Each day at the sanctuary, staff put out special forages in the courtyard to encourage Willy B’s continued exploration of his outdoor space. We’ve seen his confidence grow significantly as the weeks have rolled by.
Here Willy B stretches away from his “safe space” (the boardwalk) to pick up an orange slice:
You will have to forgive me for the following unfocused photo, but you can see Willy B with all four limbs standing on the grass:
Like so many of us, Willy B is motivated by food to initiate his trip into the great outdoors.
But we are starting to see an exciting shift in him. After he makes his first move outside, he seems to be spending more time doing other non-food related activities. Like just hanging out and taking in the view:
And even grooming himself:
Over time we plan to put out less food for Willy B in hopes that he wants to continue his outdoor adventures, just because he can.
When I think about Willy B’s fear of the grass, it calls to mind how much I hate walking on short dry grass, all those little pricklies on he soles of my feet. How new it must all be.
So very lovely Mr B2. We all need to be brave at times in our life. Willy B’s showing us how we can do it no matter our age or history. Bravo.
J’aime bien ca, Francoise…”MrB2″! 🙂
Will B, there is a lot more to see out there in the world! Get out there and take the girls with you.
slowly but surely, the Big Man is getting acclimated! If he can groom that means he feels safe enough to not have to look around him every 2nd. Love it!
Hi Anna…I can just imagine the joy & pride you all must feel watching Willy B developing more & more confidence, & coming into his own while learning what it’s really about finally being a “free” & confident secure chimp who can pretty much come & go & fill his days as he pleases….It’s such a HEARTWARMING thing to be a witness to…Soon enough, the girls will be outside with him exploring every inch of Young’s Hill…HappyHAPPY Days to be sure…
I so love Willie B!! He will love his new chapter in life smelling and enjoying the great outdoors, so proud of him…
This is what it’s all about Willy B. Drink it in, it’s all yours to enjoy. (that second to last photo where he’s still holding on with one hand, he’s so lovable.) Can’t wait until we see Willy B working his slinky moves on one of the platforms!
Doesn’t this remind us all of the things we have feared doing for the first time?
I wonder if Willy B tells the others about his adventures outside in Chimp sign language.
I wonder if the others appreciate how brave he is?
We’re so proud of you Willy B!!
I try to think like Willy B. If I had been locked up my entire existence in a horribly cruel place where they did horrible things to me, and then as if God answered his prayers by someone rescuing him/me and took me to where he is-I’m sure I’d also be reticent to step out of what little comfort zone I had. That he’s made these advances speaks to his fortitude and bravery. I’m sure I’d still be grabbing stuff from “home base”! Maybe he’s afraid the bad people who snatched him up in the first place are out there waiting…..anyway, my heart is happy to see him overcome his fears and to realize he’s hit the lottery as far as a new home. Continued improvement to Willy B from Florida!
Such uplifting news and photos. Can’t wait until one of the girls joins him.
This saga of Willy B. is so fascinating. Anyone who has dealt with anxiety can feel for this chimp. Every step is scary and every step is a grand accomplishment.?
WHAT a Guy…No wonder this big, beautiful boy is so darn lovable…He’s one of those “guys” everyone will always champion & root for…Bless you dear, Mr. Willy B…& those girlies whom enjoy your presence so much, as well as all the rest of your wonderful neighbors, including the 4 gorgeous Bovine-“Beings”…