Willy B used to be very avoidant of the grass and dirt outside. Remember? Watch this video from May 8, 2020.
And look at these photos of him today!
Mave is also getting more and more adventurous outside. Today, she followed Gordo out and convinced him to give her two of the three whole red peppers he had found in the forage.
I didn’t get good photos of it, but Willy B was actually the last one on the Bray. He was out there for so long that Mave eventually came outside and waited for him to come back inside – it reminded me of Jody doing the same for her friends when she thought it was time for them to return.
Thank you so much to everyone who has sent in gifts from out wish lists for Christmas in July. There are still items to purchase for the sanctuary, mostly on our Jerrols wish list, which you can find here. Buying from the Jerrol’s list also supports a family business that is local to the sanctuary!
We are very excited about all of the items we have received and you’re sure to see them popping up on the blog in the next few weeks. Thank you again!!
Good foe Willy B! And for Mave, watching out for him!
I do miss the pics of the “gorilla” in his tub boat! But I’m so happy that he’s finally grown accustomed!
Does he still nap out there, Diana? That he did continues to astound me!
What is up with the CA women!? Honey B got her start outside by running out to slap up the boys, now Mave goes out to shake down Gordito for his lunch money!
Willy B looks as if he’s been hanging outside his entire lifetime. He’s come so far hasn’t he?! It’s incredible. Willy B stayed the course, that’s brave. Still, I miss seeing him sitting in his tub as if he was pretending to be sailing across the Bray.
And sassy Mave is really coming into her own! Poor Gordo. I think he’s giving into Mave’s food snitching because he has a little crush on her. 🙂
Jody…..look at those eyelashes. Isn’t she perfect.
(I see there’s 1 little golden book on Taylor Swift on your Jerrol’s gift list. Fess up Diana, is that for you?)
Thank you, Diana, for the link and photograph of our beloved Jody the Den Mother. Her obvious love and care for Neggie and the other chimpers if her troop is one of the aspects of her character which endeared Jody to me. I see den mothering in Raynie and Maeve as well…even if the latter imposes a bell pepper tax on her charges now and then…
Look at that big handsome confident dude!!! Willy B really has come into his own in the past few years. You’d never know he used to be so nervous about grass.
Also, 2024 really is the year of Mave! Not only venturing outside, but confident enough to shake down Gordo! Poor guy, he just can’t say no to Mave.
You all give so much to your beloved chimps; love, hope and a whole lot of confidence. Willy B is a joy to see as he strides outside and Mave is just one sassy lady alright., may be she is channelling sweet Jody in her nurturing way outside waiting for Willy B. Oh, sorry but I couldn’t donate on your Wish List but instead made a donation to your sanctuary for “Christmas in July”.Didn’t want you to think I ignored you particularly at this festive time when the chimps get lots of goodies.
I, too, recall when Willy B wouldn’t venture out of the doorway onto the grass in those early days. Look at him go! I think the presence of all the other family members has really helped him take new risks. Now about Mave — I continue to be astounded by her “Buddha Nature” in all its forms. What a woman!!