First of all, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all of you dads out there.
In case you missed it, two of our supporters sponsored this day of sanctuary in honor of their own fathers. Thank you for this generous and thoughtful gift, Sharon and Marya!
Just as we had dual sponsors for this warm summer day, I also had two distinct ideas for today’s blog.
Initially, I wanted to continue our coverage of Honey B, Mave and Willy B’s acclimatization to the new greenhouses. Kelsi posted a great video of their first forays into the unknown on Wednesday and new staff member Sofia added some amazing photos in her follow-up on Friday. Yesterday, Diana wrote a reflective, insightful and pertinent post about how chimpanzees cope with new experiences (which will likely be a common theme over the next few months!). My plan for today was to share additional photos of the chimps hanging out in the new greenhouse enclosures.
The new enclosures (featuring new caregiver Sam, for scale):
However, I also took a look at some photographs I created while strolling through the woodlands and pastures that surround the sanctuary. I feel like I should share them with all of you, too.
Since I couldn’t pick one theme over the other, I am going to “finance two birds with one loan” (as the common idiom goes) and combine them into this mega-post.
First, here are some images of the “California Three” enjoying their new digs.
Honey B (“Beezy” “Beesus” “Chickpea” “Honey Badger” “Bee”):
Mave (who had to investigate the bamboo before settling down for a nap):
Willy B:
Then, as promised, here are some cool nature shots from around the property.
This may be a Say’s Phoebe, although Katelyn would have to confirm that since she is our resident wildlife expert:
A long-tailed weasel (also known locally as a stoat):
A chipmunk:
The cliff swallows that have taken over the eaves of the Chimp House this summer:
One of the many black-tailed deer that frequent the property:
The view of Cle Elum from the higher area of the property: