In my native Rhode Island and the surrounding New England states, the locals have a unique name for winter storms that blow down from the north Atlantic: nor’easters. These tempests bring sideways rain, chilling temperatures, and powerful gusts of wind.
The eastern slopes of the Cascades don’t have the same maritime climate as the northeast seaboard, and we lack a consistently strong breeze. However, early spring in eastern Washington is known for the blustery winds that signal the transition to warmer days. Such is the weather in our valley right now; Mother Nature seems to be torn between winter and summer, snow and sunshine, and the alternating fronts seem to churn past the sanctuary by the hour.
This morning, Easter Sunday, was one of the windiest days we’ve had all year. I’ve decided to call it Nor’Easter.
The howling winds provided us with a soundtrack as we did the morning chores, set up a big celebration for the chimpanzees, and watched them venture outside to gather up all their treats. Due to the turbulent weather, the chimps brought their harvested carrots, beets, lettuce and eggs back to the sheltered Greenhouse where they happily feasted away the afternoon.
We decided to make a video of the day’s festivities for all of you to enjoy. I know that some of you love to hear food grunts and breathy panting, so I tried to edit out the harsh background noise while leaving the best chimp vocalizations intact. Despite the gusty weather, it ended up being a beautiful day for everyone.
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Also, in case you missed our earlier post, today’s holiday had TWO sponsors (and they have quite the connection to each other).
First, our friend Lisa Stuverud sponsored this special day in memory of her sister-in-law, Linda Vazarre. Additionally, Lisa’s husband Richard Stuverud also sponsored this day in honor of her birthday:
“I’d like to sponsor today in honor of my wife Lisa’s 63rd Birthday (she will not be upset with me for sharing that). I know she believes that the Chimps and everyone associated with CSNW has contributed immensely to her making it this far. The chimps continue to bring her joy and lighten up the sometimes difficult days especially of this last year in ways only you and they can do. Much love and Thanks!!”
We really can’t thank them enough for all they’ve given to the sanctuary over the years, and we owe them our deepest gratitude for sharing their love with the chimpanzees. They’ll be glad to know that the chimps had a great feast!
Happy Birthday, Lisa!! We hope you had a beautiful day!
mo says
Thank you for the vocalizations! So exciting, and I love them any time.
Linda C says
Wonderful video, Anthony! Nice and long, and lots of grunts and squeaks, as we like it! Thanks for doing it and posting it!
Glad to see Neggie did some climbing, even if it was only a little bit. And she’s got her Easter grass! Poor Bubba favoring that one leg….but then you see him hanging on the caging and playing! It looks like it was plenty exciting for all! Plus…eggs!
It was warm enough today here in Rhody to get out for a walk without a jacket. Little breeze off the water, temps in the 50s. Someone was doing some sort of fasion shoot with a fancy sports car and hot models out at Brenton Point. The osprey is back in her nest, and seems to have found a partner in the last 2 days. Spring is finally here
Arlene and Michael says
It’s so beautiful there. Lovely party. I am very thankful the Chimps have such a wonderful place to live with people who care for them so much. Thank you for all you do for them. Happy Easter to all.
Anamaria says
A beautiful day to go out and play or forage, I should say…thank you for sharing. Happy Easter! 🙂
CeeCee says
What a beautiful video.
Thank you for sharing all the fun.
Happy Easter Everyone! 🙂
Kathleen says
Oh that was fun! I enjoyed your video, loved how you zoomed in up close and personal making it feel as if I was actually right there in the middle with The Seven. If I didn’t read your copy I would have thought it was a beautiful sunny, warm, calm spring day. I let out a happy squeal seeing Negra in all her spring grass glory! And same goes for Burrito walking around upright looking as if he didn’t know what direction to go in to kick off his forage. Hats off to the choreographer!
And I have to add, anytime I see BFF’s Chad and Burrito I smile from the inside out.
Happy Easter to all of you!
Betsy says
Thanks for the great video, it’s one for the memory book/movie. I’m glad everyone had such an enjoyable day.
Mark says
Looks like they all had a grand time!
Pat Froelich says
Anthony, you did a wonderful photo shoot for Easter. We so enjoyed the Chimp’s family holiday. We have been in Ellensburg during one of your wind storms and I could not get out of the RV without my husband grounding me. Thank You!
Bea Robinson says
Lovely spring day! I have a quick question, how do they like their eggs?