Katelyn

Happy Birthday to all our March revelers! Don your waistbands, spring’s on her way!

Annie! The original waistband trendsetter:

As I write this, I’m listening to wildly singing birds despite us having received a rather blizzardy and unpredicted snowstorm the night before last. Betwixt and between, not really winter, not quite spring. Though here in the northern hemisphere we officially welcome the spring equinox on March 19th! The cattle are reportedly even beginning to shed their amazing winter floof.

And as a side note, holy cats!! Daylight savings time (for those of us subjected to it) is a mere ten days away! What that means for the chimpanzees is that their caregivers show up with breakfast service an hour late, but also stay an hour later, increasing their opportunities to enjoy more sunshine as we schlep toward those long-awaited warmer days in their greenhouses and outdoor habitats.

Since we’re already seeing the arrival of the spring fashion trend of wearing stretchy headbands as waistbands, it won’t be long before Negra will be out in search of fresh spring grass to eat.

Honey B on the go, in a blur, but ready for spring:

Rayne:

On to birthday news! Rather fittingly, we have one chimpanzee’s birthday to celebrate for the entirety of March. The king himself, Cy, will be turning 34 on March 12th!

Considered the current alpha of his group of nine, we’ve shared many times about the gift of a leader and all around kind, patient and easygoing guy Cy is. Superhero (if you missed this excellent blog post by J.B. of Cy’s incredible skills in action, it’s a must read/watch), bibliophile, rom-com-phile ( 🙂 ), Willy B’s personal protector and savior, are just a few additional descriptors of the really special person he is.

One of my favorite memories of Cy was earlier in his group’s integration, a quiet moment when all the chimpanzees were relaxing as we cleaned their enclosures and Willy B, for reasons that continue to remain unknown to us, decided to shake things up. Which is really a daily occurrence. I was cleaning in the mezzanine and could see Willy B through the window as he began rattling the caging, and the other chimpanzees began getting worked up in anticipation of whatever this guy was going to do. All of a sudden the entire floor started shaking. This was Cy on the way and his characteristic take-charge foot stomping. He can sincerely rock the entire building when he displays – it’s awe-inspiring and intimidating, to say the least. Cy came through the doorway of the enclosure, HUGE, hair on end, stomping and staring right at Willy B, who appeared to remain unphased. Cy stomped all the way up to Willy B and I couldn’t help but think things were about to naturally escalate. But then, in a very uncharacteristic chimpanzee move, Cy calmly reached out, gently took Willy B’s hand off the caging and calmly walked away. I couldn’t believe it. It’s one of countless moments that speak to how unique, kind and respectful Cy is.

Cy and Willy B:

Having been born in the lab and raised by humans, how is it possible that he gained such skills without the invaluable guidance of his mother and the chimpanzee family he deserved to be raised with? I think this further speaks to his character.

As a leader, Cy has his hands immensely full with managing the ongoing shenanigans of his family and group members, particularly as they continue to navigate through their integration with Willy B, Honey B, and Mave, in 2021. It’s pretty apparent he’d often rather be left in peace to leaf through his magazines or watch his favorites shows, which he entirely deserves to do. But he handles his responsibilities with the utmost heart and grace. We could not be more thankful for him.

Right about now, you’re probably thinking, “I need to be this guy’s Chimp Pal!” If you weren’t ready during our February Pal campaign, here’s another opportunity: https://chimpsnw.org/you-can-help/be-a-chimpanzee-pal/.

And for those who celebrate (everyone?!), we have the chimpanzees’ St. Patrick’s Day fest and feast on March 17th!

(Jamie feet with apple filled St. Patrick’s Day socks):

Then we end the month with the chimpanzees’ Easter celebration on March 31st!

Burrito:

Willy B:

The welcoming of spring would not be complete without one of my favorite photos of Jody, in her Mistress Forager element of pure delight over their Easter forage, giving us what can’t be seen in the photo, her endearing “bouncy greeting”.

So there you have it friends. Don your waistbands, your leprechaun socks, sing your songs (maybe Annie-bird style), greet your people by bouncing up and down, and join us as we celebrate the wonder of spring, the wonder of Cy, and the wonder of you, our incredible supporters! Thank you, always, for being here.