Foxie seems to be getting more and more comfortable on the hill each day. Today, I saw her climb up each of the climbing structures, including one that is fairly far away, and she even played a little bit of chase with Missy. She always has her trolls out there with her, though, which I think of as a security thing. She often lets them ride on her back while she walks around to explore, but as you’ll see below, sometimes there just isn’t enough room for all those “babies” on her back.
Great shots of the troll in each foot, to cute! Whenever there’s a piece of new construction Foxie usually gives it the “Foxie Test” to be sure everything’s secure enough for her. Jackie, has she done this on the platforms or ladders on the hill? I hope you’ll be able to get a video of her walking around with more than one troll baby on her back. Grandma Chimpanzee, at Chimp Haven, loves Spongebob Square Pants and because he’s square she’d have him on her back without him falling off.
I keep hoping that one day you’ll have a video of the chimps, with Burrito leading the way around the perimeter of the hill fence and the ladies following him. This always gave me goose bumps when the chimps at Chimp Eden would do this. Another goosebump moment, for me is when our chimps do something that’s instinctual for them, for i.e., Foxie putting her troll on her back, like a baby. If that little bit of instinct is still there think of what must be buried under decades of mistreatment and is slowly returning, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I have seen her do the “Foxie test” on the first climbing structure. On one of her first days out exploring, she did a couple of taps on the ladder and pulled on it a bit before climbing up. And yesterday, J.B. and volunteer Doug installed a Lexan panel on the door connecting the greenhouse to Young’s Hill and as she went out, Foxie walked past the door, turned around and lightly tapped the panel before moving on. She is really good at quality control!
what a cutie
Foxie looks very content exploring the grounds. Was there a troll in her hip pocket, too? Love the photos, thank you, Jackie!
The progression that Foxie has made in exploring the Hill has been nothing short of amazing. I have to say it has been just wonderful to watch her each day gain confidence in venturing out onto the hill. At first she started with just a few steps from the raceway door, turning around to look at the door and in a panic returning to the safety of the greenhouse. Each day she venturd out farther or more often until she just decided it was “a go”. Now there is no stopping her. It may have taken 5 to 6 weeks for her to gain the confidence to be on the hill but she did it in her own time and her own way. I have to smile at the picture of her on the hill and being very tenative, holding her troll in front of her and rubbing it’s tummy with her thumb. We all have our comfort levels and she has pushed her’s farther than most of us would have. A true testament to courage.
Love that perspective, Denice! Thanks for sharing!!
It’s amazing their enjoying the fall days here in Cle Elum. It sure hasn’t been warm. I wonder if they will explore the snow when it comes? Thanks staff for all that you do!
Oh I love seeing Foxie with her trolls on the Hill!!! It is such a joy to see and read about her progression. Oh How fantastic it will be when all the chimps are out running and playing on the Hill. Way to go everyone who has been a part of helping the chimps ease in to their new area.