It got down to freezing last night, but by the time the chimpanzees were ready for breakfast it was warm and dazzlingly sunny outside. My neighbor and her incredible grandmother of a lilac tree graciously allow me to bring blossoms galore for the chimps to enjoy each year, so today was their first taste of the brief lilac season with a breakfast forage on the hill.
Jamie:
Negra’s food squeaks could be heard across the land, though she was all about the chow:
Missy joined her, but she was all about the lilacs:
Then Jody joined in, but she was all about the fruit. So it worked out well for everyone:
Jody:
No one seems to outdo Missy’s love of lilacs, but each year it seems someone new is suddenly interested in them and much to my surprise, this year Foxie was really enjoying them. Her face!! Guh, my heart!:
After the seven returned to the chimp house later in the morning, it was time for the three to have access to their courtyard! And of course to wait with bated breath as to what Willy B (or Mave or Honey B) might decide to do today. We put the forage a little bit further out on the platform, with some high value items (a bunch of grapes and a whole apple) the furthest out to encourage Willy B’s continued courage at venturing into the great outdoors. And it worked! It took him a little bit to drum up his courage, but he went the furthest he’s been today!
We are careful not to overwhelm them with our presence and want to decrease their worry that something unexpected will happen, so right now we try to have 1-2 staff stay nearby, but in a bit of stealth mode. J.B. managed to get these photos and look at this guy! Willy B! Outside!:
Getting a little more comfortable:
We really cannot impress the level of courage this involves. Imagine leaving the comforting familiarity of the only thing you’ve known, enclosures with caging, and then stepping onto a strange platform, under open sky, surrounded by strange feeling wood chips. Every single sensation something new and strange and potentially very frightening and unpredicatable. Some chimpanzees, understandably so, are never comfortable enough to leave their enclosures. We’re just so proud of this guy our hearts are ready to burst!
And while we weren’t able to capture any photos, Mave decided to venture down to the doorway to the platform today! She saw Willy B enjoying all that forage and while she wasn’t ready to go out, she did reach out at one point on her own and touch the platform. She spent quite awhile at the doorway sitting with Willy B (and probably admiring his food) and we have high hopes she will be next to take a step outside. I know that may not seem like much, but for someone who’s first time touching the earth under open sky to have been a bit rocky (after touching the electric fencing), it’s taking an incredible amount of bravery for these guys to give it another go. Honey B is not yet showing any interest, but she has all the time she needs to choose what feels best for her.
Once the chimps came back inside later in the afternoon Willy B was the craziest, most playful guy. We always say we can’t know what they are thinking, but honestly, it really felt as though he was just elated with himself at the adventure he’d conquered. As well he should be.
And last, but not least, our bovine family continue to revel in their newfound summer pastures. Here’s Nutmeg with Honey licking Betsy in the background:
“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~Anais Nin
Willy B is simply amazing. How did he ever gather up all this courage?! I am thrilled to see him blossoming and venturing out each day now. Did the California Crew get some of those gorgeous lilacs too?! What a special delicacy. I always think of lilacs on Jody’s birthday. How wonderful Foxie really enjoyed them this year too. (Hope she is improving each day and is now back to her old silly self)
Can’t wait to discover what surprises are in store for tomorrow. Tell J.B. to keep up the excellent camera work, Mave may be next!
Amazing Willy! Did the 3 get lilacs? I wonder if an exciting new food that they or one of them loves would be tempting. But as you say, it’s all about time.
In my mind, there it is quite appropriate that sweet Negra is the champion lilac lover
What wonderful photos!Especially Foxie tasting a truly delicious lilac-the look on her face
is priceless. And Willy B, I can’t wait for the day when the grass under your feet is a
soothing thing, and you love the sun on your back and the wind in your hair. It will come.
What a wonderful story to wake up to! I check my Emails often in hopes there is one from CSNW. At 2:58 am EST I got this great one. Hoping the others will follow Willy B’s lead. Great job CSNW!
oh, lilac season! I, too, always think of Jody when you get lilacs, because of that amazing photo you guys got a year or two ago! One for the calendars!
I grew up on a lake, at its highest point, so we all had terraces and 40-50 steps down to the beach, on my neighborhood. In the small space between our house and the house next door, sort of an alley, there were plenty of lilac bushes. Other than cleaning out the leaves from under them in the fall, we did nothing to maintain them, and they must have been 5-6 feet tall. They were outside my bedroom window, and the smell would fill our room. When my brothers moved out later, and
I inherited their basement bedroom, I missed the smell, so I would pick them and put a bowlful in my room. They don’t hang around for very long, but I still love them.
Have you guys ever thought of planting one on the property?
And: Go, Willy B!
What a perfect story to wake up to this morning. I love lilacs!! And be still my heart Willy!! Not to mention your beautiful bovines!!
I was so very happy to hear about Willy B’s bravery going out outside today. I’m sure it was
very scary to him but also rewarding and hopefully some day being very natural for him to do.
My rescue Lucy, had been breed in a cage for years. When we got her she was somewhere
around 6-8 years old. It took her 2 years to step a paw on grass. Concrete was wher she
she would be comfortable to potty. So, I am happy for Willy B’s progress and know that
it will get better and better for him. Lucy was my beagle. She passed after we had here for 9 years and 5 months. She was a sweetheart for sure.
Please tell Willy B. that lilacs are my FAVORITE flower to smell not to eat. I have
2 lilac bushes in my yard.
I think Willie B’s courage grows out of the comfort and security fostered at CSNW! Just like kids and dogs who live in loving, supportive environments, the 3 chimps will draw upon the trust they have in you to tackle new challenges. And, as you say, just don’t make a big deal of it … and they’ll find their way onto Young’s Hill at their own pace!!!!!
I am grateful for these chimps and you caregivers. Great spring photos today. And Willy B is just the inspiration that we all need in these unpredictable times. I’m feeling good today thanks to you folks!
My eyes are stinging, & my cheeks hurt at smiling so much…from ear-to-ear…