Willy B Chimpanzee is a heck of a guy with a unique way of doing things. Although he often chooses to remain reserved and observant, he’s been letting loose quite often during the past few weeks. This shift in behavior has led to many bouts of stomping playfully around the building, wrestling with his chimp friends, and busting out some mind-blowing slinky moves. In short, Willy has revealed the goofy side of his multifaceted personality.
Today, we celebrated Willy’s first birthday as a resident of CSNW with the support of two heartwarming Sponsor-a-Day donations (which you can read about here and here). To commemorate the special occasion, Willy and his companions were treated to a crazy lineup of enrichment activities that I started to refer to as “Willyfest“. Of course, we made sure that the lineup included all of Willy’s favorite things (including giant slinkies, plush toys, and avocados). As a firsthand witness, I can proudly say that this year’s party absolutely slapped, and I already have the date marked on my calendar for 2021.
I’m also preparing a video so that you can all see highlights from this year’s festival, but it might take a day or two to refine. To hold you over, I’ll reveal the day’s featured menu item: Chimp Taco Salad.
This dish was designed, crafted, plated and served by Chad, one of the sanctuary’s creative and dedicated caregivers. Each serving featured a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce topped with a dollop of fresh guacamole. The guac, which was mashed on-site, consisted of buttery California avocados, diced Roma tomatoes, chopped red onion, and a squirt of zesty citrus juice from fresh limes. All of these ingredients were plated on a paper serving tray which Chad delicately topped with Zupreme biscuit crumbles (also known as around here simply as “chow”). Each chimp was treated to several of these “boats” along with a side of russet potato wedges. For dessert, the chimpanzees all received a complementary Night Bag filled with dried fruit, white popcorn, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Willy, of course, was also rewarded with a whole apple for not stealing anyone else’s food.
You’ll be able to see how the chimps reacted once I finish the video and share it on our social media channels (i.e. the blog, Facebook and YouTube). Until then, thank you all for helping to make Willy’s birthday a special one!
Janet says
Happy Birthday Willy B.
CeeCee says
Happy Birthday Willy B !!
I’m sure the girls would be fine with his stealing on his special day…… 🙂
Linda C says
Haha, don’t let The Boss hear you say that! She *screams* for whole apples! 😀
Kathleen says
Happy 30th Birthday Willy B you lucky boy you! As you experienced today, CSNW has the best celebrations. Nothing more fun than a custom catered party all for you and your best friends. (Way to go Chad, clever going with the California comfort food boats to make a guy feel special.) Looking forward to video too!
Stevie Gillis says
Ahhh…..how ironic-the forbidden fruit. A whole apple! Happy birthday Willy B…..??
Deanna says
What a special day! Happy birthday Mr. Willy B you handsome devil!! I hope you have many more fabulous birthdays! Xo
Linda C says
“Buen provecho”!?
Pues, ¡bien hecho!
Happy birthday, Willy B Chimpanzee! Party like the rock star you are!
Besides Willie B, who gave the loudest squeaks for that avocado? (And by saying “squeaks” and not “grunts”, I’m sure you’ll know that I’ve got it narrowed down to two likely suspects)
Debi says
Well, dear Mr. Willy B…I hope you had a fun birthday made even more special by your celebratory meal & that “golden” apple dessert treat you scored…(Even I got excited about the guacamole though…) HaHa…
All I have to do is look at you, & I instantly feel such heartfelt genuine happiness & I start smiling from ear-to-ear…You’re truly a very handsome chimp person with such a VERY endearing nature…