We’re experiencing extreme winter weather and temperatures (it’s 5 degrees F as I write) out here in Cle Elum, which makes for interesting challenges to our operations. For instance, our driveway is steep and the produce delivery truck can’t make it up when it’s snowy, so the produce order gets dropped off at the bottom instead of conveniently by the front door. The driveway proved to be a challenge for some staff vehicles this morning too, so a few of us had to park at the bottom and walk up. But that’s not where the challenges end, oh no! Some of the hydraulic doors that are exposed to the cold move at a snail’s pace and the chimps are more less inclined to use the cold greenhouse spaces and therefore more cooped up and restless and prone to conflict. So, we were running a bit behind today, but we adapt and sally forth! We do our best to make sure their spaces are toasty warm and cozy with blankets and that they’re occupied with engaging enrichment items and activities. And while there was some conflict in this group today, there was also quite a lot of play, going on!
Unbeknownst to the Department of Transportation, they provided some interesting enrichment to the chimps today when they closed off I-90, causing traffic to redirect onto 1-10, which Cy’s group can see from their playroom windows. When the chimps noticed the increased traffic on their highway, they all gathered at the windows making alarm calls. This must have been a matter of deep concern because they were even distracted from lunch service!!
Three chimps watch the traffic at the bottom of the window while Dora gets a better view from above
Three chimps watch the traffic from an upstairs window while a fourth gets a personal viewing space downstairs
Temperature update: it is now 4 degrees F.
Given the traffic conditions, I take it that our Meredith remains on the other side of Washington. Any news to report on her treatment? I pray for recovery and return.
Meredith is home, actually! She got back this past Wednesday and is cozy in the back of the barn during recovery. She’s doing great and is happy to be back, we think.
Brrr!
It was 52 here this morning, so I left for work without a coat…. I felt the difference, as when I left, it was 44 at the top of that hill, with the wind coming off the water! But this are very much still positive numbers! I don’t know that I could take those temps any longer….brrr!
The alarm call….I would have said Mave, but you can see her in the video and it doesn’t look like her. Ive never heard Cy or Willie B alarm call except for Cy’s fear of certain pictures….but I’m going to guess Cy
I’m not sure who started the alarm calling, but the all chimed in at one point or another.
Stay safe, stay warm, stay out of traffic. Single digits are no fun. if you have to overnight at the Sanctuary i’m sure one of the chimps will loan you a blanket.
Except that lot of the blankets are kid sized! :sweat_smile:
The reaction to the impact of the road closure is just another great example of just how aware and alert the chimps are to ALL that goes on around them and just how smart their caregivers have to be to keep up with them! 🙂 Stay safe all in the cold and the ice & the snow!
Disclosure : I have Cle Elum set on my phone weather app. I have all my favorite Western cities listed and every single one is freezing cold right now! I feel for you. I can’t imagine how you manage that long steep driveway in conditions like this. When you leave your car at the bottom, I hope you phone in for Valet pickup by someone driving the tractor!
I am sure the unusual sight of traffic snaking past the sanctuary was great excitement. What’s that all about?! Hats off to the first chimp to alarm call. Promote them to Security Chief!
Loved the play mob. Rayne’s smile is contagious! And Gordo’s feet, delicious!
D’aw!
I imagine they do the same as you: cramponnez-vous!
I love Gordito’s funny little feet, too. I thought it interesting that each of the guys drufted toward their half sibling: Gordito with Li’l Dora, Terry with Mave.