It may not quite look like Spring yet, but it’s definitely starting to feel like it! Something extraordinary happened today that needs to be shared!
When Jamie’s group went out onto Young’s Hill, Foxie and Burrito burst out chasing each other, Annie and Missy not far behind them, and Jody popped out for a second but walked back into the greenhouse shortly after. I was curious where she went, but when Jody came back out she had brought Negra and Jamie with her. Negra didn’t stop at her usual spots (like her cabin), she just kept following Jody up the hill. Jody was always looking back to make sure Negra wasn’t far behind. I assumed that Negra would stop at one of the mounds in the middle of the Hill where she likes to forage for foliage and then usually turns back to go inside for a nap in the greenhouse, but to all of our surprise, Negra had other plans today! About 30 minutes after letting the chimps onto Young’s Hill, JB was going around the hill with Burrito for a walk. When they got to the top of the hill JB found Neggie sitting on Carlene’s tower eating pine needles like it was no big deal, like she always goes up to the top of the Hill and hangs out on structures. JB radioed to tell us Negra was on the tower, I dropped my scrub brush and came running up the Hill with the camera to capture the moment. If this story sounds familiar, it’s because Negra has only done this one other time 3 years ago! On top of Negra being on Carlene’s Tower, since our new expansion Negra has not ventured up to this new tree space. This rare sighting of Negra exploring is one of the best feelings of sanctuary. The feeling of comfort, safety, choice, and freedom.
JB took video, so maybe he will share that with us all soon, but for now, let us enjoy photos of Negra on Carlene’s Tower, where she has always belonged.
This morning Jody (left) making sure Negra (right) was going to join her on an adventure:
Negra making her way up:
I couldn’t pick just one photo of Negra!
The highly anticipated Negra on Carlene’s Tower:
Negra was also enjoying a pine needle snack:
Negra stayed out for more than an hour out on Young’s Hill. When she decided to go inside Jody was waiting for her :).
Bonus!
Burrito:
Missy Reassuring Jamie on Young’s Hill:
Little Foxie: