I believe we are past the days when we knew what to expect with each season. Rumor was we had a rough winter ahead of us here and while snow and cold temperatures made an earlier than we’ve been used to appearance, here we are in mid-January with what feels like early spring days! Now there’s still plenty of time to get a couple good blasts of winter. But today…the bluest of skies, the brightest of suns, was nothing short of wondrous for us all.
The seven began their day with breakfast in a warmed up greenhouse and Jody was particularly enamored with her grapefruit:
After breakfast the seven were anxious to take in the morning sun on Young’s Hill. It was still pretty chilly so most just poked their heads out and quickly turned back toward the greenhouse after a minute. You could see Foxie’s breath, but that didn’t stop her from sitting on her own and taking in this stunner of a morning:
When it warmed up later in the afternoon, Foxie decided it was time for an adventure and we headed off around the hill with the river, a silver ribbon of sunlight below:
She was taking this adventure very seriously, as she does:
Once we reached the top of the hill, some of the other chimpanzees realized what she was doing and even Jamie raced to catch up:
When Jamie, Annie and Missy caught up to us, Foxie decided to keep her adventure solo and took a brief detour to climb up Jamie’s Tower:
It wasn’t long before she was on her way again:
Missy raced with me across the top of the hill (with Foxie in the background):
Then decided to zoom over to meet Foxie:
Annie stopped to take in the incredible view and slowly made her way to bring up the rear:
On the other side, Mave (L) and Willy B (R) were beside themselves to be enjoying the warm day from the top of their chute, sprawled out next to one another, faces pressed toward the sun, where they stayed until dinner:
Miss Honey B sitting in her cozy nest at the bottom of the chute:
We usually close off the chute during dinner this time of year, but Mave, Willy B and Honey B weren’t ready for that and quickly took some of their dinner and raced back outside. Who could blame them? I can tell you the chimpanzees, humans and cattle alike, wanted to soak in every glorious second of this beautiful and much needed day of light and ease. It was a wondrous day. We hope yours was as well.
I love those pictures of Jody and Honey B. Thank you for capturing brief images of their beauty.
This is a delightful column today. They are definitely like children at times.
I agree with Tobin. Their faces, the views, the sunshine……all beautiful. We haven’t seen the sun in ages where I live so I’m living vicariously through your words and photos.
Kathleen, We’ve not seen much of it here either, which seems more the new/current norm for our winters these past years, so we’re happy to share. 🙂
Katelyn – Don’t jinx the weather. Many times in eastern Washington state, I’ve said in mid-January “I think our winter is over” only for Mother Nature to disagree in February.
Alex, Haha, oh I never said winter was over! 😉
Lovely photos as always, Katelyn. It’s heartwarming to see their frolics in the good winter weather …..freedom to walk and run with friends in the fresh air, what could be better? I’m with Jody on grapefruit for breakfast…..she looks as if she’s enjoying every bit of it. Yum!
What a heartwarming blog. So great to hear about the wonderful weather with sunshine
and the choices the chimps are allowed to make in their home at CSNW. We have had
a few days like yours but our winter has been a bit cold for Nashville. I love the photos
taken, especially the one with the mountains. Keep them coming. Thank you, Barbara
Barbara, I’ve been stunned by the colder, and even snowy weather much of the south is seeing this year! Some with more snow than us (so far)! Those mountains turn pink with alpenglow on sunny winter mornings – they never get old. I always wonder what the chimpanzees are thinking when they take in their views. I forget how tiny they look out there. 🙂
They do look so tiny on Young’s Hill. I love that! Seeing them as little dark specs in this gorgeous, vast landscape seems to reaffirm that they are ‘wild’ and they are ‘home’.
And I am amazed how high off the ground Jamie’s platform top appears in these photos. WOW! While placing a forage on the hill for the chimps (while they are obviously locked inside their house), have you ever sat up on top to take in the view? It must be mind-blowingly incredible.
It *is* high! I have – I think most of us have had the chance to climb the structures at some point. I forgot about this old post and just came across it: https://chimpsnw.org/2016/07/a-chimps-eye-view/
Need to revisit that spot for you all. I don’t have the skills to brave Twister and the Escher has a strange disorienting sensation and I end up hugging every post like it’s the end of the world. So the Foxie in me sticks to solid, sturdy things that pass the tap and bite test haha! Those photos I think J.B. got of the day Foxie was on the roof of “Carlene’s Tower” rescuing Dora, and watching (usually) Missy and Annie play chase and “foot grap” along the railings of “Jamie’s Tower” make my head swoon and my heart stop, even if they are chimpanzees! 🙂 Sorry, I can’t seem to find those posts…but, knowing they have these views and what it must mean to them is the most incredible thing indeed.
Hi, Katelyn, not sure if it’s the right day, but June 25, 2017?
Not the one’s I have in mind, but that’s a good one, thanks. 🙂
Foxie’s amazing Adventures in Wonderland! Fantastic photos, as always….and love the blog. we almost feel as if we are there with you!
Foxie’s never alone! She’s got Strawberry Shortcake by her side! 😀
Jo’s eyes, usually so bright, always so expressive..
Linda,
True! 🙂 And yes, Jody’s eyes are stunning. Her children have them and it’s unmistakable who their mama is. <3