It’s been a thunderous day, literally and figuratively. The chimpanzees have spent much of yesterday and today in a wild call and response of displays with one another. Hoots, hollers, kicks to the windows and “howdy” door and all manner of vocalizations, some of which we’ve never heard the likes of before, have been ringing throughout the chimp house.
Both groups were served lunch just about the time a thunderstorm rolled over the sanctuary which seemed to amplify their echoing expressions and emotions. Sweet Mave ran in from her nest in the new Phase I chute which leads outside and spent a long time sitting in the doorway alarm calling. She should be familiar with the occasional rainstorm at her former home, but who knows how she felt about them or why she found them alarming today exactly. Sometimes even familiar things sound different in new surroundings. After several minutes of continued calling, I wondered if Mave had perhaps seen a snake or something so I grabbed a blanket for cover and ran outside of the Phase I windows to check for “intruders,” but the coast appeared clear, to these human eyes at least. Honey B greeted me with her face pressed against the windows and breathy pants of reassurance and the three seemed to come to the conclusion that if I was okay running around out there, they must be okay running around inside.
And finally, exhausted from a stormy day of emotions and weather, and bellies full from lunch, the chimp house grew quiet and still. Everyone curled up, heavy eyes occasionally cast skyward at the sound of rain on the rooftops, they all fell asleep.
Beautiful Honey B:
Handsome Willy B, listening to the storm:
Thank you for the informative post. I am constantly thinking about how the 7 + 3 are fairing…it is so exciting (and scary and nerve wracking) to think about how the culminating introduction/s will go…..I appreciate every post (and photo) on the topic.
The picture of Willy B. sleeping and seemingly smiling contentedly is so precious. The new 3 are certainly an attractive bunch.
On Saturday night when our thunderstorm (in Everett, WA) put on its’ show, my 8-year old ran around the house collecting candles and then put on layers of clothing, including leg warmers and 2 pairs of socks on her hands (she “does” own gloves)….Just thought I’d share that. :0
Thank your 8 year old for the great advice. It might help me (74) cope during the next thunderstorm.
Thank you for keeping us informed. Since the new friends have arrived we think about, and talk about them everyday in our household. Do you know when the Howdy window will be opened yet? Thank each of you for all that you do for this incredible group – every single one is special and unique.
That’s really lovely, Paula, thanks for caring about them. We’re still planning out exactly how we will begin introductions, but the three will be done with their quarantine in about ten more days, at which time we can begin!
We do not get many thunderstorms in LA. Poor Mave, I’m glad she has such caring people looking after her and Willy B and Honey B. Mave really is a good girl.
Good to know about the thunderstorms! We’re all completely smitten with dear Mave. We love the three of them more every day.
I love the post today. It put smiles on my face especially the photos of the chimps. Laying down with eyes closed and a peaceful look on their faces means all is well and the world is at peace. Thank you for
giving these amazing animals such a wonderful home and freedom to be…..
Like mother, like daughter: Honey B is indeed beautiful.
“To sleep, perchance to dream (about Jody?)”, William B. Willoughby.
I love that Mabe is nesting outside! “Glamping”!
The photos are certainly lovely, and I agree with Jordan that Willy B’s sleepy pic is just dreamy!
That was so sweet of you Katelyn, to be so brave to go outside to show them they are OK…. Thank you 🙂
?? We were just recalling how Missy alarm called during the sevens’ first storm as well. They’d never heard rain.
I lived in CA for 20 years and never once heard thunder, for that matter I rarely saw rain and we could go for well over a year without a serious drop. And I lived a bit more north than the 3. So, perhaps the thunder and real rain was a wee bit unsettling to the new crew.
Your ears must be ringing from all the noise today. Thanks for the update and these incredible photos. Love each one!
That’s incredible, Kathleen. And horrifying to hear for someone as myself who LOVES thunderstorms. I grew up in N CA on the coast and we definitely had plenty. So it does make sense they were a little alarmed!
And yes, chimps can be insanely loud when they have a lot to say. ?
WillyB is dreaming about a time soon to come when he will be the boss of all the chimps!
These photos are exceptionally beautiful–how do you get up so close without them changing position. I thought it was going beyond the call of duty, Katelyn, that you went outside on your own snake-patrol to reassure them that the coast was clear. The fact that things quieted down after your search in the rain, shows it meant a lot to the Chimps too. You people are truly THE BEST.