Happy Thanksgiving from the Chimp House! Hopefully everyone gets to enjoy their own fistful of mashed potatoes today, just like Jody!
Recess with Gordo!
Yesterday, as the big group of 9 settled in for their usual after-breakfast naps, Gordo had other ideas! The view from the interior of the Mezzanine provides an interesting glimpse into the upstairs activities in the Lupine Playroom.
Happy Birthday Honey Cow!
Today our beloved Honey Cow turns 15! At CSNW, caregivers have been getting to know this sassy golden cow for the last 4 years! A very special thank you to Paulette Wrisley for sponsoring today in Honey’s honor.
Honey is easily recognized as the lightest “honey” colored member in her small herd of fellow Jersey cattle.
From front to back: Meredith, Betsy, Honey and Nutmeg:
Honey is also known for being the sauciest member of her herd. She has no patience for the hugs we would ideally like to give her. Occasionally we can get away with a few scratches or a little brushing, but in general we respect Honey’s wishes and give her the personal space from humans she seems to appreciate. I think if Honey could plan an ideal birthday party for herself, she would like a bale of hay delivered to her barn and to be left alone with her family, and that’s just what she got today!
Here are a few of my favorite photos of Honey taken by my fellow caregivers throughout the seasons!
Back in the chute!
Today Cy’s group got access back to the outdoor chute. After a few months of construction, the chute has received some new and improved space and connections. This chute will eventually be the portal that leads to The Bray outdoor enclosure (currently being built). For now though, it’s a popular hangout where the 2 groups of chimpanzees can check in on each other. Even after the initial excitement dies down, this visual connection is quite enriching!
Small space, big fun
As Sofía mentioned last month, we were hesitant to give the newly formed group of chimpanzees their smallest enclosure back. Now that Front Room 7 is back in action, we often find multiple chimpanzees choosing to gather in this space for social and relaxation sessions. We can often hear laughter echoing down the hallway from this room as we write the blog! When designing a sanctuary, you just never quite know where the popular “club houses” will be. I guess it just highlights the importance of following the chimps’ lead and letting them have as much choice in the matter as possible.
Friendly Forages
One of our concerns during introductions was Willy B’s tendency to show intense food possession during mealtimes. He has a pretty intimidating presence and his original group mates Honey B and Mave often stay clear of him when they are eating. Knowing Willy B’s tendency to dominate during meals, we have been hesitant to put out forages in case it caused conflict in the newly formed group. However, with a little experimentation and a slow reintroduction to forages, we have found them to be surprisingly peaceful events so far.
Here are a few photos taken during today’s lunch forage in the greenhouses!
Honey B:
Gordo:
Mave, relaxing after her meal:
Rayne:
Willy B:
Willy B in the Recovery Room
As Grace blogged about yesterday, Willy B took a trip to the clinic yesterday to get some stitches in his right nostril. He has recovered pretty quickly from the anesthesia but will still need to spend a few days apart from his group in order to let his injury heal.
Today he got a visit from his friends through the window between the front rooms and the Lupine Playroom. They were thrilled to get a good look at him and make sure he was doing well.
Gordo and Mave doing an inspection:
The busyness of daily care and planning for Hoot! continues here at the sanctuary so please forgive this short little update!
