I hope you experience the same vicarious joy that I do when watching the cows race to their spring pastures each year.
pasture
On the Mooove
On Monday, Katelyn posted about the cows’ return to the summer pastures. Here’s a video version of the same event.
If you haven’t been around cows much, think of them as 1,000-2,000 lb. dogs, with every bit as much personality. Spring has always been a wonderful time of year, but seeing it through a cow’s eyes gives it even more profound meaning. Already they are choosing to forego sleeping in their barn so they can camp at their spot above Young’s Hill overlooking acres of green pasture.
Soaking up the sun
Jody was so eager to go out on to the hill this morning that she took off before finishing her breakfast.
I am always hesitant to read too much into the chimps’ behavior, but I really do believe that Jody has a renewed appreciation for Young’s Hill this week after having been restricted to the indoors for a few days during her recovery.
She later came back for her chow bag and sat at the entrance to the hill, savoring each bite while basking in the warm sun.
While Jody’s eye still has some healing to do, Dr. Zamzow and our team of veterinary advisors are happy with the progress.
On another topic, here’s something I found interesting: This morning I discovered what can only be Jamie’s handiwork – a piece of blanket tied with a double knot to the caging. Jamie often secures her nests to the caging by threading the blankets through the mesh and she is well known for her knot-tying abilities (most likely learned when she was a youngster living with humans in the entertainment industry). Either this was meant to be the foundation of an incredibly stable and secure nest, or Jamie has started creating enrichment puzzles for the caregivers.
And in other news, have you checked out our Summer Biddin’ Online Auction yet? Your bids and donations will help us care for seven amazing chimps, support the expansion of the sanctuary so that we can take in even more chimps, and aid in the construction of fencing and a new barn for the five cows that will soon call the sanctuary home.
The other day I was repairing fencing on the View Property when this doe approached to politely inquire as to why I was in her barn. This area will be part of the winter pasture for Whitaker, Betsy, Nutmeg, Honey, and Meredith. Isn’t it incredible? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of room for both cows and deer.
The online auction is going on now and ends Monday at 7pm Pacific – check it out now before it’s too late!
