I know we’ve said it before, but Missy has been quite a star on Young’s Hill. She’s been so confident and fearless out there! We knew she would love the Hill, but I don’t think any of us could have predicted the level of bravery she would have. I’m so proud of her! GO MISSY GO!
rescue
First few days out
I know all our regular blog readers have been waiting to see some more video of the chimps out on Young’s Hill. If you haven’t yet, watch this video from KOMO News that shows their first moments out (but have some tissue close by!) This montage is of highlights from the following days. Enjoy!
Raw Footage
KOMO News posted some of the raw footage of the chimps going onto the hill!! We can’t wait to see the edited story tonight at 11pm and tomorrow at 6pm. In the meantime – watch this: http://www.komonews.com/home/video/130471343.html
Reassurance
As I mentioned earlier, we’ve been putting forages out on the hill to encourage the chimps to go out. Negra will do anything for lettuce, so we’ve been using trails of lettuce leaves to lead her across the log bridge to the lowest platform. Tonight she climbed to the top of the platform for what I think was the first time.
On her way back she heard something that startled her. Determined to stay with her lettuce, she sought reassurance from a caregiver from afar, and then from Jamie who approached from below.
Negra amazes me. Imagine the courage that it takes to venture out into the wide open after living 35+ years in cages scarcely bigger than your own body. I am thrilled to see her on that hill.
Missy
So far Missy is the star of Young’s Hill. She is completely at home out there and already has her favorite spots picked out. There’s the two structures connected by a fire hose ladder at the top of the hill, which provide a great vantage point:
Then when she needs to rest in the shade, she heads down to the hammock:
Many of you already know that Missy loves to jump. She’s already discovered the best place for that:
We’ve been putting out forages on the hill each morning to entice some of the more hesitant chimps to venture out. Negra came out three times this morning and even did some lounging under one of the platforms. Jody is still too scared to go out, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t been able to enjoy the forages. This morning, we watched Missy walk bipedally down the hill with her arms full of food. When she got to the greenhouse, she dumped it all in the front of Jody and took only one piece for herself. Jody was very pleased.
A good friend
Annie didn’t go outside at all yesterday, but she must have been psyching herself up all night because this morning she was ready to bolt out the door. She made her way up the log bridge to one of the lower climbing structures and climbed to the top. After a few minutes of bravery, she was ready to head back to the comfort and safety of the greenhouse. That may have been enough for one day.
Missy has been a good friend these last few days. She is completely at ease on the hill, but she often waits by the end of the tunnel for Annie to join her before she heads out, knowing that Annie needs someone to rely on. But Missy is not going to deprive herself of enjoying Young’s Hill, so if Annie won’t join her, she heads out on her own.
This morning, Missy was by herself on one of the structures at the top of the hill. Back down in the playroom, there was a moment of tension in the group and Annie let out an anxious scream. According to Jackie, Debbie, and Lisa, Missy heard the scream and immediately ran full speed down the hill to the building and into Annie arms.
Day Two
I would never have guessed in a million years that Burrito would be this comfortable hanging out on Young’s Hill. He is walking around like he owns the place!
Jamie spent the day today checking things out, while Missy is just kicking back and relaxing on top of the structures and in her hammock.
Despite the fact that everyone went out yesterday, some have shown more caution today. Negra has been out twice, but not very far and not for long. Jody came out briefly but was not ready to let her guard down. And Foxie and Annie have yet to venture back out.
Yesterday was a complete surprise. Today is more like what we expected. This is a huge change in their lives, and they will each become comfortable with it in their own time and on their own terms. I don’t think it will take them very long.
