Every one of these ten chimpanzees has been beside themselves with joy today. From the moment we arrived this morning there’s been a continual stream of laughter, chasing, wrestling, jumping, swinging and general shenanigans. Which equates to a continual stream of joy in the hearts of the humans. Though I suspect you may be able to relate, I sometimes feel I could never fully express the deep gratitude and contentment it gives me to see them so light, so happy. Just because.
Last night, after a glorious spring evening of sauntering around and around the hill with Jamie (ending in a final run in the dark accompanied by Missy!), Chad, Anthony and I didn’t get home until 10 o’clock! As tired as we were, I think we’d all say we can’t imagine a better way to spend our evenings. Especially in the midst of a global pandemic, so many of us isolated from much that brings us a sense of well-being. But I will say, the humans have been wishing for a bit of that superpower chimp energy today. 😉
Burrito has been the chimpanzee equivalent of a slinky, leaping and springing from top to bottom and end to end of the chimp house, leaving his caregivers winded. Foxie has been playing toss the Strawberry Shortcake, loping through the chimp house and doing pirouettes with the humans (this makes us beyond happy to see her back to her old self after a bout of feeling unwell), Negra was seen carrying a troll doll in her mouth while chasing Missy through the playroom, and Jamie even skipped part of breakfast to get a head start on walking around the hill with me. These are just the tip of the shenanigans.
Over on the other side, Honey B was seen zooming through Phase 1 with a blanket turned cape flying behind her and Mave hot on her heels, their laughter ringing throughout the chimp house to the outdoors. Honey B really is a super heroine in our eyes though. And it was this raucous, never-ending laughter that enticed Willy B back inside after his daily (!) foray into the courtyard. Mave considered it, briefly, but decided she was more interested in girl time inside with Honey B. There were moments when Willy B looked so comfortable sitting out there in the open air, taking in the sights and sounds, grooming himself, it was as if he was saying, “I’ve always loved being outside, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Chad was the designated Willy B observer today and captured these sweet photos:
The prize…a whole apple. Willy B still isn’t comfortable staying at the top of the structure just yet, which makes perfect sense, but his comfort level continues to grow day by day.
And a bonus Mave photo from yesterday’s special celebration:
It’s been warm and humid today, but the skies are darkening and the temperature dropping, so I suspect that our anticipated late evening with Jamie will be cut short with a storm on the way. The chimps have caught sight of their dinner of whole lettuce, sweet potatoes and mini peppers and you’d think they’d never had dinner in their lives for the ruckus.
May you find at least a respite in the midst of these challenging times and rest with the ease and full hearts that you help provide the chimpanzees.
Update: Jamie will not be thwarted by mere raindrops. We just walked five rounds in the rain and she’s beckoning again. And really, what a gift that is. And I’m pretty sure that Burrito is sending Chad on a wild goose chase for snow! Chad is dishing out ice cubes as I type. And Burrito is blowing raspberries telling him to, “Move it!!” Goodnight, all. 🙂
