Today was another big milestone for our guy, Willy B! And it took so much courage! If you’ve been following along with Willy B’s amazingly brave progress in venturing outdoors for the first time (there are several posts in the past days and weeks), you’ll know we’ve been using food as a motivator to help him feel more comfortable outside and to challenge him to go just that little bit further each day. One of Willy B’s favorite things, a whole apple, was placed in the grass of the courtyard and while this wasn’t entirely new, it was placed quite a bit outside his comfort zone requiring him to not only let go of the safety of the boardwalk and climbing structure, not only to place both feet and both hands on the ground, but also to take many steps away from the comfort and safety the structure provides.
After foraging for a few veggies here and there, it didn’t take Willy B long to spot the apple:
He was beside himself wanting that apple, but just wasn’t ready to venture that far. It was asking a lot. A little more than we intended. He was so vexed he worked himself up into a small display about it. Then he proceeded to blow raspberries and clap his hands at me which was Willy B speak for, “Get me that apple!!” I sat out there with him for well over an hour watching his wheels turn, his heart grow braver, trying to balance remaining nonchalant with him, but throwing in the occasional pep talk. He’d place one foot on the grass, consider the distance, then return to the safety of the boardwalk. He went back and forth and back and forth, all the while looking at the apple, then to the firehose, the structure, and all the enrichment trying to figure out a way to get that apple and still feel safe. Knowing everything it’s taking for him to overcome his very understandable fears, it was equally exciting and heart-wrenching to watch his every amazingly courageous step.
And then…after numerous attempts, he did it. He DID IT!! I wanted to squeal out loud and cry at the same time
After enjoying his well-deserved reward, Willy B surprised me by not heading back indoors, but climbing to the top of the structure where he proceeded to LIE DOWN! Considering that a low-flying plane had gone over earlier prompting him to climb down, it was incredible to watch up go back up and have a relaxing moment. Who is this guy?! King of the Courtyard, that’s who.
And here’s a very blurry bonus photo of Mave popping her head out of the chute! She continues to touch the boardwalk and spent more time reaching out of the chute than we’ve yet seen, even picking some grass to snack on. But she continues to wait for the right time for herself. And that’s what sanctuary is all about, after all.
Deanna says
I’m so proud of Willy B!!! Thanks to all of his caregivers who make this all possible and allow our lives to take these important steps in their own time. Next up MAVE!!! Then Honey will it want to miss out so I’m sure in her own time she too will venture out…
Cheryl says
Way to go Willy B! You are so smart and brave in your new world. SO Thankful you were able to get to CSNW last year. Thank you for this uplifting post.
Sherry says
Way to go Willy B! You got this!
Jo Arroyo says
Holy moly Willy B what a brave heart you are! I’m in awe.
CeeCee says
Yay for Willy B !
He’s a true leader. So Brave.
Judy says
I’ll admit it.. I cried for him… a few very happy tears… What sanctuary offers… security, exploration, challenges, triumphs and so much more… Way to go Willy B!
Caroline says
Hooray Willy B you did it, you brave boy! I hope you continue to discover and explore the great outdoors, love to you all at Cle Elum!
Linda C says
Katelyn, you got the best blog day of the week, and Willy B got the best apple-ever!
Thinking back to when the 7 first went out, we have to remember that they had months in the greenhouse to get used to the sights, smells, sounds of outdoors. Willy’s done this in a few weeks (we’re not going to count winter, because…snow).
And when those raceway doors opened, and the 7 all scrambled out, they had each other for reassurance. Willy’s doing this solo. The Big Man is sporting some truly big adventure pants this week!
Kathleen says
I agree Linda, Willy B is doing this solo with no one to turn to for that much needed reassurance, and yet he persists. He’s really something else isn’t he — so much more than just another handsome face . ; )
Jo Lathrop says
Fabulous and fantastic!!! So sweet to watch their bravery grow!! You all make that possible and thank you!! Love and hugs to all…
Betsy says
I’m so happy for Willy B, and for everyone who made this possible. Looking a few years into the future, I hope here will be many more “Willy B” moments, as new chimps make their way into sanctuary. I really feel the pressure of time, as so many chimps are waiting for moments just like this. But I guess we just take it day by day, grateful for these tiny moments of grace.
Kathleen says
This is BIG! King of the Courtyard is right!! My stomach churns feeling his anxiety, and yet he keeps overcoming his fears. I am so proud of this brave chap.
I have a vision of you Katelyn dressed in camo, lying flat on the ground as you inconspicuously try to film and photograph Willy B. It must be torture to watch but what a rush to be witness to his successes.What a day!
Linda C says
lil, I pictured her sitting in a lawn chair! 🙂
Lynn Gold says
From now on…i will be calling Willy B- my Braveheart!Willy B-you inspire me!!!
Kathleen says
Love it! Perhaps that’s exactly what the “B” in Willy B stands for! Willy Braveheart. It’s perfect.
John Joseph O'Brien says
Well done and CONGRATULATIONS Willy B.
Kim says
Way to go Willy B. So brave!
Barbara H. says
Thank you so much for the blog, pictures, video and your patience to allow Willy B.
to actually venture out and be brave enough to conquer part of the world. Just
having pets of my own, gives me the knowledge of how long some things can take
for them to trust and be comfortable. So for Chimps it can take even longer since
they live much longer than my dogs and thus have more of a past to conquer. You
and Willy B. made my day. Happy Memorial Day.
Jordan Bower says
Dare I say, his courage is rivalled only by his gorgeous face! He is so handsome. And Brave. Bravo Willy B!!!!!