It’s hard to know where to begin in sharing our first full day with the “Lucky Six”! (It’s also hard to know where to begin with what’s left of my heat-sizzled mind at the end of this day so bear with me! 😉 ).
As many of you are aware, have so loyally been following along with us, and ultimately, made possible after all these months of planning, Cy, Rayne, Gordo, Terry, Lucky and Dora arrived home late yesterday afternoon, from their former home at the now closed Wildlife Waystation in California. (We will be sharing many more details and video of their trip once we gather ourselves!). All of us here have been eagerly looking at their photos and learning as much as we can about them, but I can say as we all stood waiting to greet them, when the trailer and drivers Project Chimps graciously provided for their transport pulled into the driveway, each one felt our hearts and eyes swelled. What an incredible journey! What an incredible next chapter of their lives. And ours, as well.
Because the six will remain in quarantine for their first 30 days here, two caregivers will work with them each day, while the remaining caregivers continue to care for the seven and the three. Anthony and I shared today with the six and let me tell you, it’s been a pure delight and privilege being able to have the day getting to know and care for the Lucky Six while they rest from their trip and take in their new home. Everyone seems to be adjusting well so far. And while we are still learning each of their personalities of course, what I most wanted to share are photos of these very special chimpanzee people for all of you who made this new chapter in their lives possible, but especially for the caregivers at Wildlife Waystation who have cared for, and loved, these chimpanzees for the majority of their lives so far.
As fellow caregivers having the great privilege of caring for chimpanzees and knowing full well the amazing folks they are, our hearts twist up knowing how profoundly difficult watching them go would be. They were cared for and loved every single day by you and we’re so grateful for the privilege of being able to work together to provide them a home when they needed one. While we know nothing much eases the grief of seeing them go, we hope that in knowing Cy, Rayne, Lucky, Gordo, Terry and Dora are already so very loved, and that you have our promise that we will care for them from our hearts, for all their days forward, it will help ease your hearts. And theirs, for we know they miss you, too. Thank you for taking such good care of them. We already cherish each one of them.
Anthony and I teamed up on photos today so here’s are some first captures of these beautiful chimpanzees!
Sweet, darling, Dora! She spent the majority of the day in one of the greenhouses nesting and quietly taking everything in. We were really delighted that she decided to join the Big Boys, Cy, Terry and Gordo, for dinner and did not hesitate to hold her own and push them aside for drinks of Gatorade. It was pretty cute seeing her tiny self (we find she reminds us of Foxie) sitting next to these huge guys!
Handsome Gordo greeting Dora:
Dora was curious about happenings in her new home and came over to check out Anthony and I as we cleaned one of the playrooms and Anthony took this photo of her and I getting to know each other – hard not to *swoon* over this endearing lady. Insider tip! She rubs her toes together like Foxie!
Gordo!! The feet!! Handsome Gordo has been on the quiet side today, watching and listening to his often rowdy neighbors (the three!) and the new to him humans. We often found him endearingly spread eagle in the cooler playroom, seemingly completely relaxed and dozing, perhaps from the long trip and the hot day:
Beautiful Rayne! I was able to spend a fair amount of time with her today which was so special – she is so beautiful and exudes such grace and dignity. Gordo spent a lot of time with Rayne today, grooming and just resting near her. Who could blame him? I find her very comforting to be with:
Here she is exploring the new greenhouses, with the valley and river below. Rayne’s been dragging blankets around to nest with and at one point we saw her on a mission with a giant slinky accessory around her arm:
Here’s a few people checking out the neighbors (and vice versa) as the seven foraged for lunch on Young’s Hill:
Lucky! Anthony captured these beautiful photos of her. Lucky was on the more elusive side today, choosing to spend most of her time relaxing and grooming at the top of the greenhouses, taking in the views. She did come down and hang out seemingly for the sake of hanging out and it really makes us smile how much she resembles her brother Cy. What a gift to have them both here.
This has me just now realizing we didn’t capture any photos of Cy! Wow, he is a handsome guy! And though he remained fairly mellow and quiet all day, when he decided to respond to Willy B’s occasional bursts of rowdiness, his sheer size and strength was awe-inspiring and it was easy to see why he has the role as alpha male of the six. When chimpanzees display, it’s common for them to use objects that increase the noise and intimidation levels. But Cy’s displays were all Cy. He was displaying in the top of playroom 3 while we cleaned in the top of playroom 2 and the entire floor was shaking just from him stomping his feet as he walked past!
