It’s a rainy, cool day here in Cle Elum today. Driving into work this morning through the mist I thought that the chimps would maybe be pretty relaxed and be content to spend the day in comfy nests listening to the rain.
I was wrong. 🙂
When I went to say good morning to Cy’s group, everyone was rearin’ to play chase, groom, or just stare at me for long periods of time without blinking (hi, Honey B). On the other side of the chimp house, everyone was off on their adventures as soon as I gave them access to Young’s Hill! I’m pretty sure Missy spent the whole morning after breakfast out under the trees and everyone else came and went as they pleased. I was cleaning Playroom 1 with one of our awesome volunteers, Patti, when Jamie decided it was time to go for a patrol around the hill. She had me wear one of her new favorite boots and when we made it to the top of the hill, she stopped and hung out for a while. It was a pretty exciting walk- be sure to check out today’s video to see why! 🙂 I might have cried a little bit, but that’s just me.
This afternoon, though, has been quiet as everyone nests in warm, fresh, cozy blankets. All in all, it’s been a pretty darn good rainy day.
Cy:
Gordo, holding his feet, because why not?
Sweet Lucky:
Terry, mid-chew:
Honey B, gazing into my soul… pretty sure she knows my social security number, what I got on my SAT’s in high school, and every other little secret about me:
that is a serious stare……………………
Oh, I’m so excited to see the trees and the excitement the chimp people are showing about them. Every chimp person and young child need to experience the thrill of climbing a tree and looking down around his/her domain.
What a great birthday present for Jamie! Something tells me that won’t be her last ascent up a tree. What a beautiful sight to behold as the Boss exercised her birthright (with a gracious assistance from the resident expert on her descent to Terra firma).
Beautifully written and filmed! Truly a significant moment to remember! Definitely worth the tears. Thank you for all you do for the chimps! ?
Aw, you got to see Jamie’s first climb, Grace! Thank you for capturing it for us!
Sounds like Bubba was getting a bit rough with Tiny there.
Hey, everybody, tomorrow is Jamieween! That’ll be almost a solid week of daily videos for us! Aren’t we the lucky bunch!?
Yay, Jamie got to climb a tree for her special jamieween birthday ! Thank you for capturing and sharing the moment of joy with us.
Yea Jaime.
Just fabulous! Thanks for the video of Jamie climbing (I’ve now watched it 5 times!!) and of the rest of the afternoon’s doings by so many chimps playing, nesting, resting, and all the rest. Such fun!
Oh Grace!! What a monumental moment!! I would have been so teary eyed with joy I don’t belive I would have been able to steady the camera. Go Jamie! And on the eve of her birthday no less. Wow.
Thanks for the great photos too. Honey B! I’m betting she knows what you got for your 5th birthday. Eeesh.
I love this post. Thank you so much Grace for the beautiful video, pictures and words.
Hello, How wonderful to see Jamie climb her first tree, and how wonderful to be in such a lovely place where each day someting new happens. can i please ask how you know when you are wanted to go on patrol and to wear certain boots? I must admit my heart was in my mouth watching Jamie climb, but what a truly wonderful sight to see.
try this one, Jane!
https://youtu.be/26MIVDhaAhs
if it’s not the right one, search “chimpanzee gets human caregiver attention” on YT (I’m watching something else on YT, and am doing so on the phone)
That video is priceless! I forgot all about it. Made my Jamieween day.
Well, that makes me happy, too!
thank you for the link, its great to see Jamie being very precise on what boors she wanted.
you’re welcome! it’s one of my favs!
Thanks so much Grace, for this fabulous post. Everyone is enjoying the new Youngs Hill so much I’m really anticipating what Lucky’s group will think of the Bray. Something to look forward to.
Happy Jamieween:jack_o_lantern:!!! I hope all the apes have a fun day today!! And all the humans too!! Have a great day celebrating!!