When the chimpanzees gained access to their 2 acre outdoor enclosure this morning, you could really feel their joy and excitement. The sun and light breeze together were a complimentary pair!
Annie chased Missy bipedally (trying to avoid touching the wet grass as much as possible).
She finally climbed onto a log to escape the morning dew.
Missy performed a few aerial stunts.
And then settled down to snack on the fresh green grass.
Foxie explored with two of her dolls.
And Jody and Burrito decided to relax and take in the view.
Jamie recruited J.B. into going for a perimeter walk.
The walk eventually evolved into a perimeter jog.
I must admit, I searched a while for a quote or poem about the loveliness of Spring to accompany this post, but I couldn’t quite find the right one. I suppose springtime at the sanctuary is best described in photos.
Yes it is! Love all the great pictures – especially Annie! She cracks me up! ????
It seems like Foxie mostly carries her dolls with the dolls feet in her mouth. Is this the case? Thanks to all who care for these 7 wonderful beings.
She actually has multiple methods. Sometimes she puts them on her back (like a mother chimpanzee would carry her baby). Sometimes she holds them with her hands or feet, and she sometimes puts them in her pelvic pocket (tucked between her thigh and her body). I guess it all depends on what she feels is right at the time or what is easiest for the type of motion she needs to make 🙂
Great pictures!
The 2 photos of Annie zooming through the grass are hysterical. Funny that she doesn’t like the wet grass between her toes. Do the other chimps feel the same way about wet grass?
Billy Collins’ poem Today describes spring as “bringing a hammer to the glass paperweight, releasing the inhabitants from their snow-covered cottage to venture out holding hands and squinting into this larger dome of blue and white” (a bit of creative license in shortening the quote here…)
Sounds like what spring means to me … “Get me out of here!” Unfortunately I live in Toronto and it’s harder to find grassy fields, mountain views, wildflowers, wandering elk and such. How fortunate are you and the chimps!