Here’s something positive – the chimpanzees are really enjoying the snow snacks that are the result of Snowmageddon 2022!
I tried to get some good photos, but when photo opportunities presented themselves, the chimps were in motion and I only had a cell phone on me. so I only captured the cover photo of this blog post, this blurry image of Foxie who had just retrieved a mouthful of snow from her front rooms and was headed up to the loft in her playroom:
and Gordo who had brought snow from his playroom to the front rooms on that side of the building. He deposited the snow on the floor, and left a bit for Cy to enjoy (see main photo above).
I can’t say that the humans are enjoying the snow quite as much as the chimpanzees right now. Though the last few days have been an adventure, and we’ve certainly laughed a lot, it’s proving to be a logistical challenge to figure out where, exactly, to put all of this stuff. More looms above on the roof, not-so-subtly threatening to upend the progress we’ve made.
Look at the form on Kelsi. Is shoveling an Olympic event? I give her 10/10.
Young’s Hill is inaccessible for a few reasons: 1) there’s so much snow everywhere! The chimps would be chest deep in it, so they have to wait until we can get in there to create a pathway for them. 2) we haven’t yet been able to shovel a pathway for ourselves to the door that opens onto the hill, even if we could let the chimps out. 3) the snow is weighing down the electric fence wires, weakening the system.
More good news, though: we are fully prepared for winter storms. Though it will be a bit before full outdoor access is possible, all of the chimpanzees have lots of indoor space, blankets, toys, food puzzles, movies, and humans plus their partners who drive through the biggest snowstorm in decades to help the onsite staff take care of them.
In addition to all that, they have their indoor/outdoor greenhouses! I’m kicking myself for not getting photos yesterday of the chimpanzees in the new greenhouses (I did get a little video clip of Mave that I posted to our Instagram). We have a new heater that we turned on for an hour or so yesterday, and then the sun kept those tall enclosures warm for the rest of the day. I cleaned the greenhouses this morning and can attest to the fact that they were well used the day before.
All sixteen of the chimpanzees here are the product of very unfortunate circumstances. They shouldn’t be in Cle Elum, Washington. They shouldn’t have been used in medical research. They shouldn’t be in captivity at all. However, given their unfortunate histories, they are extremely fortunate chimpanzees now. And all of us are immensely fortunate to know them.
Even though I can’t shake the feeling that the snow lurking out every window and door is taunting me in some way…
I know it will not last forever. Spring will come, sure as it does every year. We have so much to look forward to as we hunker down and appreciate everything we have, including unlimited snow snacking.
Wow Diana… That is many multiple tons of snow.. just on the one “pathway”. Kelsi is true Olympic material! We are all indeed so fortunate to have the 16 in our lives… And we can only say that because of the incredible staff, volunteers.. and supporters of CSNW. Were CSNW not so amazing our view from “out here” would not be something that we all eagerly anticipate seeing, reading about, dreaming of.. every day of our lives. We have snow over here in Spokane too.. but nothing like what you have. Be safe all of you.. thank you all.. as always.
well, I had a 1/4″ of rain today……..woe is me…………….
Gosh, that’s a lot! Reminds me of my MI/WI years!
Kelsi, remember, lift with your legs!
Hopefully, this doesn’t turn into flooding, and just means a milder season dor wildfires next year.
Thanks to all the partners who chipped in, too! You’re also “married to” the sanctuary!
Whoa! That’s an insane amount of snow. It’s wonderful that the chimps seem to be enjoying themselves and their snow-forever treats. That photo of Grodo is fabulous!
Not so fabulous for all of you however. Knowing how miserable shoveling is, the only thing that could make it worse is shoveling and having to toss the snow 8 feet over your head! Kelsi, you deserve a gold medal for that technique. Ugh. Never imagined you’d have so much snow that the electric fence would compromised.
To everyone, partners included, you are amazing beyond words. Sleep well and dream of spring…or maybe dream of snowblower faries.
That’s an exhilerating, amazing, scary amount of snow – and you are all heroes for braving it and taking care of those wonderful chimps. Stay warm and snug and be careful.
I’m weird. I LOVE shoveling. It’s a project with a begining and an end (until the next dump). I love making straight edges and neat piles. And yet
my apartment is an eternal disaster. Go figure.
p.s. Surely you have a snowblower? or is that on your wish list now?
I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say they love to shovel snow! We have a snowblower on the tractor but not a walk behind one for smaller jobs. We do wish we had one this winter.
If temperatures are above 0 without wind, I don’t mind it. Especially at night. There’s a sense of calm and peace
That is a whole lot of snow!
Dispite the fact that it is a favourite snack of the chimpanzees, there is only ONE thing you can do to get rid of it…
Put J.B.’s new toy to the test and build a gigant snow(wo)man….
The trick of course is to put the snow in a spot, where it will NOT become a flood when the thaw sets in…..
Stay warm and warm greetings from me.
Wow! That’s some deep snow! I wish I was there to help. I admire you all so much. You are in my thoughts, ever grateful, every day.
Yes, it breaks my heart the reason they are there but it makes my heart so happy to see how wounderful life is for them now.God bless all of you for the love and care you give them:pray:?
WOW! And I thought the 4inches we got was a lot here in Bothell!! No contest, you win :joy: How are the cows faring? I imagine they aren’t as thrilled with snow bites as their friends. I hope they have nice warm heaters too! Thank you to all the humans pitching in to take care of the NOW Cle Elem 16 + 4 , not to mention the wonderful egg droppers.