This is how I found Jody first thing this morning. The birthday girl herself, luxuriating in the morning sun shining into the greenhouse, leisurely munching on some leftover lilacs from yesterday’s big celebration for her 46th birthday and Mother’s Day:
In the midst of snapping these photos the most hilarious thing happened. Burrito went stomping past Jody in an attempt to get me to chase him and just as he passed by, she swung her leg out and gently play kicked him right in the tookus! So funny! He marched on, unphased, but then made his way back to grab her leg and try to get her to wrestle. But I think Jody wasn’t quite ready to leave her sun puddle and refused to budge from her nest.
When I opened up the raceway to give the chimps access to Young’s Hill after breakfast, Negra led the charge and promptly found a good spot in the sun to munch on her beloved spring grass:
Jamie, Missy, Annie, Burrito, Foxie and Jody all headed up Young’s Hill together to do a perimeter check:
Foxie and France Dora:
Jody found a bonus piece of chard missed from the forage yesterday. I think for her, the party just continued today. And why not? I can say with certainty that we celebrate Jody and each of the chimpanzees every day. Chard or not. 😉
I found a few bonus photos from yesterday’s lilac forage. Here’s sweet Annie:
Negra in the background. If only lilacs grew on firehoses:
Jody and friends:
Mave, Willy B and Honey B have spent nearly the entire day dosing in the sun from their outdoor chute, seemingly unphased by the return of the construction workers. Willy B didn’t even respond to calls for breakfast and had to be enticed with a visual of what was on offer. And he was just oh…so…sleepy…
A beautiful evening to you all from all of us here in the chimp house. May you each find something to cherish and celebrate, be it a piece of chard or a beautiful bouquet, or well, anything at all that just happens to make your heart sing.
And Foxie says, “HOOT!!”
HOOOT! Right back atcha, my Foxie friend!
Wow, there were a lot of lilacs! They look amazing woven into the hoses! Have a good night, Katelyn, and all people at CSNW, chimpy or otherwise.
Lilacs are such a glorious flower. The color! the perfume! the dainty sprays! I adore them. I love seeing the chimps take their time as the munch on the lilacs, I always wonder what do they taste like? Clearly the chimps won’t eat ANYTHING so there must be something tasty for all or some of them. So curious.
Anyone tried lilac? Are they safe for humans? Can’t say I’ve heard of lilac blossom salad but perhaps it is on a menu somewhere.
The lilac firehose photo is wonderful!
Hi Francoise,
Lilacs are safe for humans as well and the ones I’ve tasted had the flavor of greens as opposed to floral. The blossoms make a really lovely syrup and I don’t know if it’s the heat/infusion when using them in recipes, but it’s then that a nice floral taste comes out.
But make sure the lilacs are poison-free…the flowerindustry still uses a lot of chemical to grow flowers and bulbs….so only homegrown ones.
Good reminder for folks, Marianne! It is very difficult to find organic flowers, but all our flowers are from trusted sources. 🙂
I’m all in to celebrate Jody and all the chimps every day of the year! Those lilacs are simply magnificent. I’ve never seen so many in one place! Thanks for including these photos from yesterdays celebration. Also fun seeing all 6 out patrolling together today.
I am sending a Good Night HOOT to Foxie. (I love the rosy color of the inside of a chimps lips when they hoot.) And I did find something to cherish and celebrate — 10 chimpanzees (and the promise of 6 more to come), 4 bovines, the beauty and magic of Young’s Hill, and all of you who care for the sanctuary residents. Sweet lilac dreams to all!
Right in the tookus! Don’t come between Jody and her sunpuddle. Thanks for all the gorgeous photos of those gorgeous animals, it is so obvious how happy they all are, and that is thanks to the entire team of caregivers; love to you all!
Stay safe everyone!
Love,
C
In the photograph posted above, was Foxie about to commence a display with her hoot? Whether or not it proceeded to that level, she sure is photogenic in that picture. The same can be said for the other subjects seen in today’s posting: their beauty (exterior as well as interior) never fails to captivate.
Hi Tobin,
Foxie was responding both to her cohorts who had been displaying toward the neighbors (Mave, Willy B and Honey B), and their transitioning over to pure excitement for dinner service. 🙂
So glad that Jody and the others are still celebrating from the lovely day yesterday. Beautiful pictures. Thank you Katelyn.
Awesome light and detail on Foxie’s Hoot photo. Love to watch the changing seasons on the hills. Perhaps soon the three will gain courage to walk out beyond their bridge to the outside world…
I am in awe of the care giving you all demonstrate day after day- and for letting us appreciate sanctuary updates and growth.
It’s these precious primates that make my heart sing. You just can’t realize the joy you all bring to me with your words and photos. You paint a picture for me and bring me into the chimp house with you. I’m forever grateful. Love you!
That’s really lovely to hear, Paulette, thank you! The chimpanzees do have a special way of making hearts sing. <3 Thank you for being here.