In general, the chimpanzees make difficult motion look so simple and easy. Here are just a few of my favorite photos of strength, flexibility, finesse, coordination, speed, and balance.
Jamie
Among the sun spots
Despite snow and storms being predicted these last couple of days, we woke to a sunny, but frosty cold day. And ALL the primates have been soaking in the light:
Jamie surveying her frozen Queendom:
She climbed around licking all the melting frost off the structures:
And just hiding out for a bit of privacy while her staff wait patiently in the wings:
Foxie among the sunspots in the greenhouse:
Beautiful Missy in a rare moment of tolerating the camera:
Annie wasn’t up for eating cold snow and decided to sit in the sun and wadge paper from her chow bag instead:
Even, unbelievably, the Queen made a run OUTSIDE for a snow snack:
Foxie grimacing from the cold on her way back to the greenhouse. In her rush to get back she dropped three of her dolls outside, but several minutes later she scurried back out to collect them and take them to warm up in the chimp house:
Cold winds couldn’t stop the boss from her duties, who figures we can always run to stay warm:
Girl Gang
Today was for the ladies. I found Negra, Jamie, Jody, Foxie, & Missy all grooming each other while we cleaned the playroom (Annie was off doing her own thing), it could not have be a better time than to sit in a line and groom each other for an hour or so. Grooming is a very important aspect in chimp behavior and these ladies made sure to get their fill today!
Negra being groomed by Jamie:
Negra and Jamie noticed my presence and stared at me while I snapped some photos:
Jamie later had Missy tell me to get lost:
Negra, Jamie, Jody, & Foxie (Missy left shortly before this):
Well, of course Burrito wasn’t to far away:
Whatever the Boss Says
Volunteer caregiver Becca swung by the sanctuary today to drop off some produce for the chimpanzees. It was supposed to be a quick visit but as soon as Jamie spotted her, she recruited her for a couple of runs (runs!) around Young’s Hill. After the perimeter runs, a grooming session in the greenhouse was in order. Jamie eventually requested that Becca hand over the boot she was wearing, so she had to hobble back to the chimp house on one foot. We’ve learned to submit to Jamie’s rule and not complain too much.
Thank you, Gabi!
Today was sponsored by Gabi Ford with the simple, but heartfelt sentiment: “I get so much enjoyment from seeing the Cle Elum 7.”
Gabi, thank you so much for your gift for the chimps and contributing so generously to their lives. I am pretty sure you speak for us all. While we are all here together to ensure the chimps receive as much as possible to thrive and flourish in their lives, it’s incredible to see what a source of hope, love, compassion, inspiration and pure joy they are for so many of us.
Negra:
Foxie:
Jamie:
Missy and Annie:
Jody:
Burrito:
Communicating about boots
On most mornings, Jamie is the first chimpanzee the lead caregiver sees when they open up the human door leading from the kitchen to the hallway in front of the chimps’ enclosures. She is often in the loft overlooking the kitchen, and she has a simple goal in mind: make sure her caregiver puts on one of her boots. Lately she has been pretty specific about which boot she wants some of us to wear, so instead of stomping and gesturing at her boot collection located in the kitchen, she sends us a more obvious message.
Nice Day for a Walk
When I arrived at CSNW this morning I was greeted by a nice long kiss by Jamie and breathy pants from the chimps. Jamie gestured for me to put a boot on and she broke into a game of chase. Jamie lead me outside to the greenhouse, where she ran up to door Y and insisted I open it so we could finish our game of chase on Young’s Hill. However, we close off the Hill at night for the chimps and before I can open any door there are checks that I have to do. But, trust me – I got her out there in good time! Today was a pretty mild winter day (which might explain some good moods this morning) and the chimps took full advantage of it. Jamie and Missy spent most of their day on Young’s Hill, and who could blame them! Jamie especially was loving this warmer winter weather! Jamie and I played games of chase inside, games of chase outside, we did countless walks, and spent sometime just sitting outside. Because we were outside for most of the day I was only able to capture a few photos.
Jamie eating some broccoli in her nest:
Missy taking a short break:
Jamie admiring her boots:
Jamie tucked her boots safely in her pelvic pocket; shortly afterwards she gave me those boots to go walk with her:
