Can you believe it? Today we celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the arrival of the Lucky Six—Cy, Lucky, Terry, Dora, Rayne, and Gordo—from the Wildlife Waystation. As you probably know, the Lucky Six are now part of a group of nine, along with Willy B, Honey B, and Mave, and together they enjoyed a party complete with young coconuts and Gatorade ice blocks.
The day was also sponsored by Rose Mankowski in memory of her mother:
My Mom, Irene Mayes, would’ve turned 96 today – June 26, 2023 – but she died in August 5th, 2022. Irene loved primates, especially chimpanzees, since she was a little girl. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom.
Thank you, Rose, for honoring your mom in this way.
Today’s festivities took place in the playroom, greenhouse, and on the Bray. The chimps screamed in excitement as they watched us put out the forage and treats. As the party began, both Rayne and Terry grabbed what they could on their way out the door and made a beeline straight for the Bray, where a giant Gatorade ice block awaited them.
Within minutes they were joined by Gordo, Lucky, and Cy, who also brought their treats outside.
While Lucky did get to enjoy the ice block, she actually seemed to delight in the turnips as well. For a chimp, there’s nothing better than liking food that the others aren’t as interested in.
Ever the explorer, Rayne set out for the other climbing structures on the Bray and ate her way across the habitat.
Terry also went for a walk through the habitat and was rewarded for his efforts with a second coconut.
While the others were outside, Honey B, Mave, and Dora cleaned up the forage inside and in the chute.
Willy B was very happy to have gotten a coconut for himself. There was just one problem…how the heck do you open these things?
Do you bite them?
Smash them?
Not long after the party began, a thunderstorm rolled in, with one particularly loud clap of thunder catching Gordo by surprise.
The rest of the gang took their loot back inside and we closed off the habitat for their safety.
Earlier in the day, the chimps on Jamie’s side had their own party to celebrate their neighbor’s arrival. While they don’t live with the Lucky Six, the presence of another group next door amounts to an ever-evolving soap opera to which they are all glued—and that’s worth celebrating, too.
Negra:
Burrito:
Jamie:
Foxie:
Missy:
Annie:
