Almost ten years ago our blog featured a video from former staff member and current volunteer, Elizabeth. On that day, the Cle Elum Seven had access to the hill and took advantage of the nice weather. Missy and Burrito could be seen very content running around the hill and enjoying the rays of sunshine. With a Winter Weather Advisory in our afternoon forecast that extends through the next few days, Young’s hill is looking quite different today. This year, winter has been snowier than before and the snow accumulation is significantly higher on and around the hill. Before we give them access to the hill the lead caregiver has to do a perimeter check. This is to make sure the fences are looking and working appropriately. These past few days perimeter checks involve bundling up and snowshoes. I had personally never snowshoed before, but this caregiver born and raised in a tropical island finds it very, very fun. Highly recommend as a winter activity.
Last week us caregivers went into the hill to shovel paths for the chimps to wander around the hill with ease, only to receive more snow a couple days later. Snow accumulation doesn’t stop the chimps from going out, climbing structures, and grabbing snow to snack on in the comfort of the heated indoor enclosures. But today the chimps opted to stay in, nest, play with caregivers, and groom each other.
Sweet, sweet Dora
Honey B’s big yawn while nesting in her favorite spot, the mezzanine’s cubby
Sir Willy B
A Cy close up
Jamie in action, about to swing off the top platform of the green house
Ok, it’s true I swoon over everything ALL the chimps ever do, with a couple of fave’s in the mix. Gotta say, this pic of Jamie ready to swing out while carrying her Lucy book in her mouth (because, you know, her hands were needed for the swinging) just makes me plain joyful! I laughed out loud when I scrolled down & saw it. Talk about a flood of endorphins! Thank you, Sofia!! I can only imagine what it’s like to actually be in their physical presence every day even with all the hard work and constant need to do the next thing that needs doing.
I’ve wondered how you handle the winters, Sofía. Glad.to hear you’re finding fun things. I also recommend sledding on the hill at the end of the work day, too! Or race Jamie down the hill on a sled, see what she thinks! The year it’s your turn to go home for Christmas, everyone will be jealous!
Now that Mora is a thing….does Honey B still play with her long lost friend?
This winter must be quite the shock for you! Enjoy your snowshoeing!
WOW! That old vidoe really shows how lightening fast Missy is. WOW! She is amazing. Thanks for pulling that one out of the archives.
I’m eager to virtually visit-
I wish I lived nearby so that I could help out.
Do the roads ever get impassable on very heavy snow days that people ccant make it in?