But Cy is a sweet, playful, endearing guy. Cy has his sights on a couple of the humans so far, who, when they enter the room, he absolutely lights up to see! It must makes your heart burst. We will do our best to grab some photos of him tomorrow!
This brings us to this guy! Terry!! There aren’t enough words for all the amazingness Terry holds. He’s been our constant shadow and delight today. Terry is definitely currently playing the role of social butterfly and loves engaging with all his new human friends as much as we love engaging with him. Such a sweet, gentle giant of a man. We were marveling at how gentle he is with us given how big he is, but let me tell you, when he’s displaying in response to the neighbors’ displays, this guy will make your eyes pop. He does a phenomenal running jump-double kick at the doors and windows (just like Foxie, but with *just* a bit more weight to throw around!).
I just love this!
But two seconds after he jump kicks the door, he’s right back wanting to play with his human friends and offer kisses. Or licks, as the case may be:
Working with the six in quarantine today, I wasn’t able to get photos of the Mave, Willy B or Honey B, but they’ve been enjoying time in their outdoor chute and Willy B in particular has been enjoying trying to get a response from his new neighbors by exhibiting some amazing drumming skills on the connecting metal doors.
And our beloved seven, they enjoyed a lunch forage on the hill, but spent much of the day engaged in cooler, summertime enrichment activities inside, like pools of water filled with grapes and pomegranate seeds. Chad shared this photo of Missy, Jody and Jamie and was describing their unique styles of collecting seeds and grapes and this photo sums them up. Missy (left) goes for a bobbing-for-apples style, Jody (middle) is more delicate in her choices, and Jamie (right), well, Jamie just scoops as many as she can at once. Naturally.
Goodnight for now, all. We can’t wait to share more with you about all 16 (!!) members of this incredible chimpanzee family! And please remember, the Lucky Six were just one family of several who still remain at the now closed Wildlife Waystation in California and are anxiously awaiting their new homes at accredited, experienced sanctuaries and they still need our help! You can find out more information and how to help here: ChimpsInNeed.org
All smiles. I haven’t written anything in awhile but always keeping tabs and reading the chimps adventures, pictures are awesome and videos always great. I’m over the moon for the fab 6. Thank you for your hard work in making the chimps lives magical, safe and respected. They deserve nothing but happiness. Night everyone.
How exciting. What a great post Katelyn
Did the lucky six get to bring any personal items of comfort with them (favorite toys, blankets, etc)?
Hi Katelyn thank you so much for letting us know the Lucky Six are all doing well since they arrived yesterday. Thank you for taking the time to post these beautiful pictures and updates even though you are all very busy. I love that you have a sister and brother together there. Looking forward to learning more about all of them. Thank you for being there for all of these amazing Chimps.
Thank you, Katelyn. This post is perfect, just what we wanted. You and Anthony made it possible for us to begin to get to know these new Chimpanzee people which we are MOST eager to do. You guys are amazing giving us these exciting intros. Gracias! Merci! Danka!
Why did the Wildlife Waystation in California close? [I’m sure this has been answered before].
There were financial issues ( unsolvable I guess…) and there had been much fire damage ( raging wildfires I guess….).
I understand that all the “other” residents found new homes, only the chimpanzees were left. Honey B, Willy B. and Mave could move in 2019, and the Lucky 6 yesterday, because a lot of money needs to be raised to build new housing in the sanctuaries. So there are still a lot of chimps waiting……
Hi John,
Yes, this has been, and remains, a long process for the facility and multiple agencies and organizations involved in re-homing the over 400 animals they cared for for so many years. This is from Wildlife Waystation’s website:
“The aging facility survived multiple fires, but was extensively damaged in the 2017 Creek Fire and again during flooding in early 2019. This damage created an insurmountable need for funding to meet current standards. At this time, donations are still needed to ensure animal welfare during their transition to approved sanctuaries, and any funds received will be used solely for that purpose.”
I can’t imagine the profound heartache the waystation caregivers must be feeling. Tears fell just thinking about them. Just an awful horrible situation. That just gives CSNW and all of us supporters all the more will to ensure that these six, along with the seven and three, will be loved honored and respected. And doted on! They are going to be so happy, fulfilled and content! To those waystation caregivers, thank you for loving them and giving them so much of your life. Please know that we are going to deeply love them. Promise.
