May is our most stunning time of year here at the sanctuary. Spring suddenly explodes in a kaleidoscope of birdsong, wildflowers and neon green grass. It only lasts a few short weeks before the sun bakes everything brown, but all of the primates relish every single glorious day.
Every morning while the chimpanzees are having breakfast the lead caregiver for the day walks the perimeter of Young’s Hill (sans Jamie) to ensure that the outdoor habitat is secure to give the chimps access to. It always feels strange to be out there without the boss lady, but it’s one of the most peaceful and beautiful times of the day, watching the sanctuary wake up:
As the sun rises over the hill these redstem stork’s bills cover the sanctuary in fields of pink. By afternoon they pull their tiny shades to the hot sun and you’d never even know they were there.
Our friendly neighborhood elk, Ellie (aka Buttons, locally) doing her best to stick to all the shady spots:
Foxie and her Doras took a leisurely stroll by themselves this morning, weaving in and out of the tall, spring grass:
We have three tiny American Goldfinch couples singing their hearts out all the live long day this year. They are so vivid they look like flying dandelions when they take flight from the grass.
For as far as the eye can see the hillsides are covered in balsamroot:
Birthday lady, Jody, promptly made a nest in front of the barn doors where the cool breeze wafts through the chimp house. She seems pretty pleased with how 43 looks so far:
The bleeding heart blooming outside the frontrooms is filling the chimp house with the most beautiful scent right now. In the upper 80’s, it’s by far the warmest day we’ve had this year and the chimps are sprawled in every direction, dozing in the afternoon breeze, only the sounds of swallows zipping and zooming and chittering. It’s a good day.
Beautiful photos! Love the ones of sweet Jody in her nest. Good to see Ellie.
Negra shows us all that it is the simple pleasures in life that make it worth living. Thank you for the reminder My Queen. xo
You got a pet elk! Who has that? 🙂
Beautiful pictures. Do the chimps eat bleeding hearts?
Perfection at it’s finest??
Katelyn, you could work as a storyboard artist/writer. You create such a vivid scene I always feel as if I am there taking in all the sights, sounds, and scents of Young’s Hill along wth the chimps. Thank you for transporting me! And I too love the photo of Jody cozy in her nest peeking our the door.
Never knew Ellie was named Buttons either. Happy to see her keeping cool.
The last one is a hoot!
I suddenly crave what Neggie is eating! She’s too precious for words. I love you Neggie????
Well, it looks like Jamie sure has the hang of it when it comes to ascending to the summit of the Twister on Young’s Hill. Hang in there, Boss!…
I am so impressed and delighted to learn about Evolotus! People, or should I say professionals, after my own heart. Went directly to their website and I will be sure to save and share their information. NAPSA, ADI, White Coat Waste, Animal Place, Beagle Freedom Project, and my Guru Jo-Anne McArthur!! Such an impressive client list! The world is no doubt a better place thanks to your talent and big, generous hearts.
It is always compelling to learn more about the countless friends of Missy, Annie, Jamie, Jody, Burrito, Foxy and Negra!
Happy Birthday!!
She really enjoyed the fruit especially the oranges. Is her left arm ok? She seemed to only use the right one, Hope so anyway she’s lovely and it’s great to see her enjoying her fruit.
What a fabulous post. And thanks for telling us a little about Ellie. I never did hear how she came to be but always loved when she went for a walk all around the Sanctuary with the caregivers and Chimps. Beautiful flowers My favorite time of year but we seem to go from winter right into summer. And like everyone else, my favorite picture is of Jody in her nest.
Thank you, Elaine. Yes, Ellie is about 7 years old now and it’s pretty clear she won’t be choosing to join any wild herds in the area, unfortunately. But she seems pretty content with her life as it is. It’s true, we didn’t get a chance to acclimate to the heat it seems, though I think we have a few cooler days ahead. The chimps are really enjoying these peaceful, easy days.
I started reading the site last year and now I look forward to your every single post. The caring and emotions you have for the chimps come out so strong through your writing. I want to say thank you very much for helping me understand how far they have come over years. I am very moved by all your caretakers and volunteers. Thru your writing and pictures and videos, I feel I am part of the group, learning and understanding them as individuals.
A very interesting post. These special beings have been through so much. A big thank you to all the wonderful people that are taking such good care of them.
Yes, I’m sure by now she thinks she’s a different creature altogether…although wouldn’t it be something if one day she shows up with a little one of her own? Probably unlikely though, at this point!
PS. Again, your photos in this post are extraordinary!