Chad and I have been taking turns sitting out by the chute this afternoon, so that’s where I’m currently stationed while I hammer out this blog post using my iPhone’s Notes app.
As many of you already know; three chimpanzees currently reside in the new wing of the Chimp House: Honey B, Mave and Willy B. Since arriving here in 2019, Honey B, Mave and Willy B have spent most of their time lounging in their cozy indoor areas, investigating new enrichment items, and looking out at the surrounding pastures and forests from the safety of the enclosed outdoor chute. As their caregivers, one of our responsibilities has been to give them the opportunity to go outdoors. For retired chimpanzees who were once used in laboratory research, going outside is a “gateway behavior” of sorts, bringing them closer to a multitude of novel and unique experiences.
Last fall, we started to give these three newcomers daily opportunities to venture outdoors into Young’s Hill, a two-acre outdoor habitat enclosed by two electrified fences. Early in this process, the chimps had some negative experiences with the “hot wires” that connect the fence posts, and for the next few months it seemed like the allure of the unknown was not worth the risk of another painful shock. As you may have gathered from following us this far, chimpanzees have a way of subverting our expectations and making us change course.
As J.B. reminded us all on Friday, chimps are not adapted for captive environments and we are constantly challenged to balance safety, health, and comfort for all parties involved. In the case of the new three and the prospect of going outside, we had to tinker with the environment in a way that led the chimps to act differently without compromising human or chimpanzee safety. The electrified barriers of Young’s Hill enable the chimpanzees to have an expansive and enriching outdoor environment, but they also can be a psychological deterrent.
Last winter, we extended a wooden boardwalk from the end of the chute to the large wooden tower that sits about thirty-five feet away. Chimpanzees, being semi-arboreal, like to stabilize themselves when they move and they often prefer to be above the ground. The boardwalk was designed so that the chimps could walk out into the Courtyard without having to touch the unfamiliar grass and without being tempted to grab the electrified wires for support. Then, we sectioned off that modest alcove of Young’s Hill to create a separate, secure area that we lovingly named The Courtyard. This way, the three would have a manageable amount of space to explore without the uncertainty of the larger enclosure (the far boundary of which is barely visible from the threshold of the chute). The modifications to the fence would also make it easier for us to monitor them if they decided to go on an adventure. Each day, we placed some treats on the boardwalk and waited patiently for them to consider their options.
One afternoon, just after the cold weather had broken and the valley greened up for spring, Willy decided that the moment was right. It began with a few cautious steps down the wooden path to collect food. Over a short period of time, like a chimpanzee Samwise Gamgee, his courageous adventures brought him farther from his familiar home. He learned to climb on firehose ropes, walk on grass, and even take naps outside. As J.B. stated in one blog post:
There could very well be setbacks to come, but Willy B’s efforts this past week have been deeply inspiring. To be honest, I have had trouble doing anything other than sitting quietly by the fence to watch it all unfold. There are so many other things to do and so much going on in the world deserving of attention. But Willy B is the story I need right now.
I wish I could go back a few months to let everyone know that, although Honey B and Mave have not yet decided to join him, Willy B has become quite comfortable in the Courtyard. As long as the weather isn’t too cold or wet, he excitedly waits by the hydraulic doors until we open them up. With all of the recent construction going on nearby, we’ve had to skip some of his group’s Courtyard turns. This hasn’t deterred Willy from making the most of his opportunities, though.
Today, we opened up the Courtyard after lunch, which is a bit later than usual. With a full belly and little incentive to rush back indoors, Willy has elected to spend two-and-a-half hours lounging on the structure all by his peaceful self, munching on lettuce and surveying the golden-flecked valley below. He shows no signs of coming back inside. I’m not complaining at all, but our daily workflow would definitely be improved if he had a change of heart. (After all, the barn needs to be mucked and I need to upload this blog!) We’re really excited for the day when we have two outdoor habitats, and Willy can sit unbothered from dawn ’til dusk.
Chad and I just offered him some sugar-free chewing gum, grapes, and strawberries in exchange for his return to the building. He chose to stay outside each time. Still, we’re respecting his choice to stay where he likes to be. As I finish typing this, he’s currently sprawled out in the autumn sun, holding his feet in the “happy baby” pose, letting the gentle breeze tickle his disheveled hair. I wouldn’t be surprised if he, like Jamie, learns that he can choose to stay outside as long as he wants. That would be fine with us.
Update: Willy finally chose to return inside after almost three unbroken hours in the Courtyard. It was almost certainly the longest duration of time he’s ever spent the outdoors. Now it’s time for one last walk with Jamie, dinner and evening puzzles, and a good night’s sleep in a heap of fleece blankets.
jocelyn bezner says
It truly is wonderful to see a chimpanzee overcome considerable fear and venture outdoors after so many years without choices. The picture of him shows pure pleasure! All of your collective hard work has provided him with such an important opportunity. Thanks for all you do.
Anthony says
Thanks, Dr. B! I’ll tell Willy that you commented on his post. 🙂
Chris says
Do I understand this correctly? Someone always monitors outdoor time? Both groups?
Anthony says
Hey Chris! I should have clarified this in the post. We monitor the “new three” chimpanzees since Honey B and Mave have not yet shown us that they fully understand and respect the electrified barriers. In the moments they think about venturing out, they have a tendency to investigate the fence and therefore we are more cautious with them. By association, Willy also has a chaperone whenever he goes out.
