The chimps were proactive this morning to beat the heat! First they got all their strenuous tasks out of the way. For example, today was a whopping 96 degrees and tomorrow is only going to get hotter. So Jamie decided to get her walks in right away in the morning:
Second we kept everything closed off to keep it cool all day, but before we crawled into our dark den (we have all been there on a hot day) we got some grooming done:
Missy, Annie, and Jody thought they should groom in the Greenhouse early:
Annie grooming Jody:
Missy:
And Burrito decided to have a lazy day and just watch the volunteers clean:
In the playroom we set out water in buckets (the chimps always have access to water but sometimes drinking water out of buckets is fun!) and in between cleaning areas I would serve water out of the hose or spray our handled mister/fan (really only Jamie like that…).
However, as our third way to stay cool we had a vote and the chimps decided to have watermelon shaved ice boats. So that’s what we did!
Staff caregiver Katelyn was kind enough to help me with this task (Foxie observing closely):
Jamie:
The watermelon was so juicy:
Burrito:
Burrito was so excited you can see how pilo his hair is:
Annie:
I don’t think anything is more refreshing than watermelon shaved ice!
Shaved watermelon ice sounds scrumptiously yummy! I have never tried frozen watermelon but I am going to make some tomorrow. You caregivers think of everything, what lucky chimps to be in your loving care.
Wonderful photos!!!!!! Thanks so much for your thoughtful commentary Kelsi!! U R appreciated!! Love and hugs to you all…
Great idea. You can see how much they all loved it???
I know that the Cle Elum Seven have roots in jungles of equatorial Africa but, damn, it shouldn’t be so intolerably hot halfway between the Equator and the North Pole that they can’t go outside onto their own land. I am apprised of the wild fires in the West, and I am worried about the residents and employees of the CSNW. I hope that all will be well…soon. Keep as cool and hydrated as possible.
I’m very late commenting on this post but was wondering…I know the chimps probably don’t mind the heat as much as we do but do you keep any kind of fans and or ac going when it gets REALLY hot? I know you keep it nice and toasty in the winter months for them so I was curious about the hot days.
BTW…those frozen watermelon treats sound wonderful on a hot day! 🙂