The chimpanzees still don’t do much lounging on Young’s Hill. They spend quiet moments outside, to be sure, but it’s rare to see any of them just fully relax like they do when they’re indoors. Even when we’ve put out blankets, we haven’t seen them really nest.
Perhaps because they spent decades living indoors in laboratories without access to big open spaces, the outdoors seem to require more vigilance. I guess I feel the same way, come to think of it.
This morning, I did catch Foxie lying down way up high on the structure donors named “Jamie’s Lookout”.
You might notice that she’s still holding onto the ladder.
Even with this tether to security, you can tell that she is happy because she’s rubbing her big toe and second toe together – a classic and unique sign of happiness for Foxie.
Missy noticed Foxie in repose, and came over with a big playface. Then ensued a very short tickle/wrestle game (so short I didn’t capture a decent photo).
Missy then spied on J.B. who was with the cattle on the other property,
took a moment to sit next to the now upright Foxie,
and resumed her position on the other side of the lookout.
Foxie did some careful inspecting of the structural integrity of the platform before making her way back down.
Foxie the engineer, I love it. Beautiful photos, thank you.
I´ve always wondered why I´ve never seen pics of them lounging in that big hammock……..if I had one outside, I would!
ha ha! you really cracked me up with Foxie’s “structural integrity check.”
Foxie holding on, her tether to security…..sigh……and still with her happy toes. She’s magnificent. And the image with Missy spying on J.B., I love it when they peek over the top of Jamie’s Lookout. The two of them, together they are precious. Thanks for these beautiful photos and the sweet story. Seeing the girls in this brilliant setting almost makes it impossible for me to imagine their past lives. Amazing how far they have come.
Have you guys ever acknowledged them when on the other property with the cattle? Like, wave at them, to let them know you see them, and see what their reaction is?
Hi Linda – yes, we’ve definitely done that and the chimps will take notice when we say hello at a distance 🙂
Unlike the branches of a tree ,which allows them to build deeper nests and nestles their bodies, the platforms are open on either side and they would probably have a fear of falling if the nested. Is there anyway to offer them a space with partially enclosed sides and to put blankets in the space so they get feel secure?
Unlike the branches of a tree ,which allows them in the wild to build deeper nests out of sticks, branches, leaves and other and fillers, and nestles their bodies, the platforms are flat and open on either side and they probably have a fear of falling. In fact, it is such an unnatural setting for sleeping that they wouldn’t even consider that location.Is there anyway to offer them a space outside with partially enclosed sides and a firm yet pliable netting as a bottom for their blankets so they can sink in yet feel secure and comfortable? Or maybe construct tree branches closer to the ground and build a structure in a soft V for their blankets. Thinking out of the box like we did for the termite mound.
Hi Karen! There are places on the hill like you describe – hammocks and Negra’s Cabin, for example. Foxie sleeps up high on flat surfaces indoors (on the catwalk and loft of the playroom and the benches in the front rooms), so I really do think that it’s more about being outside. And that’s okay! Maybe one day they will fully let their guard down and nest and sleep outside, or maybe they will always feel more comfortable coming back to the greenhouse or indoor places. It’s up to them. The ability to choose is what you have helped to provide. ??