Beautifully expressed, Paulette.
Love reading this! So exciting! I am excited for your growing family!!
Did any of the them touch the grass? Or do they have the same aversion? This is very very important to know you know 😉 LOL
Hi Paulette,
They all give it a second look, but they’re adapting to it surprisingly quickly! Dora spent the day nesting in it with a blanket yesterday. 🙂
There’s a picture of Gordo standing upright on Terra firma while he greets Dora.
My heart is bursting with joy??. I loved the pictures and reading a short description of each new Chimp. I can hardly wait for more.
What a great intro to the new residents! So glad they had a good day!
Awesome blog. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.
1. Are the Six allowed outside during quarantine (assuming interest)?
2. How will you integrate the Six and the Three?
3. Is there any thought of trying to integrate the Six with the Seven?
I woke up in the middle of the night with these questions. Don’t think they’ve already been asked.
I am taking the task of anwering questions today..
Katelyn is too busy 🙂
There IS no option to go outside for the 6 yet; and during quarantine they are not alowed to go outside anyway. They have the playroom AND a gorgeous greenhouse; more space than I have…
Plans are to build a outside space for the 6 ( and when they form a family ) with the 3.
There is already a name for it, but I cannot remember.
I do not think that the 6 and 3 will form 1 group with the 7, I think the humans have given up on that idea, due to incomparebility….
Yes, Marianne, the 7 will remain the 7. Hopefully, the 3 and the lucky 6 can become one group, since some of thrm know each other already.
Were you thinking of the courtyard?
“The Bray” will be the “Young’s Hill” for the 6 – maybe 9 if they integrate.
Yes…that’s it! The Bray.
Hi Maureen,
Questions always come at such hours, don’t they? Marianne did a great job fielding them. 😉
The six do not currently have outdoor access – they have open air greenhouses – and would not use a shared outdoor space utilized by other chimpanzees during quarantine. An outdoor enclosure next to Young’s Hill, to be named The Bray, as well as a smaller one connecting to the other side of the expansion, is in the works next. Please keep in mind, these folks, like the seven and the three, have not been outside of caging and while it’s easy to assume from our perspective that they would love it, it’s often something that takes time to build up courage and comfort to do. Mave and Honey B have outdoor courtyard access every day, but still choose not to go outside of the chute. Willy B loves the courtyard, but is still afraid to touch the grass/earth for more than brief instances. We trust they will each get there in their own time. And fortunately, the six will have all the time they need as well when the time comes. 🙂
It’s too soon to answer your integration question. But time for them to settle, observation of personalities, hierarchy, relationships, input from experienced professionals, etc., will all play a role in a process that takes great time and forethought. I believe Willy B and Honey B resided with Terry and someone else (pardon my memory) at some point during their time at Wildlife Waystation.
No, there are currently no plans to integrate the six with the seven.
Thanks, Katelyn. I guess some of this is viewing it as humans, and wanting them to feel the same. And surely we don’t want another nightmare like the last attempted integration. So much more for everyone to know now, and to learn and understand. Kudos to all of you there for your love and compassion and WORK!
Thank you, Maureen. Believe me, we have to remind ourselves of that all the time and I often wish I could be in their heads for even a few minutes. 🙂 They are so like us, and we care so deeply for them, it’s easy to feel emotionally invested in them experiencing things in the same ways we do. And while they absolutely do experience much of the world through the same thoughts and emotions as we do, they are their own people and culture with species specific behaviors, hierarchies and needs important to their well-being, not to mention their “unnatural” individual histories. You’re right, we have so much to learn and understand from them. And all animals.<3
So lovely, Katelyn!
I see what you mean about Dora. A little like Foxie in her posture and size. And the bit about the toes, my heart! I can’t tell if you’re sweating or crying in that pic, but it’s one for the books!
Lucky reminds me a bit of Annie- a quintessential chimp face, with a touch of bedhead.
Gordo is indeed handsome, and not one bit Gordo-he’s not missed a gym day! What shoulders/shape! Are these guys bracchiating?
I can’t imagine Cy….so who’s bigger? Willy B or Cy? And do those 2 know each other?
So excited for the videos that I hope will come!
I can’t help but notice that they are all beautifully “whole”…I don’t see missing toes/ears/etc, just like with the 3. May it remain so.
