There may still be snow on the ground, but the sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and it finally feels like spring.
Cle Elum Seven
Spring Dreaming
Winter has hit us pretty hard over the past month or so, and while the chimpanzees aren’t complaining (snow is a delicacy!), the humans are ready to move on. Spring is one of everyone’s favorite times of year at the sanctuary – the air is warm, the grass is soft and sweet, and life is good. Can you feel it? Here’s to looking forward (by looking back):
Snow!
Mother Nature just keeps on giving.
Adult Chimpanzees Don’t Play
I once learned in a primate behavior class that adult chimps don’t tend to play much unless they’re playing with juveniles. Clearly, nobody gave the Cle Elum Seven the news. These are a few of my favorite play videos:
A Walk in the Snow
The chimpanzees have been making the most of the paths we made through the snow this weekend. As soon as the door to Young’s Hill was opened this morning, Foxie, Annie, Missy, and Jody set out to explore.
Cold Feet
Burr… The chimps could not wait to get outside, or well most of them! Jody and Foxie rushed through the raceway onto Young’s Hill followed by Missy and Annie. Jody quickly decided it was cold and turned around, as did Annie and Missy. However, Foxie explored a little bit longer before turning around. Jody like the kind friend she is waited for everyone including Foxie to make it back safe inside!
All the ladies rushing the door:
Foxie and Dora going for a brisk walk:
Jody waiting for everyone to come inside:
And eating a snow snack:
Jamie also grabbing a quick snow snack:
Jamie warmed herself up by grabbing a great read (the boot magazine from yesterday) while laying on a barrel watching volunteers clean:
After the Storm
The days after a snowstorm (or series of snowstorms) are so wonderful, aren’t they? It’s like reawakening to a changed world.
J.B., with the help of volunteer Jonathan, made some pathways in the snow for the chimpanzees today. The chimps watched the work being done for them from the greenhouse. When everything was ready for them, they went outside to stretch their legs a bit, take in the landscape, and get some snow to snack on.
Burrito following Annie:
Jody:
Jody and Missy:
Foxie:
You may have already guessed that Negra wasn’t with the first expedition of the morning, but instead stayed inside until afternoon:
Jamie, meanwhile, was preoccupied with a couple of magazines. In fact, she’s more preoccupied with photos of boots than with boots themselves lately.
She did take the time to go outside to grab a big chuck of snow after lunch before returning to a magazine:
