Right now, I know that many folks are struggling to adjust to the new normal: a degree of social isolation, economic strife and general mistrust that rails against our innate drives to be together. No matter what we believe should be happening right now, I think it’s safe to say that most of us are frustrated, worried, and even exasperated. We want this to be over, but it won’t end.
Instead, we must look at our own lifestyles, identify the things that truly bring us fulfillment, and work to keep those fires lit even as boredom, anxiety, loneliness and grief do their best to snuff them out.
Amid this uncertain period of perpetual unease, one new development in particular is giving us all some inspiration: the methodical progress and unexpected bravery of Willy B.
I could sit here writing about this chapter of Willy B’s story for hours on end. Given the gradual adjustment of the three new chimpanzees to life at CSNW, punctuated by a couple heartbreaking setbacks, Willy’s recent exploits have given his tale the flavor of an odyssey. It’s now a epic saga of sorts, complete with a courageous, endearing and hairy little hero. Lately, he seems to be on a vague quest with a yet undetermined goal.
In recent weeks, I think that other staff have done an amazing job describing each step in his journey. If you’re looking to catch up, I suggest skimming the previous blog posts about Willy, the Courtyard, and the tall wooden structure that he is gradually conquering one ladder rung at a time. If you are really feeling ambitious, you could skip back to last June when we first announced that we would be welcoming three chimpanzees from the Wildlife Waystation, including a mysterious dominant male named Willy B.
Today, I’m focusing on one particular chapter describing one short event. It occurred over the span of an hour today in the Courtyard.
We’ve been setting food items in small caches throughout the Courtyard to entice Willy B and the others to explore. Gradually, Willy B’s bottomless appetite is leading him to venture into parts unknown. He recently made sporadic forays out onto the boardwalk until he determined that each section was safe. He then grew comfortable sitting at the end of the boardwalk and began to investigate the base of the multi-tiered wooden structure that it leads to. Last week, he climbed the tower, and he has been slowly acclimatizing to the new sensations of sitting on wood decking, perching high above the ground, and being able to see clear over the Chimp House. He’s made tremendous progress, but there are still areas of the Courtyard that he has yet to explore. For example, the structure has two thin spits of decking that jut out toward the rest of Young’s Hill. These pier-like extensions are connected by a web of twisted vines (“the ropes”) and a large hammock, all made from repurposed firehose.
Here is an old photo of caregiver Chad testing out the hammock after it was first made and hung inside the building. It was moved outdoors when we realized that the chimps didn’t seem interested unless we placed food on it.
Today, I placed a whole apple on the hammock. Willy B will do almost anything for an apple, but I wasn’t sure if he’d have the confidence to go after this one. He’s an athletic and intelligent individual with a bold personality, but he’s not as skilled at climbing as an adult chimpanzee should be.
Well, he tried. He tried hard.
First, he scouted the area.
Then, he tested whether the new sections of decking were safe to sit on. They were.
Suddenly, shockingly, Willy B dropped down below the decking and swung himself over towards the hammock.
He was so close. But then, with the visible apple just out of reach, he turned back. It seems that he wasn’t yet confident in his ability to make the final swing over to the hammock. From the safety of the decking, he surveyed the area from above a second time.
He dropped down again and swung back to the hammock, gripping the firehose vines with his chubby chimpanzee feet.
This wasn’t the right moment to try out the hammock, though. He backtracked all the way to the safest spot in the Courtyard at the base of the structure. There, he checked in on the neighbors, nibbled on a slice of tomato, and let out a muted display.
After expressing himself as only a chimpanzee can, he gave the ropes another try.
Again, he retreated and regrouped.
He mustered up the bravery and strength to make one more push. He got so close, but seemed hesitant to put any weight on the hammock and did not reach out to grab the apple.
Willy b even thought about lowering himself to the ground to find a new route over to the hammock, but he apparently decided the dirt and grass were too strange for today. He paused, suspended from the decking with his toes skimming the blades of grass, and then hoisted himself back up without ever planting his heels on the firm ground below.
Fortunately for Willy B, he gets several apples each day (along with many other nutritious foods). Importantly, he’ll get another shot at the elusive hammock apple for as many days as he needs. If he’s ambitious enough, he’ll conquer the ropes tomorrow just as he has so many other unusual obstacles in his path. We’re hopeful that he will eventually grow to enjoy climbing and exploring even without the promise of a shiny red apple to propel him forward, just as a chimpanzee should. Either way, I look forward to watching the saga continue.
We can’t wait to rejoice in his accomplishment! We’re just happy to see his climbing muscles get the work out that they should have gotten all his life. Today was an achievement even if our eyes can’t see it! Sometimes things happen slowly to our eyes because change is occurring on the inside. We’re elated for him! Go Willy B. Go!
