When I was watching Foxie this morning, I was thinking about when she first arrived with the rest of the Cle Elum Seven Chimpanzees. She showed some apprehension and perhaps suspicion those first weeks.
The first time she went into the larger space of what we call the playroom, she stomped all around the perimeter before venturing to the middle.
At first, she would push away the toys and blankets as though they might be contaminated.
And then came troll dolls…
Foxie was smitten:
and her imagination seemed to take off:
Today is day 3,802 of sanctuary for Foxie, Negra, Jamie, Burrito, Jody, Missy, and Annie.
Foxie is still suspicious of new things, or at least wants to verify for herself that we’ve built things well (see this video from earlier this year).
She’s more adventurous than ever, though. Each of the previous 3,801 days have been about her learning more about herself and the world of the sanctuary as it expanded and transformed around her.
This morning, Foxie (without a doll) climbed up on the newest structure on the hill that we call Esher and sat in the sun for a bit.
Then she was off to a new perch
Where she sampled some morning frost
After about 30 minutes, she came back to the greenhouse to groom with her friends and make the most of the rest of day 3,802.
What a beautiful journey you are all on together!! It must warm your hearts to the very core each and every day!! It does mine, and I’m not on site! hugs and love to you a ll…
I really does warm our hearts every day! I’m so glad that we can share their lives and personalities with you, JoAnn!
3,802 days of sanctuary, wow! That alone leave me speechless and it deepens my gratitude for all you do everyday for Foxie, Missy, Annie, Jody, Jamie, Burrito, and Negra..
I am not sure if I am remembering correctly, but I believe I remember seeing Foxie sleeping on the floor, no blankets, no nest, just finding comfort on the floor. Thanks for just letting Foxie slowly evolve into the sweet, funny, spin-able girl she is today.
Can I ask, is it a new thing that today Foxie ventured outside without her troll or Dora doll, meaning she went out all by herself and stayed out on her own? Or does she often venture out without her doll/s?
Kathleen – I guess I would say that Foxie venturing outside without a doll is an occasional thing. . Maybe more common first thing in the morning? I didn’t get great photos of her doing this, but she also laid down and rolled around on Esher just for a few seconds.
Kathleen – I guess I would say that Foxie venturing outside without a doll is an occasional thing. . Maybe more common first thing in the morning? I didn’t get great photos of her doing this, but she also laid down and rolled around on Escher just for a few seconds.