Over the years, we’ve concluded that the original seven chimps have learned how the fence works and are content to leave it alone, so we no longer monitor their outdoor activity. We do have a system of alarms connected to the wires and someone is always nearby to respond and troubleshoot if necessary.
Tobin says
Given the autumn beauty in the mountains of his home, I think that Mr. Willoughby has the right idea: staying outside as long as wants and needs. I hope that curiosity will get the better of the chimps Mave and Honey B and that they will join him for a forage of lettuce and pumpkin.
Anthony says
I agree, Tobin! We all think they will go outside one day, when the conditions are right. If there is one trait that Honey B does not lack, it’s curiosity. As for Mave, she might need more of a social incentive to leave to the chute. Group mates who go outside, maybe?
Kathleen says
Look how blissed out Willy is chomping on his lettuce! Well done Willy B, three whole hours outside. Amazing how far he has come. All of your careful changes paid off. Maybe next spring the girls will join him. For now I am just so excited to hear this news. (even if I am sorry that it created a disruption in your day with all you and Chad have to accomplish. Not to mention holding up a walk with the Boss.)
When you said “…a good night’s sleep in a heap of fleece blankets” I hope you were referring to you and Chad. You’ve earned it and I think you’ll have your hands full until the snow comes!
Anthony says
Thanks, Kathleen. Watching Willy eat produce is everything.
P.S. I prefer to sleep in a firehose hammock. 🙂
Sherri says
Bless you for all you do
Anthony says
Thanks, Sherri!
Elaine Reininger says
So much work for a reduced staff. How in heavens are you going to manage when you bring more chimps to the sanctuary. After reading your blog about picking up poop, it sounds like you have more than you can handle already. I don’t envy you. Walking Jamie for as long as she wants to walk at close-up time and now you have another Chimp who wants to remain outdoors for 3 hrs.
Anthony says
Hi Elaine! You’re right that we have a lot on our plate, but we’re all excited about the growth! Surely, more chimps will merit a larger crew, and we’re preparing for that in due time (slowly but surely).
This year, we’ve had to cancel our chimp care interns and most of our volunteers, but the staff has adjusted well and the chimps still get everything that they need and more. On the day I wrote this blog, for example, the team still finished all the daily chores on time. We’re undoubtedly all quite busy, but still we make sure the schedule has some “wiggle room” for walks with Jamie, chase with Burrito, grooming with Honey B, and all other sorts of social enrichment.
Vicki Sinclair says
Go Willy B. He is such a beautiful guy. I only wish the others the courage to follow in his footsteps. God bless all of you for taking care of them. You are very special people and appreciated.
Anthony says
Thank you for the support, Vicki!
CarolR says
Do chimpanzees need and make Vitamin D the same as humans? If the girls are not going out to get some sun, do you give them supplements. I know they get all the other vitamins and minerals from their varied diet, but of course, D is different.
It’s such an enormous step, mentally as well as physically, but now he has at last the opportunity, freedom and most of all the ability to choose…..well done, brave boy Willy B and thank you guys for watching over him.
Anthony says
That’s a great question, Carol. We sometimes give supplements if we feel the conditions require it (e.g., extra Vitamin D in the winter when the days are really short). As you said, though, their diet gives them most of the essentials. In particular, the chow biscuits that we give them are fortified with extra vitamins and they could, hypothetically, subsist on that alone. Still, the bulk of their diet consists of unprocessed fruits and veggies which are way more interesting and fun.
Arlene and Michael says
That is a touching and beautiful picture of Willy B with his lettuce, taking in the nature all around him. He seems so content. Thank you for giving him this moment. This three hour moment!! Thanks for all that you all do.
Anthony says
Thank YOU both for your kind support!
Kathy Shuck says
I really wish you would answer my question, I’ve asked quite a few times. Have you’all ever opened the “Howdy Door” so that both groups can see each other & perhaps get used to each other and bond a little more than what they have now. Please answer. Thank you.
J.B. says
Hi Kathy – Kelsi responded to your question from a previous post on Thursday but I’ll paste her response here:
Hi Kathy! We probably will not. It seems to cause more drama than needed. They can see each other through the windows and out on the Hill. Everyone seems okay with that! The Howdy door is a lot closer in proximity and may give them the idea that we are doing introductions again. We don’t want them to feel stressed out.
Marya says
Oh, Willy B! Such a handsome (and big) guy you are! I’m so glad he has the freedom to sit and ponder life, his surroundings and his lettuce, of course. Evidently he needed some quiet time away from Mave and Honey B, or maybe just needed to know that he has this level of freedom and control. And I’m so grateful that he does. Thanks to all the staff for all you do every day!
Anthony says
Thanks, Marya!
Either Willy enjoys a little bit of quiet time, or he uses the view from the Courtyard to “spy” on the neighboring group… 🙂
Erna Toback, PhD says
Your blog just made my day!! Not only was it sensitively and beautifully written, it brought back warm memories of the “Willie B” that I knew as a youngster at the Wildlife Waystation. Lastly, I commend you on your patience, sensitivity, deep commitment and desire to accommodate the unique traits, personalities, and needs that each CSNW resident requires to “live the good life” they deserve.
Anthony says
I’m glad you liked it, Erna! We love Willy B and we’re happy to have him and his companions at the sanctuary.
Stevie Gillis says
…anticipation is making her wait…???
#HoneyBGoode
Anthony says
haha, Stevie! We’re pretty sure she will be out there sooner or later. 🙂