Oh, I can’t help feeling dissapointed for him. He’s done so well though. I’m sure it won’t be too long before he conquers that hammock, and hopefully the grass too. The girls must be thinking he’s crazy! It would be so exciting to see them join him. Fingers crossed.
I so enjoy these updates; thank-you. Tell Willy B. that I can join with him on needing to take his time.
oh I am so thrilled for him! Go Willy B!! 🙂 He will get it soon, I just know it!
I do so enjoy these updates too. Willy B, you are an inspiration b/c you’re facing your fears. How many times have I hesitated and resisted b/c of the unknown? Thank you all!
And I hope Foxie’s feeling better. How’d her recent tests come out?
Really enjoy the sequential pix. Also the pin up of Chad. Terrific post. Thanks.
Fantastic post… what a brave guy Willy B. is.. and yes… we’re proud of Chad too 🙂 that was a nifty change up in the photo sequence… Keep it up Mr. Willy B…. you will get there… Did Chad get an apple? Thanks Anthony.. very wonderful post and photos.
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Our Hairy Little Hero. I love that title, Anthony. And I love these sequences photos that shows us exactly what happened. Here’s hoping Willy achieves still one more accomplishment today. He’s really amazing.
What progress! He will get there.
I love all the progress Willy is making! He will conquer the fire hose hammock and I bet it will become a favorite place to lounge about!!! Now if only Mave and Honey B would start to share in his courage!!! Maybe a big roll of colorful paper put out on the decking to lure honey B???? I’m sure they too will venture out in their own time. For now I’m elated for Willy B!!!
Oh Willy B you are so brave, and I am so proud of you. The time will come and your courage will grow, stay strong and positive.
Love to all the chimps and their caregivers,
Sincerely,
Caroline
The simple joy of eating an apple.. highten…how easy it is for us to buy a bag of apples will never be the same.
Willy B—you are such an inspiration! It is like you showing your chimp family and your human family and admirers that things are different and a bit scary, yet there are a lot of tasty apples and opportunities for joy out there! You are showing us all to try small steps and short swings—and the rewards will be there,
Thank you, Anthony for your wonderful, insightful photos and stories!
I love seeing the step-by-step progression! So happy and excited to see Willy B trying so hard to reach his goal ???. It’s sad that he’s fearful, but I love how far he (and all the chimps) have come. I love them all, and look forward to their adventures every day ????. I know he will conquer that hammock, and I can’t wait to see his feet touch the grass!
I hung on to your every word Anthony, thanks for the play-by-play and photos. Whew1 It is all so bittersweet isn’t it? “Bitter” in the sense that Willy B should never have been into a laboratory life. Instead he should have born into the wild where he would have learned how to climb from his mother and others in his community. “Sweet” in that Willy B is safe and loved in his new family at CSNW and it is his choice to bravely go where no Wildlife Waystation chimp has ever gone before — outside! He’s being so courageous every day it takes my breath away.
I surprisingly learned (from Chimp Haven) that chimps do not instinctively know how to climb, they need to be taught, they need to observe. So it touches me deeply that Willy B has to figure this all out by himself (“Bitter”). And he is figuring it all out for himself (“Sweet”!). Perhaps because of his courage to explore the unknown alone, when the time comes, it will be a wee bit easier for Mave and Honey B.
Such a lovely escape this was and always is……Thank you Anthony.
An animal story with happiness has made my day. Willy B. Has become my quarantine hero.?
Congratulations to Willy B. He gave it his all, must be totally exhausted but sure
kept trying his hardest. He will reach his goal eventually and we will all cheer for
him and be so happy. His efforts were amazing but his fears too much for him today.
I think it is interesting that he keeps going back to that structure and getting more
comfortable with it. He is determined and will be successful. Thank you for all of
the pictures of his adventure.
Makes my heart sore and brought tears to my eyes. I have never seen in my years at the Wildlife Waystation, seen any of the chimps be so adventurous after being basically couped up in metal cages with little or no room to swing, even although we did not have the space for all the chimps that came in from labs. What you guys are doing is a miracle foir those chimps
Thank you to all for taking such great care of the three of them. My only hope is that the others will find a place like yours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
During these recently past days, my reverential awe & respect for Willy B has turned my heart “inside-out” with so much emotion…I don’t imagine I’ll ever again eat an apple without being reminded of his bittersweet journey done with such endearing perseverance & growing confidence…
Anthony, you captured the mood & excitement of this day so perfectly…I had to keep reminding myself to “breathe”…
Fantastic valiant efforts Willy! I’m confident that you will continue to make great strides!?
What a terrific narrative Anthony! Thank you for taking us along on Willy B’s journey into courageousness. Makes me feel just like I’m there with you and him. Keep on keeping on Willy B. One step at a time. xoxoxo