It’s been an extra busy day in the chimp house as chimpanzees and humans alike adjust to new surroundings, new people and new routines. The chimps are very aware of one another on opposite sides of the “howdy” door and doing the seven are doing their best to try to catch glimpses of their new neighbors through the door. But for the most part everyone spent the relaxing in the summertime glory.
Beautiful Annie in her breezy greenhouse nest:
Snoozy Burrito:
Foxie and Kate:
I could not love this photo of Jamie (or Jamie) more! She donned her troll scarf while gazing at the tomato plants in the chimps’ mini garden while her wild bedhead blew in the breeze.
Handsome B:
Mave, Honey B, and Willy B continue to adjust well to their new surroundings and home. It’s a lot to take in, as one can imagine, and being surrounded by new sights and sounds, new humans and a new home can take time. So we’re all just taking cues from them as we all get to know one another. We are so incredibly happy they are here and so grateful to their former caregivers for helping to make their transition as easeful as we can.
Honey B, who so looks like a long, tall version of her mama, Missy, seems to enjoy spending time in the mezzanine taking in the view of the valley and the sunshine:
Willy B is an incredibly handsome guy and he’s often on the move right now. We found he seems to enjoy having the doorways to all the human areas and outside open so he can watch the comings and goings and passings by. He did find some time after a selfie or two with Mave and I to stop for a bit to enjoy some grooming from Honey B:
And Mave, well, she’s just settled right in and spent most of her day in her various nests, legs in the air, breathy panting and hooting quietly with her new caregivers. She is a delight:
She loves to see images on the iPhone, taking “selfies” and watching her image in the camera. We’ve spent some time the past couple of days showing both Mave and Willy B photos of their seven next door neighbors and they’ve seemed quite intrigued.
We are so incredibly happy and honored to have these three beautiful, intelligent chimp people here with us and we are so grateful to their former caregivers for helping to make their transition as easeful as they could. And we’re so grateful to you for making this possible for them. We can’t wait to share everything ahead with you all.
This is heart-swelling news and images. I am overflowing with wonder and joy and curiosity and yearning to know and see more. THANK YOU all for your sanctuary, for your work and care of these beautiful, now ten.
I’m in love all over again!
Wonderful photos& thank you for the updates on the new arrivals.thinking of their future& all the many blessed days to come for them…i started to cry.Your posts fill me with such joy& happiness for them!Thank you to all who made this possible.
Wonderful photos. So happy that the new arrivals will begin a new life filled with love and comfort.
Thank you Katelyn for all these photos, especially that photo of Jamie all decked out in her troll scarf. Love it. Oh that glorious bed head of hers! Such fun seeing more images of the new chimps. Can’t imagine how they must feel. First the long journey and now they find themselves in this entirely new place. WA is very different from CA! Can’t wait to see what they think of the first cold temps and the first snow fall. ; )
Silly question : When chimps move to new homes, I know sometimes their caregivers travel with them and remain with the chimps until they settle in (such as Tatu and Loulis moving to Fauna or even Ndume moving to the Cincinnati Zoo). Familiar faces must give great comfort to those involved and it must give the caregiver comfort too, seeing their friends settled in and secure. Were any of Honey B, Willy B, or Mave’s caregivers fortunate enough to make the trip too and if so will they stay for awhile to ease the transition? I am so happy for everyone at CSNW, but Wildlife Waystation caregivers must be saddened saying goodbye to their dear friends.
Hi Kathleen,
Apologies for the delayed response! Yes, it’s wonderful when former caregivers are able to accompany transitioning chimps! We had hoped that would be possible, but with the major transition of Wildlife Waystation it wasn’t able to work out at this time. We are grateful to be able to share Honey B, Willy B and Mave’s progress with everyone and are so very grateful to their former caregivers and staff for making their transition as easeful as possible. Our hearts go out to them and we can imagine how difficult such changes are, even when positive. It will be wonderful if they’re able to visit one day!
I am curious to the reaction of Missy and Honey B. I wonder if there will be any sign of recognition?
Hi Lana,
The three new chimps are still in quarantine and introductions, which can sometimes take awhile, won’t begin for another couple of weeks. It’s unlikely Missy and Honey B will know one another as Honey B was taken from Missy within hours of her birth and they haven’t seen each other since. But we’re so excited to get to know her!
I was wondering the same thing as Kathleen….
Also, what are their ages? What do you know about what things they like?
Hi Linda,
Honey B just turned 30 and Willy B and Mave are 29. We’re still learning their likes and dislikes, but they’ve been adventurous in testing out their new enrichment and food offerings. I can say that Willy B had the most amazing time with a slinky the other day! Burrito will have to up his slinky game. 😉 They all appear to enjoy looking at themselves or videos/photos on iPhones. All three appear to be feeling more comfortable and playful with each day and we can’t wait to continue learning about them. Also, see my response to Kathleen regarding her question about their caregivers. 🙂
Thank you for the updates, love hearing about the new chimps.
What a beautiful blog – pictures and comments alike. These chimps have finally found a forever home
with sights, sounds and happiness all around – to be Free to be. Congratulations to all who make this
possible.
I loved this blog. Thank you so much – not just for what you do for all the beautiful chimpanzees but also for keeping those of us who love them from afar up to date with all the goings on
I am very surprised that all the chimps are not more excited about having new roomies and/or environment. Maybe I am projecting human traits on the chimps. Are they more excited just in more subtle ways?
Hi Meg,
Their personalities and response vocalizations and displays to the seven are increasing by the day, along with their comfort. All of this is a big change from what both groups have been used to for a very long time and they were taking time to quietly suss out their new situation.
I’m nearly speechless with excitement…These precious beings are going to live the absolute best Sanctuary life possible just like their Cle Elum Seven brethren & soon realize how secure they are… & will soon have seven new friends to get to become acquainted with…I’m so thrilled that sweet Burrito will soon have a male buddy to share his family with…
I can hardly wait to see how this extra exciting adventure will play out…I’m actually tearing up with such emotion…beyond happy for these 10 magnificent creatures, but I’ll always carry a lump in my heart thinking about all the other animals (Worldwide) in need of being rescued from unthinkable circumstances…
Thank you CSN for everything you stand for & for the love & devotion shown to your Chimps every single day…Each of you are truly “Hero’s” in my book…
Wonderful photos and insight as always! Curious if Jaimie tied the troll doll into the scarf or if a caregiver did? Thank you! Kim
Hi Kim,
That one was prepared enrichment by caregivers, but Jamie is able to tie things when she chooses. She’s a woman who always loves a good scarf. 🙂