December 21, 2021 - Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Introductions between Cy and Willy B’s groups have been progressing along. Today we decided to do something new and different. There are panels between the two greenhouses that provide a visual barrier between the two groups. We removed one of the panels so the two groups can now see and safely interact with each through this portal.

When the groups were given access their greenhouses, Lucky and Rayne were the first ones to notice. Rayne waited around the portal for some time, but nobody showed up. It took a while for Willy B and Mave to realize there was a panel missing. As with new things, a lot of excitement can happen. Usually a lot of screaming and displaying. Surprisingly, there wasn’t as much as we expected. There was mostly positive interactions.

The paneling is located on the second story of the greenhouses, so getting photos up there is almost impossible especially in the winter when the outside paneling is up to keep the chimpanzees warm. I was able to catch a couple of photos from the ground floor of Willy B during one of his displays.

Willy B looks at his neighbors looking at him.

He begins to work up his display with hooting.

He stands bipedally and become piloerect.

Here are some bonus photos of Gordo and Cy enjoying some snow snacks!

Many thanks to Dylan Most who sponsored this day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees and bovines and wishes all, “Happy Winter Solstice!”

This special day, when the wheel turns from autumn to winter (or spring to summer, as the hemispherical case may be for our southerly friends) and the gradual return of light begins. It’s difficult to remember that we technically haven’t already been in winter for some time here at the sanctuary. The past couple of days have found some of the chimpanzees enjoying frequent on-demand snow snack service from the humans, others snuggled close together napping and grooming in cozy nests, and yet others still enjoying their new found discovery of the movie, “Ice Age” (shhh, don’t tell Willy B the neighbors were watching his stories!).

Happy Solstice, Merry Winter, Dylan, and all! May your days be full of the coziness, comfort, magic and adventure that you make possible for all at this beloved sanctuary home.