I wanted to do a throwback today to a very special day at the sanctuary, the day the Cle Elum 7 got to go out on Young’s Hill for the very first time. Perhaps the best way to remember that day is to watch the KOMO News Story about the event. It’s amazing that the chimps first set foot on Young’s Hill in September 2011 (8 years ago!), because we hope that our new 3 residents will soon get to follow in their footsteps.
We are excited to announce that we are finishing up the final adjustments to Young’s Hill so that the outdoor chute that Honey B, Willy B and Mave currently occupy will now connect to the 2 acre outdoor enclosure. If all goes as planned, we are going to give the “new guys” access to the hill in the next couple of days and let them get this new experience under their belts before we start introductions of the 2 groups. It will be both exciting and a little scary, and perhaps exploration will come more naturally to some than others. We can’t wait for them to start enjoying this next part of their sanctuary!
Kathleen says
On my CSNW calendar I have a notation that September 20th was the day Young’s Hill was opened 8 years ago. I am sure I wrote it down after reading your blog and felt it was worth celebrating year after year. I transfer the date dutifully to my new calendar each year. Such a wonderful accomplishment! And now I await the day when three new chimpanzees will have their turn at a new life of freedom.
The video of the day the Cle Elum 7 got to go out on Young’s Hill for the very first time is still my most favorite of all. It still tugs at my heartstrings and fills my eyes with tears. Simply overwhelming in a wonderful way.
Kathleen says
PS: I hope you are all as proud of yourselves for your accomplishments as I am of you. Over eight years, look at all you have done! CSNW is the most amazing organization, and I know if ten chimps could talk, they would agree with me. Can’t thank you enough…..XOXO
Kathleen says
One question about this historical day in the video footage : I’ve always assumed that Mr. B was not actually doing an excited “happy dance” for his freedom but instead, he was expressing excited-anxious emotions with his new freedom and his “dance” might have been coming from an uncomfortable place as much as it was coming from a “happy” place. Sort swaying from mixed-emotion-excitement but maybe more fear than happy? I also thought there was a video that showed Mr. B touching the electric fence too and his dance came right before or right after moment? SO, I guess my question is, is Burrito all piloerect and displaying out of fear/anxiety or joy (or both!)?
Anna says
I would guess both 🙂
CeeCee says
That was so cool to see again, thanks Anna.
I love how excited the seven were to come outside for the first time.
Poor little Negra, having to learn the hard way about the electric fence,
Maybe that’s a good video to show the new three, they can learn through her 🙂
Judy says
Makes me cry tears of happiness every time I see that video of the 7 on Young’s Hill for the first time! Thank you.. as always!
PatC says
The video of the 7’s first steps onto the Hill is my favorite of all. When I have a bad day, am down, or looking to lift my spirit, that video is what I go to. It never fails to move me as many times as I’ve watched it. Burrito’s little dance. Their seeking reassurance from their friends. J.B. saying how they look so small. oh!
I am so excited for the 3. Small words – big feelings. xoxoxox
Linda says
I had never seen the news footage before, so didn’t realize it was poor Neggie….well, she’s no worse the wear…hopefully, the 3 will pick up as the others did, with no incidents. Can’t wait for the video! Oh, there’s gonna be some screaming when the 7 see the 3 on “their” hill!
Elaine Reininger says
I never saw this video of their first time outdoors and I have to admit my eyes were so filled watching it. Thanks so much for making it possible for those of us who never saw it. I can’t imagine how all of you felt watching that and how your heart ached for poor Negra when she touched the electric fence not once but twice. Her screams and everyone running back to safety was so sad. I loved the happy dance and all the hugging and jumping up and down just like a bunch of happy kids would do. Great video, thanks Anna.
Stevie Gillis says
I love my Cle elum 7! All of them, although I do have a littl
Deanna says
I’m too excited!!! Can’t wait!
Nancy L says
I, too, watched this beautiful video for the first time and, boy, it really gets to your heart seeing all 7 experience freedom. Also, being a big fan from Annapolis MD it was cool, for me, to finally hear how “Cle elum” is pronounced! Lol.
Francoise says
I’ve seen the video a couple of times and I cry every time. However, I’ve seen the video of the chimps first going out in, I think, Florida into a walled enclosure with grass and trees. But they were much more hesitant and it took them a long time to get at all comfortable. And a lot of reassurance hugs. This time it occurred to me that the 7 might have been more comfortable because they had spent a longer time in the greenhouse first? Of course, this video was edited but the other one I saw went much longer. How did you determine how long you would wait? And btw, KOMO is a really good TV station and clearly supportive and proud of you all.