You may have noticed a lack of Young’s Hill photos and videos over the last month or so. That’s because when the snow gets so deep, it reduces the voltage of the electric fence, making it unsafe to allow the chimpanzees out there. Well, yesterday, J.B., Sarah and I (mostly J.B.) all went out and shoveled around the entire perimeter of the fence (who needs a gym membership?), freeing up those bottom wires covered in snow so that the voltage was sufficient to let the chimps back out! It was very hard work, but the chimps were so excited that it was well worth it! There were lots of hugs and kisses in the chimp house (between the chimps 😉 ) and breathy pants echoed in the greenhouse. Sometimes our job isn’t glamorous but it is certainly rewarding, especially when you see a face like the one below (Jody’s).
Jody was the first one to go back out. She was food grunting (we had lettuce out there, plus look at all that snow!) and had a huge playface!
Annie used Jody’s head for support as she passed her on the log bridge. Jody didn’t seem to mind.
Look at the joy in her eyes!
The snow was really deep, so J.B. and Diana shoveled paths along the log bridge to the first climbing structure and to Negra’s cabin. Most folks just walked along the paths, but Missy chose to walk on the fire hose.
From left to right, Jamie, Missy, Annie and Jody, enjoying the lettuce forage on top of the first climbing structure.
Did I mention the snow was (is) deep? Foxie walked along the paths but she looked so tiny from our vantage point (tinier than she already is, even!).
Annie figured walking bipedally made more sense. Gotta say, I agree!
While everyone else foraged for lettuce, Annie climbed up to the top of Negra’s cabin a couple of times.
And Missy discovered a TON of lettuce Sarah put in the cabin!
I think she was pretty pleased!
All of the chimps went out at some point, though Negra didn’t leave the comfort of the raceway (and only so she could grab some lettuce and snow) and Burrito was only out for a couple of minutes (also just to grab a little bit of lettuce and snow) and didn’t venture out very far, but everyone seemed very happy to have the option of the hill back! And that’s what sanctuary is all about.
Annie following Missy back to the greenhouse:
They look so happy! I don’t know why I didn’t ask…..I just assumed they didn’t like how cold it is outside and that’s why they weren’t out in it. So glad to see these!
Chimpanzees in the snow. Who would have ever thought? They look pretty darn ahppy with the whole deal. It may not be a natural thing for chimps to be in the snow but then their whole life has been unatural so if they enjoy going out in the snow then I say Thank You to the staff for making it happen.
I just figured it would be too cold outside for them
I am so glad you were able to give the chimps the choice of going out again. And I can’t thank you enough for posting new pictures and updates. I’ve been having chimp withdraws, but I reckon the looks on their happy faces were well worth the wait. 🙂
You guys are troopers for shoveling snow. Thank you!
Awesome Pictures, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
What a great pictorial!!! Bless you all for digging through that snow! We can call you all the official CE7 Snow Angels now!!
I think these might be the best photos ever! I especially love the happy photos of Jody. Thank you thank you for the photos but thank you even more for all the work you do so the chimps can have happy lives.
Thank you guys for all the work to get the snow away from the wires. I loved the photos. It is not often you see chimps in snow. They seem happy to be out in the cold. Prayers to all of you and of course the wonderful , beautiful 7 Chimps.
It’s GREAT seeing the looks on their faces and the fact they’re enjoying themselves, even if it’s in the dead of Winter.
I think Jody and I feel the same about snow. Nothing makes me happier. Great pics. 🙂
No better therapy for a bad case of cabin fever than a great day out in the snow taking in all that fresh air.
“Most folks just walked along the paths, but Missy chose to walk on the fire hose.” – Of course she did, there’s no challenge in the log bridge and it’s definitely for amateurs!
Love to see all the photos and all the happiness you were able to provided the chimps with all the hard work you did shoveling he snow. It’s so awesome that these guys have such a better life being in your sanctuary! I love coming to the site each day. I look forward to each story, and especially the photos and videos. Glad to finally see some good photos of Jody. Her and Foxie are two of my favorites. Thank for sharing. Great job guys…keep it up!
I love to see the chimpanzee’s happy and enjoying life. It is such a treat! Snow and all…… Thank you so much for taking such good care of them. I wish we had more people in the world like you!