I know we’ve said it before, but Missy has been quite a star on Young’s Hill. She’s been so confident and fearless out there! We knew she would love the Hill, but I don’t think any of us could have predicted the level of bravery she would have. I’m so proud of her! GO MISSY GO!
The simple things
There are so many beautiful stories to tell about these first few days of Young’s Hill- it’s been an exciting time for all of us- but sometimes it’s the simplest things that move me. Seeing blue skies behind them and the sunlight shining on their backs, no caging surrounding them, and the incredible view they get to enjoy. It is an amazing thing to see.
Sunflowers
It’s that time of year again! It’s been a pretty cloudy, raining day here at the sanctuary, so I gave the chimps a little something from the garden to brighten up the day. The chimps really seem to enjoy picking all the petals off and then munching on the seeds. Burrito and Foxie weren’t too into it, but everyone else was pretty excited. I wasn’t able to get a good picture of Jody because she quickly took hers inside to munch on in her nest- smart woman!
Raisin Boards
Raisin boards are blocks of wood with holes drilled in them that we put raisins or other dried fruit into and the chimps have to use tools or find other creative ways to get the food out. We have implemented an evening “enhanced enrichment” program, in which we present the chimpanzees with a puzzles or some other type of challenge at the end of the day to help keep them from getting bored. Tonight’s raisin boards had a peanut butter/banana paste in them, which the chimps really loved. Here’s Missy’s strategy.
She alternated between using her hand made tool

and just sucking the peanut butter out (which had solidified some in the fridge)
Whatever works, right?
Seriously Playful
In contrast to the Negra-style play mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, when Foxie and Jamie play, they are completely uninhibited and just down right goofy. I could watch them (and laugh with them) being silly all day long.
Mr. Handsome
Private eyes are watching you
Speaking of brown eyed girls:














