Snow one day. Warm(ish) weather the next. This has been the weather pattern this winter. When we drive up to the sanctuary on the mornings with a fresh layer of snow that accumulated over night, we usually walk in to the sounds of Burrito excitedly trying to get our attention. He usually wants the freshest of snow. On the days when the weather is warmer and the snow begins to melt (like today), there always seems to be more sense of urgency to get our attention to hurry us to bring him as much snow as he can hold.
Even when you think there is no possible way he could want any more snow, he let’s you know it is definitely not enough.
Later, when the group of seven went on Young’s Hill this morning, Missy and Jody began a game of chase.
When Jody was done playing, Annie tagged in and a pretty epic game of chase and foot grab.
On the other side of the Chimp House, Willy B was in a super playful mood. He wore out the staff and volunteers in long games of chase. I had to sneak these photos of Willy B during one of his breaks from his games.
Honey B, on the other hand, decided which enrichment she wanted to use.
In the end, she chose to bundle up in a sweater she was given this past Christmas.
Watching the chimps decide which enrichment they want to use is one of the best moments. As Honey B did today, she picked up several enrichment items, inspected them each carefully, and decided what she wanted.
But the best enrichment is a grooming session with your friend in your fort.
Wonderful pictures and stories today, who doesn’t love a game of foot grab.
Your first pic of Mr Willy B is so great. He looks so devilish/cute !!
Thanks for all your hard work for these wonderful Beings, You Rock.
WillyB has a 1950s flat top! My oldest brother had one for much of his adult years & I always liked it. WillyB is one debonnaire fella, I tell ya! <3 Of course, so are you, Burrito… so are you! xoxo
Beautiful Negra, posed like the Buddha and looking with anticipation for the first green shoots of grass to arrive for her gastronomic edification. (P.S., If you get the chance, let Honey B’s see the photograph of her dressed in her sweater; though I don’t suppose that she is into the goth look, the sweater work well with her basic black couture).
I love Willy B’s silver goatee. So handsome.
Oh, Neggie’s coat looks so beautiful in that top photo! How far she’s come!
Oh Negra, I believe you are wishing you had a sun puddle (as Katelyn affectionately calls them) to bask in. As far as Burrito is concerned, you’ll have to come up with a plan on how to make snow for the rapidly approaching warmer months. Clearly you’ll need a professional sized snow cone machine. And I have to comment on the first photo of Willy B — wow, is he handsome and his hair is perfection!
Don’t you just love them all? I feel so fortunate to be able to get to know them through your writings, photos, and videos. That you so much for that. It doesn’t matter if they seek solitude on the hill, play chase with a beloved caregiver, groom a favorite boot or a dear friend behind the walls of a secret fort, whatever they do these magnificent chimp people have so much to teach us about the best things in life.
That was such a heart warming blog. Chimps choosing what they want to do and
then enjoying life so much. Love it. Thank you.
Willy B. Hip, chill, devilshly handsome with a High Street coif. I’ve been beating my brains to figure out what might catch his fancy like Slinkys have.