Willy B decided he would try a few new things today.
He began by climbing to the top of Ryan’s Lookout. I was impressed just to see him do that much and thought he might have called it quits after that, since it took him several minutes and multiple attempts to figure out how to get back down. We have a backup plan for almost any situation imaginable but getting a chimp who is afraid of heights down from a climbing structure would not be easy.
But he was undeterred by that experience, or maybe even invigorated by it. He then set his sights on a crow’s nest.
Who is this guy? And he wasn’t content to climb just one crow’s nest. As soon as he awkwardly climbed down from the first, he headed straight to another one.
He spent quite a while up there, taking in the view and even watching intently as volunteer Carrie drove down the long driveway and off into town.
Getting down from the second crow’s nest was a bit quicker but no more graceful than from the first.
Willy B’s old buddies, Honey B and Mave, were outside keeping an eye on him during his many adventures. One of Honey B’s new favorite places is the Escher climbing structure, which is about halfway up the hill. It still surprises me to see her out there. She has a touch of light sensitivity and can often be seen shielding her eyes when outside in the bright sun. Either that or she’s trying to conceal her identity.
Mave waited patiently at the end of the boardwalk.
While Willy’s conquering of the crow’s nests may have been the biggest news of the afternoon, it was something more subtle that really caught my attention when he returned.
Mave was waiting to greet him at the bottom of the hill.
After bouncing and pant-grunting, Mave walked with Willy B back to the chute to be with the rest of the group.
And neither utilized the boardwalk.
This is a guy that couldn’t let his tender little toes touch grass even when his favorite foods were just a few steps away.
It’s a good reminder that progress in sanctuary work is often measured in years, even decades.
Don’t forget about Giving Day for Apes! We are hoping to compete for the most dollars raised for a North American sanctuary during the “Power Hour” of 10 – 11 a.m. PT / 1 – 2 p.m. ET tomorrow. Please consider making a donation to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest at that time!
What a fantastic blog! I was smiling from start to finish. Willy B is a conqueror! I love that Mave was keeping an eye on him. They’re such loves!
I am so thrilled for Willy B and his multi massively courageous adventures today!! I recall those days when he would only tippy toe out of the chute grab a yummy treat and then dash right in, never ever leaving the boardwalk. Doing so seemed like giant steps at the time (because they were). But today! Wow, I wonder what inspired him to expand his comfort zone today?! Whatever it was I couldn’t be happier for him! We all blossom in our way and in our own time. Go Willy B!!
J.B., do you think Honey B has light sensitivity because of her eye injury? I can’t recall if there was any actual contact made to her eye. I just love that image of her.
And what a perfect ending to this celebratory post! Mave and Willy B heading inside directly across the grass! Will wonders ever cease?!
Today. Was. BIG!
The light sensitivity actually precedes her eye injury – she did it when we met her at Wildlife Waystation. I don’t believe there was anything in her medical file so we don’t know when it began.
How about a nice pair of trendy sunglasses for her…?
I think she would use them and look fab. in them.
You read my mind. There has to be a style of durable plastic or rubber out there…
JB,
What a wonderful post! so great to see Willy’s progress and enjoy being a Chimp!
With Chimps coming from The Weystation, I did always wonder what if a Chimp got stuck up there and couldnt get down. With their family looking on, I feel like a concerned or worried Willy B would certainly garner assistance and help from Mave or one or the others 🙂
So good to see Willy B pushing himself and being successful. Go Willy B and Mave!
Such good news regarding Willy B., Mave and Honey B. The pictures of Willy B awkwardly exiting the Crows Nest are really quite sweet. Perhaps Honey B could use a pair of custom made sunglasses!!
Wow!! Go Willy B!!! The original Waystation 3 really have made insane progress this year! Now all three of them are really starting to get comfortable with the outdoors. It really just makes my heart burst!
As for Honey B, are you sure it’s light sensitivity and not a sensitivity to Willy’s less-than-graceful dismount (I know you’ll get there, buddy!)?
Bravo Willy. I, on the other hand, would have needed the assistance of the local fire department to get me down. Hey, everybody, don’t forget to donate today to CSNW on Giving Day for Apes. It’s easier than climbing a tower, for sure.
with no hand holds, and eschewing the firehose, he managed to get down!! As someone said above, I would have been stuck with my lack of opposable toes and arm strength!
A BIG day for change, and Mave taking over Jody’s den mother job…
but I’ll still miss seeing big ol’ Willy B in his tub-boat, sailing the high grasses in search of treats!