Unlike what Anthony reported yesterday, the sun was not out much today. But that didn’t stop Missy and crew from going out onto Young’s Hill!
When they were given access to their outdoor enclosure, they ventured to the same structures as yesterday.
Burrito on the other hand wanted more. He tried to convince me to run around the hill with him.
He thought better of it as the outer edges of the perimeter still have a good deal of snow (thankfully for me since the human side of the fence is covered in snow and mud). Instead, Burrito decided to explore Negra’s Cabin.
His desire to run around Young’s Hill seemed to have sparked the desire in everybody else though. Shortly after, Missy, Annie, Jody, and Jamie made their way to a set of logs that haven’t been seen since Fall.
Jody:
Missy running to greet Jamie as Annie watches:
Missy and Jamie greet each other:
Jody heading down to greet Burrito:
Though they already ventured further than they have been, it still wasn’t enough for some.
Jody on a further structure to gaze at the Yakima River:
Missy sitting amongst her beloved trees:
You might guess what is next…
Missy began her ascent up her tree:
There was a good two minute window where I thought Annie was going to follow Missy up! She would stand and grab the tree, but then let go and sit down. She repeated this a few times. In between each take, she would hype herself up to overcome her fear by rocking and tapping the tree and ground. But alas, today was not the day Annie would make her go at climb the trees.
She did, however, settle on climbing on to the top of the near by structure to be somewhat close to Missy.
After a while, Annie decided it was time to head back inside for lunch. She convinced Missy this is now the plan, and Missy obliged.
Look at that dismount!
After landing a perfect 10 dismount, it was time to head inside to enjoy some lunch!
Bonus Photos:
Jody a little piloerect from the cold air:
Burrito on top of Negra’s Cabin surveying Young’s Hill:
Chad,
While you may not have been able to acquiesce to your BFF’s request to join him in a game of chase (he runs, you chase), you more than compensated by taking some great photographs of Bub and his friends on Young’s Hill. These photographs convey both the chimpanzees’ sense of adventure as well as their pleasure in being outside on a beautiful (and tolerable) Winter’s day.
And then Annie reminded Missy and everyone that the lunch service was soon to commence.
So funny, since Annie seems to love the other structures. Better to let her go up on her own terms, rather than have her get to the top and start screaming! :smiley:
Those are some big steps for Misty’s stubby little legs!
None of us knows what goes on in their minds. But Chad, if you have a guess as to why you have become Burrito’s clear favorite by several lengths, I’d live to know your thoughts on that.
Beautiful photos. the one of Jody looking out at the river is?. Thank you for giving our fellow creatures such a wonderful forever home.
Quite a, handsome, pose for Burrito on top of Negra’s cabin.
Fun to see everyone getting a view from their chosen vantage point. But Missy! Wow! “Let Tree-dom Ring”! (Sorry. I just had to say it. It’s so perfect!) If Annie had climbed up after her I would have jumped for joy. Oh I know that feeling when you really, really want to brave it but you are not quite ready to launch. Knowing how far Annie has come, I have all the faith in the world she will be courageous enough to climb up on a branch before the year is out. Maybe even before the season ends!
Jody! She has one of the most expressive faces.
Isn’t is wonderful that they have the freedom to do what they want? Thank you for helping make that happen today and always.
Come, rain, sunshine or snow, these darlings sure know how to make the best of their days. Gorgeous photos and they make me feel a bit closer to you. Here in Sydney Australia it’s very high summerso these snowy phonesare fabulous! Many thanks for giving these amazing Chimpanzees the good life.