We left last night to a forecast of maybe an inch of snow. Within hours there was a complete snowstorm! Because the snow was blowing sideways at home, I decided to check the camera to see what was happening here at the sanctuary which typically receives more snow and saw much the same, just taken up a level:
But we woke to stunning blue skies and a breathtaking winter landscape and after a particularly dicey drive to work we arrived to J.B. busy on the plow and the front gate of the chimp house:
But it was so beautiful today:
When we walked into the chimp house, Chad and I immediately looked at the cameras and sweet Burrito was front in center, listening for us, ready to put in his snow order. I cannot tell you how much snow the chimps ate today! They couldn’t get enough!
And even Honey B may be on her way to becoming a Pacific Northwest mountain chimp! Chad captured her EATING SNOW this morning!!
The hair <3:
And in fact, Chad came to the rescue in the midst of our super busy day and captured all of these photos of the beautiful chimps today. Here’s sweet Mave:
Jamie decided the table full of snow, wagon full of snow, and bucket full of snow were ALL hers. Every time someone stopped to enjoy themselves at the table, she pulled it away from them! But we account for the boss lady’s ways and there’s always enough for everyone:
Jamie was soooo excited. We’d put a forage of pumpkin seeds, raisins (a favorite of hers) and fresh longan fruit from a dear friend in the snow:
Queen Negra even enjoyed herself immensely today (Burrito, Jamie, and Annie background):
I just passed out a final round of snow that the chimps took to their night nests and they’re all are tucked in to cozy, warm beds. And I’m headed home before it’s dark and icy. Have a beautiful evening everyone!
Drive safely, everyone!
Jamie’s fingers seem to have grown a few inches in the bottom Jamie pic.
Sorry that it just doesn’t seem to end for you guys!
Thanks for sending such beautiful pictures. What a fun snow day the chimps had!
What a beautiful snapshot of their day!! Thank you so much ~ you guys ROCK!! Love and hugs to you all…
It’s funny how Burrito is so into the snow this year, how fortunate for him you had a new snowfall. Queen Negra and her very own bucket of snow, far away from Jamie, so smart (and safe!). Is Honey B’s bucket of snow also packed with hidden treats like raisins, seeds, and longan fruit? And speaking of longan fruit, I have never heard of it, so once more I learn something super cool from you.
Hi Kathleen,
It is funny! He’s really taken it to a new level this year haha. There were mornings during his recovery when he felt really rough and wouldn’t eat, but he’d ask for snow, which must have felt soothing. And staying on his own it was probably something extra exciting to focus on. But he asks for it even more now, so who knows!
People won’t typically take food from Negra (except Annie who is more of an opportunist and will scoop up anything Negra sets down). That said, Negra has zero problem taking food from a few folks and was on quite the crime spree today. Longan – really good, but the chimps go super crazy (as do I) for fresh lychee!
Oh, Honey B’s snow was not full of forage treats because while we are working with stationing Willy B during meals so that he allows the girls to eat in peace, we don’t want to introduce any food outside of those sessions. So we incorporate any treats into mealtime. 🙂
Thanks for your replies Katelyn. I forgot about Willy B and his “food issues”, ha ha ha. And thanks too for jogging my memory about Neggie as I tend to think of her under her blanket and I sometimes forget her Queenie stature when it comes to food and sharing. ?
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the happy day at the Sanctuary. Glad you are all safe and the Chimps are warm and cozy. Thank you for all you do.
It’s so amazing that nature provides such a high value treat… enjoying winter is a blessing. .. and yes, safe travels to all… Thanks for the great post Katelyn.. and Kathleen for terrific questions.. thanks again Katelyn for the answers to those … I love reading these posts.