To those far and away from Washington, we have been having some pretty rough weather. Those of you who are local to the Pacific Northwest probably know what I’m talking about. Some places had it far worse than others, even closing some highways due to snow accumulation. Some of that highway traffic was diverted onto the road that passes by the sanctuary today. Both Anthony and I were caught in a convoy of big trucks and were a little late getting in. Luckily enough, our co-directors were onsite to cover some of the morning tasks to ensure breakfast was made on time and things stayed on schedule.
During snowy days like today, we offer Willy B, Mave, and Honey B the option to go outside in the Chute. More often than not, all three decide to stay inside. Usually we find Willy B laying down on a bed of blankets on one of the platforms inside.
And we find Honey B and Mave in some prolonged grooming sessions near a window to gaze out onto the snow-covered landscape.
It was during a grooming session I noticed they both would continuously look out the window and just stare for a little while before resuming their grooming session. I took a peek outside to see what they would look at. It seemed the sun would make a brief appearances at times. On one of these brief moments, Honey B decided to briefly brave the elements and sit by the window that looks into the playroom of their neighbors. (As a side note: the headband fashion apparently is not just a seasonal style for Honey B like it is with Annie.)
Likewise on the other side of the Chimp House, we offer the Girl Gang the option to go out onto Young’s Hill every day, but so far they also have opted to stay inside most days. Annie though did go to the door that leads to Young’s Hill and waited to see if anyone else wanted to brave the snow covered hill with her. After a while, and after no takers, she later went inside to be with the others in the warm playroom.
Burrito is still in recovery and doesn’t have access to the outside quite yet. He does make numerous requests throughout the day for snowy treats though. On one of the occasions I did offer him a snowball. He refused to take it and tried to divert my attention to something else. It took me a little time to realize a new wintery bounty has started to form around the sanctuary: icicles!
He seemed pleased with the snowy icicle bucket we prepared for him after. His icicle treats didn’t last long and he was soon back to requesting more. Though the snow caused some travel delays, the caregiver in me secretly hopes it continues (not too much though!) so more icicles form for him and all the chimpanzees to enjoy.
Have the others noticed the icicles yet or requested some since I imagine the icicles are too high to reach if the chimps were to brave the cold to try and get some? I bet a slushy fruit flavored icicle/snow sundae would be tasty for Burrito. So out of curiosity, is there a contingency plan in place if the highways are shutdown completely for a day or more by the highway patrol as far as the chimps getting meals and or other needs and supplies? Or does local law enforcement have a file with current volunteers and the absolute necessity to make allowances or if possible an escort through closed portions leading to the sanctuary given in my opinion this is much more critical then some semi-truck shipment or family vacation? The chimps lives are dependent on all of you.
Be safe and stay warm, everyone.
I am not a chimp but do remember growing up in Wisonsin and eating the snow
and chewing on the icicles. I know how much they must enjoy that. Great blog.
While everyone at CSNW may be freezing, this post warmed my heart! Thank you Chad for taking time out of your very busy and delayed day to create such an extensive post. The your comment and photo of Honey B and her headband fashion statement cracked me up! I believe this may be a “seasonal style” and Honey B is hoping if she wears it she will once again feel the warm sun and see the palm and eucalyptus trees of California before her instead of all this cold ridiculous white stuff.
Stay warm!
PS: If CSNW needs someone to stay at the chimp house overnight during these bad storms (I see snow in your forecast all the way up to next Friday!!), I’d be happy to fly out and sleep in with the gang. That new building looks wonderful, happy to volunteer! : )
Poor Burr
Okatl9y, let’s try again.
Poor Burrito, heated floors and icicles just don’t mix.
Jeez, kind of a letdown on the second attempt!
Happy safe wintering.
Buon appetito, Signore Burrito! Those icicles look absolutely delicious!
Now I have “The Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin stuck in my head.
Thanks. I love it.
Burrito looks like he is aging quickly. Maybe because of all the ordeals he’s been through?