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. 🙂
don’t work too late, y’all! You’re the last line of defense!
In the rain! Now I’ve heard it all!
I think you guys know already that most of us are envious of the job. During these rough times, maybe more than ever, because it must really lift you up, when you’re separated from everyone!
Sounds like the perfect day. One of those great days that just make you feel fulfilled and that all the hard work you put into making their lives the best they can be well worth all the effort! My motto has always been the quality of my work is the quality of their lives!!!
Just a quick note, although maybe you guys notice this– not sure if you have time to notice it. With everybody stuck at home and in quarantine, people are kind of exhausting things they haven’t seen on YouTube. and lots of older material is popping up in our feeds. So I’ve noticed some new comments on some of your older videos, and have got a couple of new people to sub. So because of quarantine, you might have more eyes than you normally do on sanctuary…in a good way!
You guys are the greatest !
Thank you for all your wonderful hard work.
So does Jamie want to go a few rounds in the rain with you tonight just to see you in your Wellies?! : )
Thanks for bringing the chimps day to life. I love the photos of Willy B. Too bad he doesn’t have a pal to hang out with on the top of his structure. Wouldn’t be as scary up there with a friend to groom. Maybe before summer is over all three will sit on top and laugh together about their past fears of the unknown outside. For now, it makes my day to see Willy B pushing his boundaries and opening his world. Sweet dreams to you hard workers!
Hi Kathleen,
Well, as suspected, it’s really alllll about the wellies! 😉 As you know, Jamie always has some very specific (ever-changing) criteria for walking and boot wearing. Right now it’s all about the Salmon Sister XTRATUF boots we staff all wear. They have these wonderful, sea-inspired patterns on the inside – mermaids, kelp, whales, octopus – and Jamie knows them all. She is currently very into the octopus pattern ones that Kelsi wears so we must wear our own boots while carrying Kelsi’s! Jamie is a never-ending amazement and wonder and we just love her so.
Good night all, just waiting for the rain on this side of the mountains. Ferndale, Washington.
I can’t express to you enough how my heart swells with pride and love reading the daily blogs, videos and pics of these magnificent chimpanzees. I am a pal of Honey B and I display her picture right next to my family pictures. Thank you so much for the good care you provide to all the animals.
Honey B’s photo displayed right along with your family photos…that just made me so happy, Nancy. Thank you for being her pal. <3
I just love a post about my favorite chimp people that repeatedly uses the word shenanigans. yay!
I wish we could “like” comments here! 😀
Haha, it’s a good word. 😉
Such dedication. With the work load doubled, maybe tripled now that there are no volunteers and interns, you still accommodate Jamie’s walks. Leaving at l0 pm after a full days work is too amazing for words, I doubt I’d be in the mood to do such a thing… but then again I remember how many things I did to make my beloved Ricky happy even when I didn’t feel like it.
It’s true, Elaine. Even after a long day, I think I speak for most of us when I say nothing makes are hearts happier than to see the chimpanzees happy. Even if that means racing around the hill in the dark of a rainy night. Knowing the chimps’ can make such choices, that they can ask for things they want and need and have them met. It’s all an incredible gift really, for them and us. 🙂
Loved this blog. So exciting to hear that the chimps are becoming more and more
independent on what they do. So happy to hear the Willy B. gets more brave as
time goes by. How scary now for him BUT time will take care and remove the fear
eventually. So glad I signed up for the blogs. Thank you.
Thank you for bringing us into your wonderful world today. Happiness is contagious…..
Jamie didn’t finish her breakfast?
She had serious business to attend to. 🙂
You have no idea how this made me smile. I’m so grateful for these daily blogs and the wonderful way you care for your Chimps!