A couple of years ago, Caregiver Anthony wrote a blog about some of the lingo we use around the sanctuary. As staff prepare for the day to end, one of the things we do is a head count of each chimpanzee to ensure they are off of Young’s Hill and aren’t out in the cold at night. When we are able to close off Young’s Hill (at Jamie’s discretion that is), we announce over the radio “the chimps are off the hill.” It is one of the more common announcements made over the radio that can be heard around the sanctuary.
As J.B. mentioned a couple of months ago, the construction around the Young’s Hill expansion and The Bray is picking up. Well, we have reached the point of that blog where Jamie’s group will not have access to Young’s Hill for a little bit. As caregivers, we are obviously conflicted by this. On one hand, they will not have access to Young’s Hill. On the other hand, their outside habitat is expanding and Cy’s group will get the opportunity to venture into The Bray. Plus there’s the addition of new climbing structures and flora for them to interact with. There are cost and benefits to everything, and I personally think the benefits are astronomical in comparison to the cost of some time off Young’s Hill.
So please excuse the hiatus of seeing photos of the chimpanzees on Young’s Hill. They will still have access to their greenhouse, which still provides them with fresh air and sunshine during this time.
And enjoy these recent photos!
Missy and Annie on their morning patrol before coming in to make way for construction.
Terry enjoying one of his favorite food puzzles: Boomer Balls!
Honey B falling into slumber while watching the humans clean.
Cy catching up on his reading during National Read a Book Day!
Honey B enjoying lunch in the Oakwood Greenhouse!
They will miss being off the hill but it will totally be worth it when construction is complete. I’m anxious to see pictures of it all. Speaking of pictures, Honey B napping again? I love that girl and Cy…oh my, so handsome.
Looking at Cy with his book, I wouldn’t be surprised if his level of comprehension was on par with that of a human child of 4 or 5. His eyes are so intelligent.
Thanks for the heads up, Chad!
Can’t wait to see if the group goes straight out!
And Beezus (almost) sleeping again!
Is there a map of the entire place that is available? Im a fairly new subscriber so im not familar with all the spaces, ie, Bray’s Hill.
Diana, check out the blog titled New Map, April 8, 2021. It has a floor plan of the sanctuary. The only thing not shown is the location of the soon-to-be outdoor space, The Bray, which will be just above Young’s Hill. The blog titled Volunteers Needed, May 3, 2022, has a video that gives a good overview of how the two outdoor areas will be situated.
This is a beautiful time of year in Cle Elum, but The Seven had all summer long to patrol, forage, and enjoy all spring and summer long. After observing all the construction outside the chimps must be aware that the changes on Young’s Hill are for them. (the past has proven that construction on hill + being locked inside = exciting good things to come!) I can’t wait to see the day when they enter their new outdoor enclosure! It will definitely be worth the wait. And it will be such a thrill to see the new group of nine on the day they gain access to grass in Cle Elum!!! What will they choose to do? Time will tell…..
Thanks for all the links! I had such fun revisiting each post. And Cy! Looks like he ditched his gossipy People magazine for deeper subjects on National Read A Book Day.
this completion schedule…….off the Hill a week, month, longer…?
Such exciting times for you all-can’t wait to see both groups experience the new outdoor areas! Thank you all for
the work and dedication!
I agree with Kathleen; it will be worth the wait and it will be such a exciting new habitat for them…
Wondering if the Cali 3 can be persuaded to go outside. I cannot wait.
Chad, I was wondering; isn’t that Jamie with Missy in the photo???
And my goodness; the innocence of Honey B. when she is asleep; adorable.
I thought it was Jamie for a second, too.
But Jamie has freckling, Annie doesn’t. plus, those long, long hands are definitely Annie’s