Thanks so much for beginning the introductions, but keeping us up to date with the OGs, as well.
I know you’re around 100 degrees every day there. I hope you get some cooling rain soon, thunder optional.
I noticed that Gordo is missing the tip of his 3rd right toe….
And in that same picture it looks as if he has a weird growth on his schoulder…. 🙂
It is going to take a lot of studiying on our part to get to know them and NOT confuse them with Foxie, Jamie, Annie, Mave.
Maybe a picture galery with all the “twins” can help???
I noticed those 2 growths after I posted, Marianne, and what appears to be the (recent?) toe, as well. But, compared to the 7, they’re in wonderful shape.
I’ll still be able to pick out the 7! But yes, I can’t wait for the “fall in love with” videos for the new 6, once they’ve had time to figure out their favorite things and friends!
Hi Marianne,
Yes, on Gordo’s toe – I can’t answer the cause of that yet, but very common for chimpanzees in captivity to be missing bits and bobs. And no to the shoulder growth, though I see what you’re seeing. It’s merely the end of the metal climbing structure behind him, poking out from his glorious should hair. 🙂
Thanks Katelyn, I am glad that the horrible growth is made of metal, and not attached to Gordo……
Oh, wait! When Gordo greeted Dora, was he standing in the grass!? Cool!
Linda, yes! They have all been growing more comfortable with the grass and Dora spent most of the day yesterday nesting in it. 🙂 They are still sometimes wary of it and will use the logs, caging and plastic chairs to avoid it at times, but it’s incredible how comfortable they are with it already. Very brave. To some other questions you had –
Yes, they are bracchiating and swinging around the structures and enrichment in the greenhouses.
Cy is gorgeous and huge! All three of the fellas are and are comparable in size to Willy B. Cy is a bit bigger though – wait until you see his hands!
There are a couple missing/broken digits – pretty common for captive chimpanzees – but that’s about it.
Yes, 106 today, 108 tomorrow. 111-115 in neighboring towns. Inferno spell for all out west right now, to say the least. Lots of water, Gatorade and frozen treats for chimps and humans! 🙂
Anthony said there’s still some Dels, to dilute for sno cones….;)
Thank you Katelyn and Anthony for the wonderful introductions and great pictures of the newest sanctuary residents. I already feel so close to all of them. I have to say, I LOVE Terry’s feet. I saw them the other day, in a different photo and seeing them agin today definitely solidified my love for Terry’s feet. Looking forward to more wonderful blog posts about the Lucky Six…and updates on The Seven and The Three.
Hi Monica, Terry does indeed have some great feet! We will do our best to keep your days full of those toes. And all the other wonderful toes, too. 🙂
Thank you for this most beautiful post. I look forward to getting to know these amazing beings. I also deeply appreciate the recognition in the caregivers for the Lucky Six at the Waystation. I can’t imagine the heartache in seeing their family members leave, even while knowing their journey was for the best. One of my favorite quotes is from Helen Keller:
“the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart. ” Thank you Waystation caregivers for the gift of the Lucky Six.
Cy will most certainly make your heart burst!!! He did mine!! I am nothing but grateful and overjoyed and full of tears reading this update this morning. I know the caregivers at the WWS loved these guys so very much and it must have been gut wrenching but at the same time I hope they felt some peace knowing where their loved ones were heading. To you all and the gorgeous home you are providing. I know they will thrive beyond measure and I am excited to be able to follow in this journey. Your blogs and videos have helped me heal from the closing of the WWS. I worked there part time as an RVT in the health center and most of my time was spent working with and treating all the other residents but I did have my moments with the chimps too… Cy was one who always sought me out for playtime and a good game of chase whenever he saw me walking by… Terry also came over to join the fun. Thank you for all you do and I always wish I could do more to help. You truly do an amazing job.
Thank you, Deanna. Cy is a glorious guy and we can’t wait to get to know all six of these beautiful chimpanzee people. Our hearts are with you all and we know you will all always be a part of their hearts and lives. We’re grateful for the care and love provided to them. They have been handling this profound change in their lives incredibly well and we look forward to keeping you all updated.
So glad you’re still following along, Deanna! Can’t wait to hear more about the Lucky 6! Thanks for all you’ve given them!
Maybe the sanctuary could charge a fee for a weight-loss spa, where clients lose weight by playing chase with Burrito and Cy. ..it’s beginning to sound more and more like a full-time job in itself!
