We continue to be amazed by this spring-like winter we’re having in Cle Elum. Today’s sun has made the greenhouse nice and toasty for the chimpanzees. Volunteer caregiver Jake found the chimps in a grooming huddle up on the platform when he brought lunch out this afternoon, but they were happy to take a break to eat.
Jody
Is it Winter?
The chimps and I are still in disbelief that it is 42 degrees in January! Jamie and I have been going on nice leisurely walks (Missy did joined us but after a while she would sprint off). Missy has been out all day running everywhere, climbing on all the outdoor structures, and balancing on ropes. Annie and Missy enjoyed sometime together on the Hill playing follow the leader and wrestling in the Playroom. Foxie took her dolls outside and soaked in the warmer weather. Foxie and Jody later went far out on the Hill and explored together. I couldn’t catch Burrito in any photos but he also had been out and about on the Hill and of course played chase in the Green House! And Neggie made some very cozy nests today and laid near the Playroom windows to feel the warm sun shining in.
Missy running on Young’s Hill:
Missy:
Annie staring out towards the Hill:
Annie:
Jamie also running on the Hill with Missy:
Jamie:
Negra:
Movement
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.
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:
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:
How Many Chimps Do You See?
How many chimps are in this picture? Can you name them? Ready… Go!
Bonus photos!
Annie sitting on top of the Twister:
Foxie:
Missy eating snow:
Burrito taking a stroll with the ladies:
Jamie ready for a walk and Missy following behind:
Jody was on a mission (probably to find snow):
Jody and Foxie:
While everyone was outside Negra grabbed a bunch of blankets and took a nap:
Later, Jamie went out and sat on the Twister for a while:
January mornings
This morning, Jody led Foxie and Burrito on the first perimeter walk of the day!
The sun was out, but a slight breeze made for a very brisk walk.
The Cle Elum 7 love snow, so no matter how chilly they might feel, they still like to collect an icy snack to take inside with them. Jody is no different!
