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:
:astonished:Poor Gordo….. there’s lots of thunder out here, too….one loud Clap can go right to the core…..Run Gordo Run:zap::zap:
Thank You, Rose …..Your Mother is Smiling:bouquet:
A VERY SPECIAL DAY………..sure looks like some great food treats……………………….:heart_eyes:
Happy 2 Year Anniversary to the Lucky Six!! It’s funny because it feels as if they have been at the sanctuary for much longer! Amazing all they have accomplished in two short years.
The giant Gatorade ice block was a great idea. What fun! Willy B needs to crack his coconuts inside so he can use his technique of bouncing them off the walls. What a fun celebration for everyone. I hope the thunder boomers didn’t ruin anybody’s day or their willingness to go back outside again!
PS: that perch seems to be a favorite lookout for Burrito these days.
I’m always in awe and a little nervous when Jamie and Burrito (and sometimes Annie) walk that plank!
I am so glad that Lucky, Cy, Rayne, Terry, Dora and Gordo have been given a home at the Sanctuary. It is a joy to see them explore their Bray. Come on out Honey B and Mora, the view was made just for you.
Gosh, has it really been two years since the Lucky Six arrived? Time is certainly flies when you’re living your best life at CSNW!!
Your mention of the thunderstorm made me wonder… how did James react to the loud thunderclaps? Chimps in the wild have been known to display during storms – perhaps their way of expressing awe, or perhaps even fear… or maybe showing the thunder that they are louder and therefore more powerful?!
Whoops – “James” is supposed to say “the chimps”! Bloomin’ predictive text and all that! Pity we can’t edit these posts.
You can edit, but you have to do that BEFORE you press the submit button ?
There’s video of Burrito doing a “rain dance”
Occasionally they will display during storms but most of the time they just ignore them. Mave usually reacts fearfully to the sound of thunder but yesterday she didn’t have much of a reaction at all, perhaps due to the fact that the lightning wasn’t striking in the immediate vicinity.
Time flies! Great to see (most!) of the nine outside enjoying a forage. Could you just put a bit of a crack in their coconuts to start them off and make it just a bit easier?? I know what you’re thinking Willy B….I have the same problems with them, but don’t have your strength or a set of teeth like yours!
wow!! two years already!!! its been amazing and exciting and so heartwarming to see them thrive!!! what a great celebration too and you were not kidding about those giant gatorade ice blocks!!! what a great treat!! happy two year anniversary loves!!
Rose, what a lovely tribute to your Mother. Thank you for sponsoring the Chimps in her honor.
Happy 2nd Anniversary to the Lucky Six. Definitely a reason to celebrate!!! They look so happy. Thank you for giving them a wonderful home.