Winter in the Pacific Northwest can be difficult to handle.
The landscape becomes dark, cold, and icy for several months. It’s beautiful in many ways, but it’s also challenging. In order to subsist in these surroundings, our team must make the necessary preparations and maintain a positive attitude about whatever the skies throw down on us. To visualize this, imagine how caregiver Chad and volunteer Fritz looked as they returned to the Chimp House this afternoon, soaking wet and freezing after driving through the blinding snow to feed the cattle and muck the barn. Of course, they laughed about it. Those smiles, paired with the appropriate clothing and equipment, ensure that we will make it to the spring in one piece.
As sanctuary personnel, our motive is to make sure the chimpanzees experience the wonders of the winter season without being subjected to its harsh conditions. Unfortunately, some inconveniences are unavoidable (e.g., Young’s Hill is buried under a foot of snow at the moment), but the chimpanzees can still choose to go outside and harvest snow or hang out inside on the heated floors. For some, an ideal day is spent in the loft of the Playroom, nibbling on roasted vegetables while submerged in a sea of blankets. This year’s new arrivals, for example, don’t seem enthused by the snowy surroundings just yet. For others, nothing seems better than darting outside, shoveling fresh snow into their chimpy mouths, and succumbing to the imminent brain freeze. To each their own, I guess.
We’ll continue to update everyone on the humors of the chimps through this ongoing winter snowstorm. Many of you are probably anxious for news about Burrito, but he has been bright and energetic for the last few days. You would never guess that he just had a toe amputated except he is still covered in distraction tape (and missing a toe).
You can all rest assured that the chimps are cozy and occupied, and the humans are having some fun, too.
Stay warm and safe, everyone!
Judy says
Excellent video… enjoyed it all including the music… terrific post as well. Dedication to these 10 is amazing… The difficulties traversed by the staff and volunteers just to arrive.. say nothing of all the extra effort involved in entertaining and keeping things running smoothly is a testament to love, hope, and sanctuary. Thank you all!
Kim Daigle says
Us Texans don’t get to see snow but once in a blue moon, so your video was especially beautiful to me. Sad to hear about Burrito but I’m happy to see him doing so well. None would be possible without all of the wonderful people that work rain, sleet or shine so THANK YOU!
Anthony says
Do your want some snow, Kim? I’m sure we can ship you some, if Burrito doesn’t eat it all first.
Anthony says
Thanks, Judy!
Jo Lathrop says
Your commentary is so wonderful!! You are a writer, for sure. Thanks for it and the pix ~ always a treat to see what they’re up to. Love and hugs to you all…
Arlene and Michael says
Anthony what a wonderful post and video. Love the music too. It is so beautiful there. We loved seeing Burrito happy with his snack of snow and the look on Honey B’s face when she decides to turn around and go back inside is priceless. Hopefully she and her friends will enjoy the snow someday. Stay warm and hope you all continue to be safe with the cold temperatures and snow.
Anthony says
Thank you! It really is a scenic and peaceful location, which I think contributes to the whole “sanctuary” vibe. 🙂
We’re hoping Honey B, Mave and Willy B will eventually be brave enough to investigate the snow!
Anthony says
Thanks, Jo!
Devin McC says
How are the Cattle kids holding up? I know most cattle at ranches are left outside in inclement weather but I personally believe all species deserve to be treated with the same respect you and I enjoy. Is their barn heated or have insulation for the harsh winters up there? I remember a recent post showing one of the cattle kids, do they each have a name? I’d love to see a video showing the cattle kids in their living quarters when any of you have a chance. Hope their just as happy in this weather as the munchkin chimps.
Anthony says
Hi Devin! That’s a good set of questions.
Our four bovines are Jersey cattle, which means that their ancestors were bred to withstand a temperate climate (hot summers and wet, cold winters). Healthy cows generally do just fine in cold weather, and often prefer to stand outside and let the snow accumulate on their backs. This year, all four of our cattle grew out their shaggy coats well before the onset of winter. They do have a couple of sheltered barns that serve as windbreaks. In the main barn, we also maintain a fluffy bed of clean, dry straw which serves as insulation underneath them. Each barn has a nearby water trough which is heated to prevent freezing. Because cattle are large mammals and slowly digest their food via fermentation, feeding them high-quality hay and alfalfa throughout the colder months also helps them to maintain a comfortable body temperature. When the snow melts and the spring grasses begin to grow again, we’ll cut off their supplemental food and minerals until the following winter.
