Today we gave Mave, Honey B, Willy B, and Negra access to Young’s Hill. I am not sure we have talked about this much. Though this is not the first time we have given them access to Young’s Hill, a 2 acre outdoor space. I feel I should also mention that as far as we know the three have not had an outdoor space like this in almost 30 years or maybe ever. So you can only imagine how exciting, but also terrifying and scary this space must be for them. The Hill is a large outdoor area with unfamiliar fencing, ground, and also not knowing if anyone else is out there. The other chimps obviously haven’t been on the other side when they have access to the Hill, but the unknown can be intimidating! Right now Burrito is still alone recovering and the girl gang was inside phase 1 so they wouldn’t be too much of a distraction to the nervous 3 and Negra just napped the whole time.
Our first attempt was almost a month ago, before introductions had started. It did not go the way we had planned or the way I am sure the 3 chimps wanted it to go. We tried to show the chimps not to touch the electric fence. However, the electric fence was foreign and all they have ever really known is that they can hold onto caging. But the “caging” was shocking them and it was suppose to be safe. So there was screaming and they were nervous to say the least. Even with preparation and showing them not to touch, they still touched it, a lot. You might be wondering how we demonstrated this to them. There are many different methods. We pretended to touch the fence and get shocked. We made chimp vocalizations and screamed. J.B. grounded himself and made the fence spark (safely) and screamed as well. When the seven went out for the first time they had a mock test fence to touch so the chimps understood it would shock and J.B. also touched the fence to give them the real effect. J.B. did not want to touch the fence again (weird) and we didn’t feel that the mock test helped the seven not touch the fence, because they also got shocked the first time or two as well. An enclosure is all these three have known and mesh caging is what they are used to grabbing. Even the ground can be uncomfortable, for example, Willy B doesn’t like walking across the wood chips and tries to avoid them. This probably has a lot to do with living on concrete floors for most of his life.
There is a lot of adjustment for Honey B, Mave, and Willy B. We have continued to offer them the Hill when possible. However, they are scared. Honey B did go out again, but curiosity got the best of her and she touched the fence again. Though no one went out today, we will keep trying and hopefully one day they will feel comfortable enough to go out and explore, and not touch the fence as well!
Mave relaxing in the green house:
Honey B a little out of focus, enjoying some sun in the green house:
This photo shows a little bit of how Willy doesn’t like walking on the wood chips. He uses only one foot and tries to get across as fast a possible. Or tries to walk on chairs and enrichment to get on to the platform. This is actually every common for chimps in captivity that are adjusting to new environments. The unknown is scary until they can get use to it.
Negra in a cozy nest. Negra also spent some time grooming with Mave and play wrestling with Honey B.
Later in the afternoon the “Girl Gang” received access to the Hill. The girls and cattle went on a patrol together:
Thank you for this post. No, to my knowledge they have never known anything other than concrete and caging. Breaks my heart but I have hope that with the guidance, help and security of their new friends they will one day gain enough confidence to embrace the out doors. Have you ever, I’m sure you have, given them grass hay to romp around and forage in?? I don’t know that they ever got anything like grass hay at the Waystation either and it might be scary as well??
Yes, the unknown is scary isn’t it? The way I see it, Mave, Honey B, and Willy B are now home, so they have the rest of their lives to figure all this newness out. They will get there, each in their own time. (It must be gut wrenching to watch them go for the electric fencing, I can’t even bear to think about it let alone imagine watching!) Thanks for the update.
What a wonderful post. It is heartbreaking that “we” cannot get across to them the effect of the electric fence .. and I am sure it is gut wrenching to watch them … all this is a necessary part of enriching and expanding their worlds… When one considers.. yet one more day locked in a small cage… to the opportunity of Young’s Hill even with the accompanying fear and shocking fence I am certain that once the fear is conquered these early days will be far back in the rear view mirror for the 3 newbies.
Oh poor darlings!! Trust takes such a long time ~ they will get there I hope. They are so lucky to have such wonderful caregivers who understand them and try to meet their needs. You and they are doing a tremendous job!! Love and hugs to you all…
It will be great day when they can join forces and enjoy the fantastic surroundings. Hopefully that will be soon. Love to all x
Thank you, Kelsi, we have been wondering….
Poor things…my guess is that when (if) the two tribes merge, they’ll stick close to the other chimps, and climbing the fencing won’t even cross their minds….
So it turns out ol’ Neggie isn’t as slow as people thought!
Seems like Missy also avoids those chips a lot, doesn’t she? Or does she just think swinging onto that platform is more fun?
Thanks, Kelsi! I’ve been hoping for one of you to blog about the new chimps’ introduction to Young’s Hill. Sorry they’re having a difficult time with it; but maybe they’ll be more comfortable once Jamie & Missy can take them on a tour of the ‘playground’ … I can’t wait to see Willy B climb the Twister!
As I recall, Negra got shocked 2-3 times on the Seven’s first day out, and it took her awhile (and a lot of lettuce!) to get the courage to try again. If the coming snow doesn’t tempt Willy B, Honey B and Mave, surely the tender grasses of Spring will draw them out. 🙂
Eventually, the sight of so much fun awaiting them on the Hill will become irresistible. Until then, they are safe and loved and they get to Choose
Oh Sherry, so well said.