This morning Missy and Foxie went from climbing structure to climbing structure on Young’s Hill and licked as much frost as they could.
It was 30° but the sun and the promise of adventure enticed them to stay for awhile.
Missy
Missy
Magnificent Missy!
Missy was made to use her muscles! She is full of potential energy. One spark from a friend can send her into a flurry of chase, tightrope walking, foot grabbing or bouncy play. This morning I caught her just before she launched into a gallop. The calm before the storm.
Missy loves a good potato
Snacking on a raw potato may not be your idea of a good time, but Missy thinks it’s delicious. (Volume up for satisfying crunching.)
Missy held hostage
After the chimps returned from their morning foray around the hill, Annie climbed to the top of the greenhouse to make a nest and get warm. She immediately started clapping her feet together and making her patented bird noised (whistling through her hands) which if you’re new-ish to the blog is Annie speak for “I am extremely happy and content right now.”
Best friend, Missy, climbed up to join her where they had a sweet grooming session. Missy doesn’t often care to have her photo taken and I admittedly took advantage of the fact that she was held hostage by Annie who was grooming her back to snap a few quick photos with her permission. It didn’t take Missy long to turn her back so I’m happy to have captured a few of her beautiful self. Thanks, Missy!
When chimpanzees groom one another or themselves, they typically make a variety of distinct sounds with their mouths, tongues and teeth to communicate their intentions. We humans do this as well when the chimps invite us to groom with them through the caging. Each chimp has their own style to some degree which can include, lip-smacking, teeth-clacking or blowing raspberries. Annie was utilizing the raspberry technique:
Taking her job very seriously:
Missy said, “A little lower”:
Octobrrrrr!
While the mornings in October are beautiful, they sure are cold! However, its still warm in the sun and the chimps don’t seem to mind the brisk mornings. Look at all of them out on Young’s Hill (even Neggie)!
Negra was very eager to go outside with everyone this morning:
And then promptly came back inside to snooze a little bit more, can you tell that lump of blankets is Negra:
Missy was having a blast rippin and chasing her friends onto Young’s Hill:
Jody, Jamie, Foxie, and Annie all scattered onto the Hill:
Foxie:
Annie:
Burrito:
Burrito eventually decided to go inside:
Later in the morning while we were cleaning I saw Jody basking in the sun:
While Jody was relaxing I found Burrito watching Foxie and Missy out on the Hill:
It warms my heart to see everyone enjoying their day and spending quality time together!
Missy’s Legs
Missy’s legs take her on some pretty great adventures.
So they need plenty of rest.
