The warm weather has put everyone here in good moods. Even Negra is feeling playful. Those of you who follow the blog faithfully know that Negra covets peace and quiet, and would typically prefer to chill out under a blanket than to join the other chimps’ rambunctious play. Yesterday, however, Missy was able to ease Negra into some gentle play by dialing down the energy a few notches. Negra even got to keep her blanket.
Early morning activity
It’s always interesting to see what the chimpanzees are doing when we arrive first thing in the morning. On a typical day, Jamie might be doing headstands in one of the front rooms; Foxie, Jody and a troll or two are play wrestling; Burrito is up and ready for breakfast; Annie and Missy are playing a lazy game of chase in the playroom; and Negra is still cuddled in bed. This morning when I arrived, however, Jamie was the only person up. She was enjoying a beverage in the front rooms while everyone else slept in. A few minutes later, Foxie had gotten out of bed and Jamie served as accomplice while Foxie tried her best to demolish one of the overhead lights in the playroom. (Don’t worry — they’re well protected.)
A new life for Jody
It’s sometimes surreal to think that just over a year ago, Jody was stuck in a cage in a windowless basement with nothing to do, nothing to see, and nothing interesting to eat. Now she spends her days gorging on watermelon and resting in gigantic nests. What a difference a year makes!
Tireless Missy
The weather in Cle Elum is gorgeous today and the chimps have spent many hours outside in the sun. Missy has been so playful that she has barely stopped to eat.
Some new old photos
It’s been a busy day and I didn’t have time to take any new pictures or video, but I did find some older portraits that haven’t been posted before (I hope!).
Annie:
Burrito:
Foxie:
Jamie:
Jody:
Missy:
Negra:
Today at CSNW
It’s been a good day. Here’s a brief video diary:
Hanging out with Foxie
People sometimes ask how we interact with the chimpanzees through the fencing. While there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve any physical contact at all (chase!), there are safe methods of physical contact that allow us to tickle or groom — or be tickled or groomed by — the chimps. To make sure everyone stays safe, our fingers never penetrate the plane of the fencing. In this video, Jackie, our newest caregiver, uses a decapitated troll head (!!!) and a piece of bark to groom and tickle Foxie.