Cy

Jump Jump

January 12, 2022 by Kelsi

As we have discussed many times, Cy is an avid reader. With some kind donations of Shutterfly gift-cards we finally made Cy his book! The pages were filled with Mave’s group, Jamie’s group, the cattle, and of course lots of spreads of Willy B. Cy is constantly flipping through magazines and we have never seen him so startled that he jumps, but when he saw the pictures of the cattle he jumped out of his skin! The first time he even made me jump! Eventually, Rayne took care of it for him and ripped the book up. She is a true friend! Since Cy’s new book didn’t work out, we are running dangerously low on magazines. Cy has been dying to get his hands on some People magazines! If anyone has clean magazines they could spare, we (Cy) would greatly appreciate it!

Let it snow?

January 9, 2022 by Sam Jones

No, just kidding don’t let it snow anymore. At least right now! I grew up in Ohio so I’m used to snow, but this much snow? Not so much. Living in the Georgia mountains the past couple years I kept saying how much I missed being around snow. I think I just got more snow than what I asked for. At least it’s beautiful to look at and the chimpanzees are still enjoying all of their snow snacks.

Like the blog yesterday (What Now?) mentioned, the chimpanzees are making good use of their Greenhouses! The heaters are keeping them pretty warm and the sun was out for most of the day, so it was a good day to be out there. Here are some photos from how the chimpanzees spent their time in the Greenhouses.

Annie seemed very comfortable in her nest.

Missy on the move!

On the other side of the building Cy was looking very majestic in the Greenhouse.

Of course Lucky was too.

Rayne was peering down at me from the mesh above. This square is here so we can see while we operate a door between the Greenhouses.

In the other Greenhouse Willy B was hard at work on the hanging Frisbee puzzles his group got as enrichment for the afternoon.

While most others were in the Greenhouses, Honey B and I were playing a game of chase. She kept stopping by this window because normally we would run outside of the building and meet her there.

This is what the outside of the window looks like today!

Bonus photo from today: Rayne in a box!

Chimp ID: Cy

January 4, 2022 by Kelsi

Today’s blog is all about how to ID our lovable friend, Cy! Out of all the chimpanzees I have worked with over the years, I have never met a chimp like Cy. Each chimp I have met has amazing and different qualities about them, but Cy is kind to his very core. Even when he is displaying, he has a play face, he just never seems mad.

Cy is a big guy with an even bigger heart!

Cy has the kindest eyes.

Cy has a prominent white beard. From the front he has very dark features, but from behind his hair is more grayish white. We joke that he reminds us of a gorilla from behind!

Cy is an good leader. He knows how to navigate social situations extremely well. He can recognize when to let things go and when to make a point.

Cy is a bibliophile

Cy resembles his sister Lucky quiet a bit!

Cy is the type of guy to become your instant friend. He will want you to play chase, sit while he tickles the back of your hand, or just hangout with him while he reads.

Cy is also stubborn! He and Lucky are often hold outs, like their half sister Honey B!

‘Twas the day after Christmas

December 26, 2021 by Sam Jones

‘Twas the day after Christmas when all through the chimp house, not a chimp was stirring, not even a Lucky.

The stockings were picked through and dismantled from the trees without care. In hopes that the party cleanup crew would soon be there.

The chimpanzees were nestled all snug in their nests, while visions of more presents danced in their heads. Cy with his magazines and blankets had just settled down to watch the movie Shrek.

Out in the yard there was such a loud clatter. Jamie sprang from her nest to see what was the matter. It was just me, making too much chatter.

The chimpanzees all had such a great Christmas! So many new presents! Today was very laid back and a lot of resting after the huge celebration yesterday.

Dora, Rayne, and Terry having a little grooming party this morning. Lucky joined too after I took this photo.

Icicle season

December 19, 2021 by Sam Jones

Negra, with Jamie behind her, was the first one by the door today when I gave her group access to Young’s Hill. She spent a good amount of time enjoying handfuls of snow!

Jamie, Annie, and Foxie getting their turn for some snow.

After we cleaned the seven’s playroom we filled up one of their tubs with snow and put some icicles in it. We had to to tell volunteer Lisa to save some for the chimps, since she wanted to eat it all.

After the chimpanzees got access back to the playroom Jamie was the first one to the tub of goodies.

The chimps on the other side of the building also got to enjoy some icicles and snow.

Gordo was first to investigate.

He picked up some icicles, but then went straight for the snow.

Rayne also came over to grab some icicles.

Snow was slowly melting and sliding down the roof of the Greenhouse and Cy was keeping an eye on it.

In the other Greenhouse Honey B was ready for a game of chase.

Bonus photos from after breakfast this morning.

Negra with her oranges.

Burrito with a mouth full of chow.

We have lots of fun things on our Amazon wish list for the Holidays! If you are interested you can check it out here!

Grooming with friends

December 12, 2021 by Sam Jones

The chimps were all warm and cozy inside this morning and most were taking some after breakfast naps. Not Rayne and Terry though! They were having quite the grooming session. Terry was very gently grooming Rayne’s face with his lips. Anthony happened to spot this and I rushed to get the camera. This went on for a long time and they groomed on and off. What a perfect way to groom when your stomach is full from breakfast!

Cy waiting for us to put out some new magazines for him to read.

Dora resting on one of the wooden toys.

On the other side of the building Katelyn was on snow treat duty! The chimpanzees in Negra’s group were lined up in the front rooms waiting for Katelyn to bring them lots of snow! Foxie’s snow had a special treat waiting in it.

Negra enjoying snow.

Jody patiently waiting for some snow.

Foxie with her shovel coming inside to join the snow party!

We Made it!

November 27, 2021 by Kelsi

Hooray, we made it to the weekend! I for one am exhausted this week, between the chimp’s Thanksgiving and the human’s we are all wiped. I was asked a lot this week what I am grateful for. So I thought I would share a few things that I am especially grateful for.

1. I am grateful for our expansion to be able to take in more chimps. It has been an extraordinary experience to get to know these six incredible chimpanzees!

2. I am thankful for the chimp’s health. This pandemic has been overwhelming and very stressful. The lengths that we go to protect these chimps are obviously working and we are so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people to help protect them.

3. I am forever and always grateful to be able to care for these sixteen remarkable chimpanzees. To help provide a safe and enriching life for them is a true honor.

4. This year I was extremely thankful to be surrounded by the people that I loved. So many of us were not able to do that last year, which makes this year even more special!

Enough mushy stuff, let’s look at some photos! I was able to capture some photos over the last week. Not all the photos make it to the blog, fit the theme, or sometimes we capture a moment throughout the week!

I think this photo perfectly captures Jamie. She is beautiful, extremely intelligent, funny, always thinking, and has moments of letting her guard down.