There is a gorgeous book recently written by a mother and daughter in Hawaii called “H?nau ka Ua” in which they recorded over 200 hundred names for rain in the Hawaiian language. It is written that their k?puna, or elders, were so attuned to the environment that they gave individual names to the variety of rains and winds on the islands. They knew each rain based on where and when it fell, the intensity and duration, the effect it had on people, the sound it made on the trees, and even the scent it carried. So in tune to their environment they considered it their kin.
In this part of the world, spring is ushered in on the winds. Not just any old breezes, but winds that come off the still snow-covered mountains and barrel down the valley like a freight train, that kick and buck like a wild horse, and throw sticks and stones for good measure. The days like that are sunny, but often leave all the primates taking cover. But on the days when the wind’s wild rumpus finally settles, like today, it can be cloudy and rainy. A gentle, soothing rain.
When not on Young’s Hill, the chimps chose to spend the entire day in the greenhouse, under the sound of rain on the roof. Annie nested there all day, as she often does when it rains. During a downpour at lunch we all just sat taking cover together, faces turned upward listening to the soothing rhythm.
Foxie keeping France Dora safe:
When Jamie insisted on multiple walks in the rain today, I marveled at the transition she’s made to being a Pacific Northwest chimp, virtually un-phased by the showers. Each walk for each kind of rain was different, but all were joyous and calm.
In a gentle, but steady light rain we didn’t dawdle, but she walked surprisingly slowly, the only sounds the raindrops on my Gortex jacket and our feet moving through the wet grass:
Later in the day when the rain let up and turned to only a few sprinkles was when she decided to kick up her heels and run:
On the final walk of the day most everyone decided to come out (though it was too wet for Negra today).
Burrito:
Jody:
Foxie and Dora:
Missy:
I’m so grateful that the chimps have the opportunity to be so connected to their home. To each rain and wind, snow and sunny day. To be kin with their environment and the wilderness in their hearts. Just as they were meant to be. Just as we were all meant to be.
Amy M says
Katelyn — When the chimps come back in wet, do they ask for towels and/or blankets to dry off?
Katelyn says
Amy, Jamie usually appreciates having a towel to dry herself off with. I’ve seen Missy use one as well, but the other chimps won’t typically go out in the rain as much. They do usually come back and build a nest to warm up unless your Burrito, and he just gives himself a good shake if he gets caught in the rain. π
Amy M says
Boys. π
CeeCee says
It makes me so happy that they can enjoy each season.
Sharon says
i enjoy your stories and photos of the chimps. they are amazing. they seem very happy and you can see how they are so well cared for …….
Katelyn says
Thank you, Sharon, we appreciate you following the chimps’ lives!
Barb says
What a beautiful post. Poetic, informative and lovely photos.
Kathleen says
I am fascinated and very curious about the book you mention. What a reverent thing to do, giving individual names for all the different rains. That is so beautiful. We should all respect Mother Earth this way. I bet the chimps are as attuned to their environment as the Hawaiians are to theirs.
Such a lovely post, I could almost feel and smell the rain from here. Wonderful to know Jamie will brave the elements, that her walk means more to her than the slight discomfort brought on from the rain showers. And I am pleased to see Jamie inspired everybody to venture out and get their feet wet (well, everybody but dear Negra). ; )
Carla RenΓ© says
Hi, Katelyn,
I’ve often wondered about this very thing: environmental adaptation. Even zoo animals must make concessions to their individual environments.
But I wonder how (or if) it affects the species as a whole to have so many fractures in every imaginable environment. They all began in the wilds of Africa. They weren’t indigenous to anywhere else. But now they’re pretty much everywhere. They eat local varieties of their required diet. They endure local weather. It would certainly be on the microscopic level, but I think it would be interesting to see studies done on these individual factions to see just how much they deviate from their wild ancestors as a whole, thanks to these forced environmental disparates.
I also suspect the sanctuary is responsible for most of its regular employees waxing poetic from time-to-time, when they might not have been inclined to do so before coming here. Being in that environment day-in and day-out, it seems a pretty sure bet. ????????
Thanks for the beautiful posting.
Donna Oleksiuk says
Such a beautiful post! Clearly the chimps, the environment, the rain are all precious to you. Wish all humans felt as you do. So grateful the chimps can experience nature is such a safe and joyful way. Thank you ! π
Francoise says
What joy to see the chimps enjoying the most elemental of sensations: nature. Would it be that we all did that as often as we could and should. Thanks for sharing these lovely moments. And I for one believe that a rainy day is perfect for snuggling and napping. I’m with Negra on this one.
Kath says
Thankyou for putting the thought & time into writing this story.
I really appreciate being able to visualize these guys & gals day to day lives there!
One day my dream will come thru & Ill be able to visit the sanctuary:)
Till then my heart is fillled by reading about it there & seeing the pics & videos.
K.