Today is Missy’s birthday, and we decided to set up a whole frozen fruit forage in the greenhouse this morning. Volunteer Patti brought some awesome ’80s-style headbands, leg warmers, and socks in honor of Missy’s goofy and kooky athleticism. After decking ourselves out in the gear (and of course putting most of it in with the party enrichment for the chimps) we let the chimps into the party area and listened as they food squeaked with excitement over the whole frozen fruit. I have been around chimps for 7 years, and this group for nearly the whole time they’ve been at CSNW, and I have never heard so many food squeaks at once. They loved it, and it is just what we needed after the last week and a half of recovering from the Taylor Bridge wildfire. All of the staff were present as well as volunteers Patti and Jennifer. Watching the chimps happily enjoy their forage was definitely just what the doctor ordered—both for staff and for the chimps, too! They have certainly been through a lot in their lives, and getting to see them enjoying their time here so much brought such a huge smile to my face. All I could think about was that we are all so fortunate to be here with them.
Enough of that sappy stuff — here’s some pictures from the party!
Negra enjoying some fun forage boxes (that look like Rubix cubes) made by Patti, and filled with pieces of chow:
Foxie:
Annie:
Jamie, looking very regal as the boss should:
Jody, taking a huge mouthful of watermelon:
Burrito, mid-food squeak:
The birthday girl herself, Missy:
And lastly, some of the ’80s gear on us humans (Diana was taking the picture, but she was also decked out, and somehow J.B. stayed out of the photo even though he was wearing an awesome pink headband)
From left to right: Jackie, volunteers Jennifer and Patti, Elizabeth, Sarah, and myself (Debbie)
Thank you so much to Robbi & Dick Brown and Patti for the fun enrichment, to all that have been so supportive and donated the amazing amounts of produce we were able to freeze for the party, and everyone that has been so willing to offer their help as we cope with the effects of the fire. And of course, to all of Missy’s pals!
Michelle Chambless says
I see Burrito is still in the lead with the most food in hand!!!! Happy Birthday Missy!!!
Doreen says
Clearly MISSY rocked out! Great Party – and JUST WHAT YOU ALL NEEDED! Many Hugs to you ALL!
Frankie does indeed, say RELAX! Wonderful Photos! Thanks for Sharing!
kim forwood (tiki kim) says
i LOVE them! Happy Birthday Missy!
Cindy says
IT would be Missy to have a birthday at the exact right time so not just girls but everyone at CSNW – and all of there in spirit – just wanna have fun!!!! Thanks Missy for your well timed birthday and everyone in the last weeks for EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!
Marsha says
You guys put on such GREAT PARTIES! The 7 must love ’em!
rita stevenson says
A party is what CSNW needed..
Chimps and staff alike.
Glad to see Jody and Burritto enjoyig each others company enough to groom.
Perhaps the recent fire situation has formed and or tightened bonds.
for chimps and humans alike.
Ladies you all look fabulous
Linda (Southern California) says
Another stellar party that couldn’t have come at a better time!! Smiles and pant-hoots for all!!
Great pics Debbie! Espcecially love the pic of you and the others. I’ve often wished there was a “Meet the Staff” section on this website so we could put names and faces together!!
So glad to see that everyone had a wonderful day. You all deserve it, that’s for sure!!
Marcia Douthwaite says
What wonderful treats, and I love your outfits, Ladies. It is time to celebrate–Missy’s birthday and healing from the past days’ trauma. Thank you so much for the wonderful photos, Debbie
Kat Morrell says
i’ve always been puzzled about how our chimp friends can eat frozen fruit treats without discomfort. I finally realized that they don’t have fillings to transmit the cold to the roots of their treats. Looks like they all really enjoyed the cold fruit treats today.
I have to ask…did any of the chimps put on the leg warmers. Seems like it would be a good ornament for some of out clothes loving friends.
Debbie says
Jamie put on a mesh arm cover. (I wouldn’t call it a “warmer” because it was made of mesh.) It was pretty great but she took it off before I could get a photo.
Julie H says
Happy Birthday, Missy! And thank you, staff and volunteers, for throwing a GRAND party! It IS just what everyone needed. I can’t wait to get Collin’s ink drawings of Missy and Negra back up on my wall (down for remodeling). My contractor has found perfect lighting for them and soon I’ll be back at my desk enjoying them looking down at me! Love you, Missy!!!
Brenna says
Happy birthday, Missy! I hope it’s your best one ever. 🙂
Lori says
Happy Birthday, Missy! I’m so glad you have such great care-givers that obviously love all of you!
I only wish I lived in the US to be able to visit!
kathyb says
I know this has nothing to do with Missy’s birthday. But I keep wondering bout the
bamboo – is it still there and if not will it come back ? I now know how all of the
people that donate to the chimps and live far away. It is kind of a helpless feeling
being so far away. We are now in South Dakota.
Diana says
We lost about a third of the smaller bamboo, but we expect it will come back in the Spring. The really tall bamboo all stayed in tact. Hope you’re having fun in South Dakota, Kathy.
Annie Norris says
Happy belated Birthday, Missy! We just got back from Alaska yesterday (beautiful as ever), so I’m just catching up with all the blogs. Glad to see you had a fun filled fruity birthday!