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:
Great pics, Anthony!
We don’t have chipmunks here on the island, as you probably know. I realized I missed thrm when I saw one at Walden Pond.
How’s the supply of Dell’s holding out? Am ready to send some enrichment, could easily pop some in there….;)
Hey Linda! I still have some Del’s left over.
I’m saving it for a really hot day! It’s weird to drink it somewhere other than Goddard Park or the Narragansett sea wall, though.
No prob! Thought I’d check!
We Rhodies have each others’ backs! I hope you get to enjoy summer on the island safely this year. I’m sure the crowds on the ferry will be massive as usual…
I wascall set to, but they announced that they’re gonna try putting my building on the market. And there’s not much affordable in the area purchase/ rent wise. I may have to leave the island 🙁
Shhh….don’t tell anyone I spelled Del’s with 2 Ls!
As an urban dweller I really appreciate your photos of local wildlife, what a treat! Seeing the swallows’ nests take me back to a small town I lived in 40 years or so ago – San Juan Capistrano, California where the swallows return like clockwork to nest at the Mission every year.
Love all the pics, thanks. Exciting time for the Cali 3 with their new spaces and soon to be new faces – or maybe not so new – wondering if they already know the 6 that are coming. ??
Thank you! It’s the first year that the swallows claimed the Chimp House, so we’re both eager and anxious to see how they do. There’s no humane way to move them, even if we wanted to, so they’re going to be here through the summer!
Our records indicate that Honey B and Willy B spent some time cohabitating with newcomers Terry and Dora, years ago. The group compositions and living arrangements of all the Wildlife Waystation chimps changed over time, though, so it’s unclear what effect this will have on their relationships here.
Anthony, you had me at mega-post.
Thanks for sharing Honey B (and all of her nicknames!), Mave, and Willy B as they maneuver the greenhouse without touching that lush green grass…..yet. And thanks for doubling up and including all the unseen creatures who share this beautiful space with you. Love the long-tailed weasel. Wow, just Wow to the very last photo!
Just wait for the uber-, super-, and ultra-posts (coming soon).
Surprisingly, Honey B is actually more comfortable than the others out there. She doesn’t sprawl out on the lawn or anything that extreme, but she calmly walks across the grass when she needs to get somewhere. On the first day, she would wait until we were watching and then gallop across the open space in an apparent case of the “zoomies.”
Now that she’s feeling more adventurous out there, the new challenge is to deter her from ripping up all the sod. (-_-)
I love the little weasel!
Wow, those swallows’ nests look like woven baskets or even carpet remnants. So amazing.
What an amazing magical place. Absolutely stunning vistas. I’m so happy for every single little creature that calls this place Home ??
Thank you Anthony!
The swallow community is a marvel! I’m glad you liked the post, Paulette!
What a wonderful, jam-packed post! While the chimps (and bovines) are always the stars of the show, seeing the other wildlife is always a treat. I don’t get swallows where I’m at, and seeing their condominium at the chimp house is awesome! Can’t wait to see the fledglings!
Considering the lives these chimps have had to endure for years, they have surely hit the jackpot now! I would love to have a greenhouse like that ;~}. I’m sure with time, the Calis and the incoming new arrivals will all think of the greenhouses as their favorite places! They are spectacular. Bless you all for enriching their lives in ways they could have never fathomed.
Thanks, Kim! The swallows are super cool. It’s been a pleasure to see the Waystation chimps experiment with new items, surfaces and behaviors.
What an enjoyable blog with so many great pictures. Thanks for sharing.