If I am am overflowing with emotions that I can’t begin to put into words while I look at these photos and read your post, I can not imagine how all of you must feel right now. And this goes for everyone at Wildlife Waystation as well.
To the caregivers at WW : First, ditto to what eloquent Katelyn expressed. Still, I personally want to let you know how often I think of you when I look at the CA Three. I know it’s not close to the same experience but, as a volunteer at a dog rescue, when one my favorite dogs gets adopted (especially one that has been residing at the shelter for a year or so) I feel slightly heartbroken because I am loosing a very dear friend. My heart celebrates their new beginnings but a part of my heart breaks a little. It is a rare occurrence for me to see that dear friend again, they are gone from my life forever. So I want you to know that I have such deep respect for your devotion, compassion, and the years spent caregiving for those around you, and I hope the broken parts of your your hearts heal by following the progress shared through the individual perspectives of CSWN’s Caregiving Staff via this blog. All of us out here in *blogsville*, we are an extended family of these incredible chimpanzee people. Your years of loving the chimpanzees in your care will never be forgotten by any of us. And I just know that Honey B, Mave, Willy B, Cy, Rayne, Gordo, Terry, Lucky and Dora will NEVER forget you. I say this because when I do have the rare experience to see one of my adopted ex-shelter pals years later, they a-l-w-a-y-s remember me, joyfully! You will remain in the chimps hearts forever. You are their family.
To Katelyn and Anthony : Thank you for all of these fantastic photos and this lengthy descriptive post — especially with all you have to do….and in your record breaking heat!!! I can see/feel the Lucky Six personalities peeking out of each image, coming to life through your descriptions. I am in love! Even with the unrelenting heatwave that is pounding down on you, jeepers, I envy you all. What a gift! What a gift to have these six new precious people in your circle of friends. In your family.
WELCOME LUCKY SIX! We love you already….
Welcome Lucky 6! We are the lucky ones to be able to give you a forever home. You are loved by so many people and we can’t wait to get to know you. Settle in, enjoy, explore, and relax. You are home.
OMG ..THANK YOU for sharing …the photos are bringing tears to my eyes…as did the blog!
I can’t wait to learn more about all of them, and I am so very happy!
Thank you for the beautiful story of the Lucky 6. Beside seeing the pictures and the description of all these wonderful chimps, I have been completing the story as it is still being formed. We’re they already familiar with each other and integrated among themselves? Thank you for your love and care of these great and beautiful souls.
Hi Rene,
Yes, Cy’s group had been living together as their group of six for awhile at Wildlife Waystation. 🙂
I just had to come back to the blog and look at the pictures some more. Oh I am in love with Dora! Her small stature with straight up posture. Sooooo endearing. Bless Gordo’s heart. I get the sense he was just checking up on her, perhaps to reassure her. I can’t wait to see her gain confidence and show us her awesome self.
I was thinking perhaps you could remove your mask when they are on the other side of the glass, so they can see all of your facial expression.
OK that’s it for now but I might write again later! Love you all!
Hi Paulette,
Dora is very endearing. 🙂 We look forward to getting to know her (and all six) more. 🙂 Thanks for all your questions! There’s a multiple part answer to the mask – one is that the six are in quarantine for their first 30 days here, so we follow strict protocols to keep everyone as healthy as possible and minimize any potential transference of pathogens to them or the other chimpanzees during this time.
Additionally, in an abundance of caution, we are choosing to continue following strict Covid safety protocols at this time while we learn more about the possible transference of the virus in vaccinated individuals. Thankfully, we humans are all vaccinated, but with chimpanzees being highly susceptible to our upper respiratory illnesses and not being able to be vaccinated at this time, we are their only line of protection so we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. So since I’m cleaning in the chimpanzees’ indoor living space in the photos, masks/PPE need to be worn at all times to help maintain healthy air quality in areas with less ventilation. We follow these protocols at all times whenever we are anywhere in the chimp house or any time we interact with the chimps, even outdoors. I sometimes miss communicating with the chimps showing a playface, but we use many additional forms of chimpanzee communication with them (body language, head nods, vocalizations like breathy panting and chimpanzee laughter) which convey the messages intended pretty well. 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful post. Looking forward to updates & pictures
Foxie and Dora dolls have had a long history so for some reason it doesn’t surprise me that the two chimps are similar!