The four individuals are Betsy, Honey, Meredith and Nutmeg. They have their own page on the website: https://chimpsnw.org/cattle/
I cannot think of any recent cow videos off the top of my head, but you can probably search the blog for any posts tagged “cattle” to find some!
Devin McC says
Thank you for the response Anthony. I know your all very busy this time of year but it’s always enjoyable to hear your thoughts as well as those of everyone else at the sanctuary. Betsy, Honey, Meredith and Nutmeg sound like their living a very happy and loved life. Oh and warm given as you mentioned, they have their self-made shaggy coats. I know obviously the chimps are the primary reason for the sanctuaries existence and sadly these places are far and few between but on a side question, is their any thoughts of taking in anymore rescue goats and rescue cattle in the future as far as you know? I ask since as you know, goats and cattle are great at helping with all the outer land tall grass management outside of the fenced in chimps hill and since the sanctuary has already been close to a very scary and dangerous wild fire, and all of you have your hands full with the chimps, I would assume any grass management help is great help.
Anthony says
The next phase of our expansion will focus on creating space to accommodate more chimpanzees, since there are still quite a few that need to be placed in sanctuaries.
Still, our sights remain tentatively set on eventually providing a home for other nonhuman primates and domestic animals in the future. They definitely serve as a fire prevention system, and the four cattle did a pretty good job at keeping the grass down around Young’s Hill this past summer. Next year, we might open up some additional spaces towards the boundaries of the property for the bovine herd to mow for us.
Kathleen says
Okay, it’s totally unfair. Not only are you guys primatologists and compassionate caregivers, you are exceptional writers, creative photographers, and now, apparently, savvy cinematographers. Thanks Anthony for your video today. As far as the weather goes, I suggest adding Yaktrax for everyone to your Amazon Wish List!
And Honey B suspicious of the snow? What a surprise!! : ) I was hoping she was going to scrape up the snow on the table and eat it. Thanks for including Burrito, seems nothing dims his joy.
Anthony says
Kathleen- you also forgot to mention that we’re professional poop-scrapers, floor-scrubbers, lock-testers, doll-washers and smoothie-blenders, among other things.
I love your Wish List ideas. We may have something similar in mind 🙂
As for your comment about Burrito, I cannot think of a more accurate and concise description for his attitude.
M Brown says
Honey B! Has a look, then goes back inside. That’s exactly like me when it snows.
Anthony says
I don’t think she’ll be skiing anytime soon! 🙂
Glenda Rios says
Excellent video. I enjoyed it very much.
Linda C says
So pretty…it takes me back to the times in WI when I had a four hour commute….don’t miss that, though!
We had 60 degrees yesterday and 40s all this next week, but I’m sure winter will get here sooner or later.
Pity you guys don’t have time to do a sledding demo for them outside the windows…then place a couple of dry saucers at the top of the hill and see what happens! Probably wouldn’t be safe for them, but they might like watching you guys try it!
Anthony says
It would be fun until someone sleds into the perimeter fence. :/
It’s great to see them enjoying the snow as a delicacy, though.
I hope you all get an enjoyable bit of winter back East, but stay safe!
Linda C says
Or into a climbing structure 🙁
Still, they might like seeing you guys try it! Have a “sled for the chimps!” Event-invite family members to sled within view of the windows, for the chimps to see!
I’m not missing the snow-its absence keeps me from getting angry with myself for not going anywhere. Just some 45mph guests for last weekend’s walk, and let’s me get around.
Well, hang on, only 6 more weeks, will be over before you know it. Cramponnez-vous!
Francoise says
I’m Canadian and I’m with HoneyB. Any day, Everyday. Blankets, please. Hot cider, please. Heated floor, hmmmm.
Elaine Reininger says
Wonderful video; loved first shot of Jamie (I’m quessing) examining what appears to be a brand new boot, and the video of Honey B coming outdoor and quickly retreating indoors.
Linda C says
I think it was a still of Honey B from the video of her near the end. 🙂
Anthony says
Linda is correct. That’s Honey B. Don’t be fooled by the boots 🙂
Tobin says
Hmmm…the weather seems to change somewhat suddenly on (and above) Young’s Hill, from snow to sun to snow again. Still, what a heartening video to watch, and to behold the look of excitement in Burrito’s face as he awaits his treat. After enduring a sad and frightening two weeks (the fires at the Zoo and in the Australian bush, and enduring under a warmongering and scientifically-illiterate tyrant), this video provides me with a small sliver of respite from my grief. Thank you, CSNW.