Today has been quite the perfect spring day at the sanctuary. The day started with Negra at the front of the line for the door to Young’s Hill, ready to lead her group to forage for grass on the hill, so I had a feeling today was going to be a great day. Annie and Burrito stayed outside foraging for those tasty spring grasses right up until breakfast was served, as did Gordo, and the sanctuary was quiet save for the sounds of staff preparing for the day.
We have all enjoyed a steady breeze and plenty of sunshine, and had forages for both groups during lunch. There has been plenty of play – among the chimps and between chimps and humans – with chimp laughter and the sounds of stomping feet during games of chase filling the chimp house. Today has been a perfect example of some of the things that bring me compassion satisfaction: the quiet moments of contentment among the chimps, hearing breathy chimpanzee laughter as they play with each other, getting to see them enjoy new enrichment items, and being invited to play with them. I also found myself feeling extremely grateful for this place that the chimpanzees and cattle get to call home as I watched the grass sway, listened to the aspen leaves shake against each other in the wind, and appreciated the beauty of the river and mountains in the distance. I hope the video and pictures from the day can convey a little bit of the peace we all felt today, and bring you happiness wherever you are as well.
Burrito and Annie foraging for grass
Burrito and Annie foraging for grass
Burrito with a handful of freshly picked grass
Where was James throughout all of this? I didn’t see her foraging for grass or playing inside.
:sunflower::blossom::tulip:Grass is so Boring….throw some Clover, Buttercups and Dandelions into the mix 😉
Jamie took her time coming outside to join the group this morning, as she had been busy monitoring breakfast preparations! The boss was busy supervising her human employees, but did make her way out a few minutes later.
She made sure to make up for whatever grass snacks she missed out on first thing in the morning by collecting big handfuls of food during the lunch forage, in true Jamie fashion.
I, too, noticed the absence of The Boss.
Negra went farther than she seemingly had to for that grass! But then, the connoisseur knows, I suppose. It looked like an all around perfect day, Ellen, thanks for the video of the OGs!
Thankyou, Ellen, this video was a joy to watch and you always fit the music to the mood of the video. This music was very upbeat!.Oh, yes, I would be feeling at peace spending that time with you all outside in the spring Sunshine watching sweet Annie, Burrito and the gang chill out.Your take on the serenity of your beloved sanctuary surroundings touched my heart. :heart::heart::heart:.A perfect day.
What is it about Spring that gets Negra up and out and leading the way?! Is it the freshly sprouted grass? The not too hot and not too cold temperatures? The breeze in her hair? Or does she actually go through a renewal, a rebirth like Mother Earth? I am dying to know if Springtime itself is the key to Negra aging in reverse.
I see Burrito has a set of Benebone keys! It’s too perfect! And I love the way the chimps stand out against the chartreuse grass.
You know spring is in full gear when Neggie is leading the group outside!
Those keys are really a hot commodity, huh? Just don’t give Jamie and HB any ideas…
I loved a March blog in which you described in detail Jamie’s and Willy B’s behavior (due to their insecurities). I’d lovee to see more blogs descriing the specific chimp interactions, such as with Foxie as lowest ranking chimp in her group;. I wonder as well with whon does Cy play as alpha male and how do the females interact ewith him? These are the two whom I sponsor so I am particuslry interestefd in their interactions with others. Seeing Foxie play with Burrito who ate part of her ear, how did they come tgether to play afterwards so she is not frightened of him, for example?