Annie had a big day today. When her walking partners scattered in different directions halfway through their trek around the hill, she found herself alone at the bottom of the Twister. Rather than turn around to head home, she decided to head to the top of the tallest structure on the highest point of Young’s Hill. Yes, she’s climbed it before, but getting back down seems to have induced a certain amount of panic in the past. This time, she was as cool as a cucumber.
OK, climbing down is still a bit daunting.
But she’s got it under control.
On the other side, Willy B was engaged in courageous act of a different kind – more modest in scale (and about 22 feet closer to the ground) but no less heroic. For some chimps, just going outside requires a level of bravery that most of us could only aspire to.
This got me thinking about when the Cle Elum Seven first set foot on Young’s Hill back in 2011, and how Annie couldn’t have done it without help from her best friend, Missy. It’s inspiring to see how brave and independent she’s become and I have no doubt that Willy B will one day be following in Annie’s footsteps.
Annie has come so far hasn’t she? I think about that when I see her alone with her thoughts sitting on the hill. And there’s Willy B, cool as a cucumber, relaxed enough in the big outdoors to lie down, relax and catch a snooze. No small feat! With the addition of the Californians new greenhouse and the promise of The Bray, I look forward to seeing Willy B’s world expanding just like I did Annie’s.
I can’t say it enough. Thank you for giving them this rich expanding life!
Annie’s bravery touches and inspires me. Bless her and all of these courageous, sweet souls.
Good job Annie! You are my inspiration this weekend to be brave!
Thank you, Annie, for your courageousness and inspiring me to be as courageous.
Good for you, adventure pants-attired Annie! I trust that, from the summit, you were able to spot what birds are arriving back in the area for Spring. With your ability to impersonate their calls, I trust that you engaged in some friendly conversations with the returning flocks.
Oh my sweet Annie, I’m so proud of you! I know how hard it is for you to face your fears, but you did it!
Willy B you too are a brave lad and I’m so glad you are enjoying the great outdoors; I hope you can coax Honey and Mave out this year!
I saw the Cle Elum Seven on KOMO News for their first walk outside on the hill. I was hooked and read the blogs daily. Thanks.
They remind us that anything is possible. To this day, when I have a “bad” day, the vid of the 7’s first steps on The Hill zaps me right into joy. xo
I too came to love chimpanzees from seeing a video of a door opening and several chimps walking outdoors, looking up at the sky, looking in awe and amazement at the new world,never having had their feet on grass. I don’t don’t remember if it was CSNW or Chimp Haven or another rescue sanctuary, but that video eventually brought me to the seven and now I don’t start a single day without opening up my computer to view your site. I love reading the comments and almost look to the regulars as if they were my personal friends. CSNW doesn’t just help Chimps, but us humans folks too in so many ways.
I too came to love Chimps from a video I just happened upon that showed a large door being slid open and several chimps walking out doors with the look of wonder and awe as they saw the sky up so high and felt the grass instead of cement below their feet for the first time. I don’t recall if it was CSNW or Chimp Haven or some other sanctuary but that video is how I got to find you and now I don’t start a single day without opening up my computer to see what’s up with my favorite chimps. I also love to read all the comments from the same people who contribute to your site and almost feel as if they were my personal friends. So CSNW not only enriches the lives of Chimps but also of us humans.
Hello Elaine, this is your SCNW-friend Marianne.:)
I can see that you are having the same problem with the commenting section as I had….When you push “submit”, Nothing happens, and you have to write your story again, but then do not remember exactly so the wording is a little different…( am I right?).
The trick is that your submitted comment does not ( always) show immediately, but has registrered, so if you log out, and then log in again you will see your comment on the blog.
Just like Annie, we just have to brave and patient….
Bless them both for finding the courage to do what seemed impossible not that long ago. I love seeing Annie playing with Burrito too…..with her fears and low ranking, which he totally ignores and treats her just like all the others. To do this alone must have been an enormous challenge for her. And Willy B too, in his own way, knowing that he’s safe and secure enough in his forever home to snooze out in the fresh air. They never stop amazing me.
She is a brave lady. With the support of their friends and you guys they have and will continue to experience new and wonderful things there.