The video above really speaks for itself. It was quite an exciting day for all of us!
As though Willy B’s bravery wasn’t enough to make our hearts soar today, guess who I just spotted at the TOP of the hill? I had to take a quick photo with the phone.
So Brave !!
He looks like he’s really having fun 🙂
WOW! NICELY DONE! Seems like no big deal, but it was huge! How nice it would be to see these three out in the sunshine together.
You da Man, Willie B! So proud of you! My grin can’t get any wider.
(Sorry, I can’t differentiate all the kids. Who was at the top of the hill?
It’s NEGRA the QUEEN. Wow!! She never ceases to amaze me.
oh, you guys had this video yesterday!? You sneaks!
Well, all I can say is YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
He even touched the grass, too! A tiny bit warmer, and Mave wil be out there with him!
No, this video is from today!
Leaps and bounds in one day! What will the next day bring? Maybe another leap? Maybe not? Important thing is we now know it is there waiting to be brought out by a warm summer day. And raisins. And grapes. And peanuts. And peppers. And dates. And maybe coconut. You think?
oh, Diana, I was so happy to see Willy B going out, that I didn’t see the bottom photo until today, Sunday! TWO yays in one day! Wonder what prompted that!
Holy moly, golly gee Willy B!
NEGRA the QUEEN!!
Aww what a wonderful video! This will be one I watch many times. So heartwarming to know they’re all in a place where they are free to choose and that one of those choices is to breathe fresh air and be kissed by the sun.
Oh great progress!!! He’s really gaining confidence!!! So wonderful!! Love and hugs to you all…
Loved the video! Willy B was so brave. Nice to see the beautiful Queen enjoying the sun.
Thank you for sharing that touching video. Go Willy B!
The creation of the hill was life changing for the 7 as it will be for the 3! Just look at Negra! It’s thrilling to see Willy B lead the way. Soon Mave and Honey B will join him in enjoying blue skies, open spaces, fresh air and the freedom to rediscover how life as chimpanzees should be as close to being in the wild as possible for captive chimps. This video is thrilling as is the photo of Negra!
What a wonderful sight, Willie B is after my ??. Maybe he can help the other 2 overcome their fear. Bless these beautiful Chimpanzees and all their caregivers
It was all I could do not to jump ahead in the video to see the final move to be totally outside!! The suspense was killing me! So beautiful Congrats to all and to Willy B!
That’s my boy! GoWilly B! Loved using his little chair as a retrieving tool. I was holding my breath all the way until his foot actually hit the grass and then I let out a huge gasp. Willy hesitated, but the creepy grass was no match for those grapes. Wow what an adventure. I can only imagine the dreams Willy B will have tonight. (I have to go get a tissue, happy tears) And Negra, look at you too. Queen of all she can see and all the sweet grass she can eat.
And now I have to ask, who pulled off one of the wooden planks?! : )
Good eye, Kathleen! Willy B pulled off that wooden plank the day before and we decided to leave it off. We may make some changes to the boardwalk, following his lead :).
Perhaps all you need now is Honey B with a few tools to perfect the boardwalk to the great outdoors. So funny Willy B pulled off a plank, that just made me laugh.
Willy B has left the building! A true rock star. That is just fantastic.
Good to see Negra stretching her limits, too.
Reminds me of something inspirational I recently read:
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
Long patience, offering freedom- a huge step for the three that have never had the opportunity that Young’s Hill represents. Oh that we all could be so brave! Thanks for sharing daily so we can appreciate the small changes that lead to this first big step. Congratulations Willy B – it’s worth all the risk boy!
So happy you captured this moment on video to share with us. Felt silly sitting here in my Livingroom shouting at the computer “come on, come on, you can do it”. What a great day to start still one more rainy day in isolation. Thank you, Diana
So brave and smart !
What a brave dude Willy B… you will pave the way for the ladies to follow. How exciting! Yep.. I was laughing, crying (happy crying), cheering coaxing.. my dogs tried to figure out what was up… very wonderful video. Thank you!
That was so awesome. Made my day. So happy to know there are good people protecting precious wildlife.
As stated I was one of 3 volunteers who had the priviledge of enriching the 40 chimps that were rescued. We tried lots of different foods which they all seemed to like. I would boil 80 eggs every weekend for Sat & Sun and they all loved them. The also loved juice paks, which were a huge hit, again only on Sat & Sun. We made wood puzzles for them and hung mirrors outside their enclosures. Most were very interested. We also painted their nails with water colors which was another hit. Most of them loved this enrichment. Not trying to interfere with the great care you are giving them, just a few items that were a hit. They also really loved water melon and any other types of melons. I hope this gives you some ideas on enrichment, I hope???? Thanksfor all the wonderful work you put in with this special 3. Regards May Finlayson