It’s another snowy day at the sanctuary and most of the chimpanzees have chosen to stay inside. Foxie and Burrito (read about their special friendship here) passed time in the playroom this morning with some low-key play.
Love
Everything in His Arsenal
When Burrito wants a caregiver to play with him, he dips into his toolkit of irresistibly charming play initiation behaviors. Things start out innocently enough.
But as soon as he makes eye contact, you know it’s all over.
He holds your gaze while biting on the nearest object.
He might add a head tilt for good measure.
If that doesn’t get you, he’ll throw in a play bow.
And if by some miracle you’re still not won over, he pulls out the trump card: the joyful blanket fling.
Try saying no to that.
Venturing Out
Before the chimpanzees go out onto Young’s Hill, they’ll sometimes stand at the door and contemplate for a moment. I often wonder what they’re thinking during this pause in their busy day. Considering that they spent the first few decades of their lives in tiny cages barely bigger than their bodies, I like to think they’re taking a moment to relish two acres of possibility.
Today the ground is wet from the melting snow, so Missy’s excursions outside were brief and purposeful.
Lunch
For lunch today, caregiver Lisa served the chimpanzees corn, cauliflower, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, snow peas, and red onions.
Annie with a corn cob wadge (you can see that chimps don’t have the same hangups about “table manners” as we do):
Negra with a mouthful of cauliflower glancing out the window on her way to her favorite spot on the catwalk:
Jody:
Missy heading upstairs with her haul:
She settled in front of the window for a lunchtime view of the valley:
Superbowl Sunday at CSNW
Because we’re always looking for an excuse to throw a party, and because the Seahawks are our home team, the chimpanzees had a little Superbowl shindig today. We decorated the greenhouse with Seahawks colors; everything from blankets to breakfast was green and blue. The chimps foraged for bok choy, green apples, and honeydew smoothie in blue plastic shot glasses.
Jamie used this perch as a lookout to scout for food:
and found some smoothie:
Burrito was on a mission searching for anything edible:
Missy found some bok choy and stuffed it in her mouth for safe keeping:
Foxie with a mouthful of food:
Negra was all about the peanuts, as usual:
Jody took her food up to this windowsill, where she could keep an eye on everyone else:
And Annie filled every inch of mouth space with green apple:
Our Superbowl party appears to have been a success and, I think, an indication of good things to come this afternoon. Enjoy your food, friends, and family wherever you are and join the chimps in wishing the Seahawks a great end to a great season. Go, Hawks!
Oh, Happy Day
Today was a happy, happy day at the sanctuary. There was snow on the ground, the sun was shining, and we all celebrated the life and memory of Dr. Mel Richardson. (Thanks again to Lynn, Connie, and Sue and Dawn and Jo for sponsoring today in celebration of what would have been Dr. Mel’s 64th birthday.)
The chimpanzees celebrated in style. The hit of the party was definitely the snow in plastic shot glasses. The chimps have been waiting all winter for snow to eat, and the last couple of days finally delivered.
Jamie:
Burrito:
Annie:
Missy:
Foxie with snow in mouth and troll in hand:
After the party everyone found a sunny spot to rest. BFFs Annie and Missy groomed each other in the playroom:
Negra headed to her favorite spot on the catwalk:
The day was extra special for Jamie. Bill Jackson, who has done some work for us at the sanctuary in the past, stopped by with a pair of boots. Last time he was here, he noticed that Jamie admired the boots he was wearing, so he came back today to hand them over. The chimps really do attract the best people.
As we wrap up the day here in the chimp house, we’re thinking of Dr. Mel, and all the good people of the world, and smiling.
