Yesterday, Jamie received a package in the mail with new cowgirl boots from our long time supporters and friends, Don and Karen Young (for whom Young’s Hill was named thanks to their generous contribution to making it possible). When we arrived at the sanctuary this morning, Jamie was watching us from the greenhouse and as soon as we got out of our cars she immediately gestured that she was ready for a walk with her new boots. I think that’s something we can all relate to.
A wonderful article, featuring the chimpanzees, was posted today on One Green Planet speaking to the many ways in which chimpanzees and humans are alike. And today at the sanctuary was another simple example of that. We are getting some much needed rain to the area and the chimpanzees and humans alike are kicking up their heels a bit more with the cooler temperatures. And although Jamie was ready and waiting for an early morning walk, due to intermittent thunder showers, we had to wait for the voltage on the electric fencing surrounding the chimpanzees’ outdoor area to come up before we could give the chimps access to the hill. So just as we humans do when we are waiting for stormy weather to pass, Jamie reluctantly made a nest, holding fast to her new boots, and waited it out.
Finally, after lunch the voltage on the fence was high enough to give them access to Young’s Hill. Jamie immediately had J.B. put on some boots and they set off for a perimeter walk. While Jamie and J.B. were busy walking, everyone else (well, except Negra who chose to take an after lunch nap) raced out onto the hill to enjoy the brief break in weather.
Missy, being Missy, made several laps up and down, and back and forth, only stopping to occasionally check out the view:
But it wouldn’t be long before she was off to race across the hill, or chase her friend, Annie, again:
Jody, marched out onto the hill with purpose, clearly on a mission. A mission to forage for a rather large piece of bamboo to bring back to enjoy in the comfort of her nest before the rain began again:
Even Foxie felt adventurous and explored the platforms on her own. Well, not exactly on her own as she had Dora with her, of course.
While these moments captured seemingly simple joys for the chimpanzees that we as humans can relate to, there is no denying the countless ways in which chimpanzees experience the world and their lives just as we do. For me, I just consider us to be different cultures who still have distinctly similar thoughts, emotions, and desires. Who still want the same things in life. Just like all beings we share this planet with.
Great post, Katelyn……great pictures, too!
Wonderful post and pictures!
I am moved with each post. I feel like I am right there sharing these moments with everyone. I have fell in love with each beautiful chimpanzee. I hope to one day see them in person.
Stephanie
I just love the first photo !
Thanks for the good pictures and great post Katelyn. I agree with Stephanie, until we can be there in person, this is a fabulous substitute !
That first photo of Jamie is something else…you can actually see her frustration in having to wait to go on her walkabout! Great post!
First, I giggled at my mental picture of Jamie, face pressed against the glass waiting for her caregivers with spankin’ new cowgirl boots in hand! (love that first photo) So did J.B. have to wear the new cowgirl boots to walk the hill with Jamie that afternoon?
Next, the photo of the chimpanzee hands on the One Green Planet was beautiful!!
And last — Katelyn, I love your ending to this post. Thank you CSNW for allowing all of us to experience the chimps world and lives with you. Your stories, photographs, and videos bring us all so close each and every day. Your blog is my favorite journey! : )
Hi Kathleen,
Yes, J.B. was required to wear Jamie’s other current favorite boots. I think he tried to get away with carrying them or wearing one, but that day she insisted on him wearing the pair.
And thanks for your kind words. We’re so glad that you, and so many others, enjoy the posts! It’s definitely our intent to share the chimps’ days and individual personalities as best we can so you can get to know them and be part of their lives. You all make it possible for them to be in sanctuary and we’re very grateful for that.
Thanks so much, everyone! I pilfered the outdoor photos from J.B., who was able to get them during his walk with Jamie and from atop the new human platform he built that overlooks the hill.
How does Jamie indicate to you all that she’s ready for her walkabout and or to get you to put on those cowboy boots? 🙂
Good question, Chris! Jamie has a spot in the loft from which she can see into the kitchen where her boots are kept when not in use. She will typically stand up there and stomp to get our attention and gesture/point emphatically toward the boots and our feet. We then hold up various boots for her approval as you usually has one in mind that she wants. She will continue to gesture until we have the right one at which point she usually gestures toward our feet until we put them on. Once things are as she wants, she will take off running to meet us on the other side of the fence on Young’s Hill and off we go. And as she comes out onto the hill, she often checks immediately to make sure we are still wearing the boots as per her instructions. 🙂
waiting bites !!!!! Doesn’t it Jamie !!!!