Annie found a way to stand out from the crowd today…
northwest
Morning Exploration
On these summer mornings, when there’s still a slight coolness to the air and the sun is low in the sky, the chimpanzees often explore the outdoor habitat. They head out on their own, in pairs, or sometimes as a group, generally splitting off to do some private exploration. They go to the top of the towers to see if the landscape has changed, and they pick edible plants for an after-breakfast snack.
We don’t often get photos of this morning exploration because the humans are busy starting the cleaning for the day.
Today, however, we have a full house of volunteers! I took advantage of the help and went to the top of the observation tower to take a few photos while Deb, Lynn, Rachel, and Dusty scrubbed and disinfected the playroom.
I had to use the telephoto lens to identify the tiny specs of chimps in the distance and even that lens wasn’t able to zoom in very close with the chimps at the very top of the two-acre enclosure. They would sometimes disappear completely, hidden by the tall summer grass. I love watching them out on their own with no concern for the human activity in the building, just soaking in the day.
Missy and Annie:
Missy:
Missy and Annie heading back to the greenhouse:
Jody foraging for prickly lettuce:
Jamie doing her own thing:
Playful Summer Mornings
Waiting for breakfast to be served at the greenhouse on a beautiful summer morning…
Drag Race
Whenever we drive the Gator (our farm utility vehicle), Jamie excitedly challenges us to a drag race. Exercise, enrichment, and a nice little rest for the staff!
The gift of knowing Foxie
I’ve met very few people in my life capable of spreading joy as infectiously as Foxie. Even the act of saying her name coaxes your mouth into a tiny smile. That so much happiness can come from a life rooted in so much tragedy is nothing short of a miracle.
A look back at Jamie
This video speaks for itself. Take a look at Jamie nine years ago and today.
Happy Summer Solstice!
We have a wonderful surprise day of sanctuary today sponsored by Dylan Most, who just wanted to give a little love to the chimps and celebrate the first day of summer!
Dylan, what a lovely gift! Thank you so much for thinking of the chimps and all of us here at the sanctuary. It’s hard to believe it’s summer! But the easeful, peaceful and joyful days are welcome by us all and it’s so wonderful to see the chimps relishing it all. We are grateful to your kind heart for helping to make theirs lives as beautiful as possible.
Be it your summer or winter, all of us are wishing all of you a beautiful solstice! And happy summer to all our northern hemisphere folks!
Jody:
Foxie:
Negra:
Annie:
Jamie:
Missy:
Burrito:
