos of a chimp family being released onto their islands, you’ll see how a lot of chimps react to the openness. A lot of screaming, yelling and lots of hugs on those days. Then you see the chimps that won’t venture off the concrete onto the grass, they sniff it and look quite perplexed as to what it is.
STC, also, put up a covered walkway onto the island because some of the chimps felt safer with something above their heads and having something to hold onto, that will take them to a platform. STC also added some posts with a piece of rope, or something they can hang onto, like railing. I imagine when you’ve lived, in captivity, as long as some of them have it’s quite a scary thing for them. Maybe some of the STC ideas might benefit our 7, when the “freedom door” is finally lifted.
I predict Negra will be one of the first ones onto the grass.
I guess us chimp lovers are of the same mind. I can’t help but wonder how excited they will be when Young’s Hill is complete. The utter joy for them will be tears for us. There is nothing like spring weather to put you in a good mood and I imagine it’s the same for the chimps. When they can lie in the sun and watch the clouds with no bars obstructing their view it will be a wonderful day for them and us.
Absolutely, T! I can’t wait until Young’s Hill is complete and the chimps are out. Can’t wait to see the videos either.
I guess we all really do have the same thoughts that come to mind because when I watched the video the first thought that came to my mind was………you guys have alot of fresh air coming your way and just dont know it yet! I cant wait for the entry that shows / expalins thier first attemps outside, thier first steps with grass under thier feet, thier first opportunity to run full blast accross the enclosure, climbing as high as they can without the roof of a building inhibiting them from going further, thier first chance to dig in the ground and play in the dirt and so many more “firsts”. I caught myself with a chimp smile thinking of the days to come for these very, super lucky animals to be given a chance at life. I am sure thier will be initial fear of the unknown and a learning curve but once they overcome those obstacles I am sure they will be in Chimp Heaven! Better Days to come…………………………………………………..
Super sweet! I loved how their faces lit up as they bared their tums to the first spring breezes. Building blanket nests in the sun, lovely idea. And I love that they have so many choices now with many more to come. That they just get to be their chimpie selves.
Elizabeth you summed it up perfectly just giving the chimps choice is the main thing , id put money on Jamie and neggy being the bravest too , i dont think neggy will be able to resist the sun for long , pacito a chimp at monkey world took well over a year to venture outside , he would poke his head out of door and look at the sky in utter amazement then decide it was all still a bit too scary he did it in the end with a lot of encouragement from dear old Charlie , i bet the braver chimps here will help the more nervous ones overcome their fears