Today’s weather was wild.
The morning began just as yesterday ended: with golden sunshine and unseasonably high temperatures. The cattle, despite their provisioned hay, were basking in the sun and nibbling on the fresh grass that is just starting to take over the pasture.
The only indicator of trouble was a distant wall of clouds sweeping down the valley from the northwest. By noon, however, the skies over the sanctuary grew misty and the breeze picked up. Now, as I sit here hammering out this blog post in the foyer of the Chimp House, snowflakes swirl past the windows and gusts of wind howl overhead. Like a boxer lifting themselves back to their feet after a brutal knockdown, this winter let us know that it isn’t ready to quit just yet.
Fortunately, we caregivers had checked the forecast and expected the sunny morning to give way to a blustery afternoon. As soon as we opened up the building, served the morning medications and confirmed that the outdoor areas were secure, we scattered the chimpanzees’ breakfast on Young’s Hill as an outdoor forage, taking advantage of the day’s most agreeable weather. The colorful spread included tangerines, pears, and some pineapple tops (the larger chunks of which went into their daily smoothie).
Since only one group of chimps can safely access the Hill at any given moment, Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy and Negra went out first. When everyone had gathered up the scattered food, Jamie did her usual patrol of the enclosure’s perimeter and Burrito went inside to goof around with the other chimps and us caregivers.
Meanwhile Honey B, Mave and Willy B enjoyed the same breakfast indoors and got the opportunity to use the Courtyard later, just before lunch. Per usual, only Willy B chose to venture out into the open space; the females chose to hang out in the chute and watch the caregivers do chores inside. Honey B was even kind enough to sit still while I took a portrait of her. In exchange, I showed her some chimp photos that I still had on my memory card, including the ones of her. If Honey B was impressed, she hid it well. Honey B
Apart from the volatile weather, today was busy but uneventful. Sometimes it seems like the chimps prefer their days to move that way, with a full itinerary but without anything too unexpected. The right balance of variety and routine is crucial.
Judy says
Great pics and blog…. the weather is over here in Spokane now… I hope the week brings opportunities for sun and outdoor enjoyment for all. Just LOVE these photos!
Thanks Anthony 🙂
Linda Gere says
Awesome post.
Pat says
This was a great post. In Tacoma we had a cloud burst, hail and non stopping wind for 10 hours; only the wind for 10 hours. A day to stay inside. Thank you for a nice selection of the tribe.
Fran Johnson says
High wind and hail in Federal Way this afternoon. It was so dark over The Sound. Glad the fam had a good day tho
Kathleen says
Oh that first photo of Missy with a glowing bamboo backdrop — it’s magical! And the last photos of Jamie on patrol are excellent too. And Betsy, Burrito, and Honey B all appear to be posing just for you! Of course Farmer Jo finds a pineapple top. Looks like another wonderful day on Young’s Hill.
Francoise says
Lovely post! A brisk Spring day. Great sunshine colours and the photo of mountains has landed on my desktop. And, well, Betsey. I’m in love…. sigh.
But as for Missy, well, she’s become Missy Buddha to me.
Barbara H says
What a great blog as usual. So nice for the chimps to pick their own food, spots to walk, spots to nap etc. Freedom is soooo wonderful and I’m sure their hearts are full with the wonderful care you all give
them and their freedom which they did not have for a long time I’m sure. Thank you, Thank you, Thank
you.