Debbie caught Foxie and Diana in a game of tug of war. Watch for Foxie’s special move at the end.
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Chimpanzee Pretzel Play
We have said it before – and I’ll say it again now – no one, whether human or chimpanzee, can bring out the goofiness in Jamie like Foxie can. This video is a must-see if you need a little boost to your day.
And here’s that chimpanzee pretzel photo:
Enjoying the Sunshine and the Tea Party
The chimpanzees were excited to make the most of the sunshine this morning by spending time on Young’s Hill. Jody was the first to venture outside, followed by Burrito, Jamie, Foxie, Missy and then Annie. Negra was close; she made it to the raceway that leads out to the hill, then sat down and looked outside.
Missy and Annie shared a few quiet minutes sitting together on top of the shaky bridge.
As soon as Missy spotted Jamie, she jumped down from the bridge and ran after her. And then Jamie took turns running after Missy.
And then Foxie joined Annie on the shaky bridge. (Annie is facing away from the camera)
In the mean time, Negra sat quietly in the Greenhouse, near the raceway, alternating between looking outside and inspecting her hand.
Jody gathered some bamboo before heading back to the greenhouse to relax and groom herself.
Meanwhile, volunteers Erin and Jake set up a tea party for the chimpanzees in the Playroom for today’s “Tea Party” theme. Jamie was all about it. After drinking the tea, she inspected the inside of each cup; turning it upside down, sticking her fingers in the cup and then licking them. She gives meaning to the saying “Good to the last drop”
And Burrito spent the better part of the rainy afternoon grooming his good friend Foxie.
Safety in numbers
Hank the hawk continues to use the sanctuary as his hunting grounds. But while the chimps were once scared of him, some of them are starting to enjoy having him around, if only for the excitement that he provides.
This morning, Missy was sitting quietly on a climbing structure on Young’s Hill.
Foxie was nearby, with troll in hand.
Missy approached Foxie and reached out her hand, holding it under Foxie’s chin.
Then suddenly, she stood up, climbed down the ladder, and swung on the fire hose.
She leaped off the fire hose and into a full sprint toward the top corner of Young’s Hill, where the hawk had been perched just days before.
As soon as she reached the top, she turned and ran back to the climbing structure.
And swung on the fire hose again.
The other chimps took notice of Missy’s antics and started to move towards the top of the hill. Missy continued jumping, leaping, and tight rope walking while they gathered.
They began to congregate on the platform closest to the top of the hill.
They all looked around for any sign of the hawk.
Finally, Jody walked toward the corner to get a better look.
But Jody, it seems, does not share Missy’s sense of adventure. Not yet, at least.
For now, she’d rather play it safe.
Foxie and the bandana
This morning Foxie demonstrated how to have fun with a bandana in 11 easy steps:
What’s a little face-kicking between friends?
Annie and Missy almost didn’t go outside for lunch this afternoon because they were having too much fun kicking each other in the face and biting each other’s feet.
Best of today
There were so many good photos of each of the chimpanzees that I had to share them all on today’s blog. It’s really hard to pick a favorite.
Annie’s beauty is beyond words.
Missy actually sat still long enough for us to get a few photos.
Foxie enjoyed her pears at breakfast. Perhaps they taste better by the mouthful.
Burrito spent part of the afternoon playing with his wooden blocks and his own arm.
Jamie took a moment to pose for the camera before going for a walk on Young’s Hill.
Jody took some time to groom herself and ponder her surroundings.
Negra in her favorite nesting spot on the catwalk.
