Some days Willy B experiences what looks like social awkwardness but some days he is on point and is quite the social butterfly. Today he was embracing the charming social butterfly aspect of his personality and we caught it on film for everyone to enjoy!
Willy B
Testing, Testing 1-2-3
It has been a little while since we have talked about enrichment for Rayne’s group. If you happen to have been wondering, yes. They are still destructive in comparison to Jamie’s group. We have been taking it slow to see what works and what doesn’t. The problem with that is that it is what it is; slow. Though more and more things are added to their growing repertoire of enrichment, some in that group have a burning desire to eat plastic, stuffing from stuffed animals, and some other things. Just because they are destructive, does that mean we should stop trying? If you’re hardheaded and stubborn like myself, then you know the answer is “no.”
It has been a slow process of introducing them to new things, but things are still moving along. We recently attempted to introduce them to firehose cubes. Before Mave, Honey B, and Willy B integrated into the Lucky Six, firehose cubes were on the list of food puzzles they received. Since the cubes are pretty durable, we decided that was going to be the next step. The first trial run was overall a success! There was some minimal damage when caregivers were able to retrieve the next morning, but nothing that would stop the second trial run.
Though six of the group of nine have not experienced firehose cubes before, they had some to show them the ropes.
Mave working her way through a firehose cube as Dora looks on
Willy B reunited with one of his favorite food puzzles
For others, it came naturally. For instance:
Rayne, the queen of all natural intuition, didn’t even hesitate to grab one and rummage through it
Hopefully (fingers crossed) you all will be seeing some more photos of firehose cubes with Rayne’s group.
Here are some bonus photos from today:
Mave being silly with a sock
A photo montage of Missy before and during a lunch forage today
Jamie during today’s lunch forage
Negra looking like the queen that she is
Burrito returning from a “walk” (read run) around Young’s Hill
A Place Like This
On Thursday, I wrote a blog about grief. Today, I would personally like to thank each and every one of you. For an emotion that often leads to loneliness, it felt like so many of us brought comfort to each other. I am not sure if you all know how special you are to CSNW. While we may write the blogs for you to all learn about the chimps and fall in love with them as individuals, you all have created a community with a very supportive and positive atmosphere. It can be hard to find a place like this on the internet. So thank you for creating this wonderful place.
Today was a peaceful quiet day with slow morning patrols, chimps playing, Willy B displaying :), Jamie asking for grapes from the vine, Cy flipping through magazines, and chimps grooming in the warm greenhouses. Please enjoy some chimps selfies!
Willy B:
Jamie:
And sweet sweet Terry:
Calm Before The Storm
Hopefully by now you were able to read yesterday’s blog about Willy B’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine that happens in the afternoons. If not, you should go read it to get a little backstory of today’s blog.
Though this afternoon routine usually consists a chaotic scene of blurs zipping across the enclosures accompanied with ear splitting screams, the moments right before Willy B’s ruckus hour are filled with laughter. In today’s video, this is usually what is happening moments before Willy B decides to get a rise out of people. In fact, you can see him gearing for that specific time referenced in yesterday’s blog at the end of the video.
Here are some bonus photos from today!
The first morning patrol of the day!
Jamie
Burrito
Missy
Speaking of Missy, every so often she gives us some reminders that she is indeed Honey B’s mother.
Here she is thwarting my attempts to close off her playroom to clean.
And lastly, some photos from a couple weeks ago that I forgot to use in the blog!
Burrito and his nighttime peanut butter magazine!
Happy Anniversary to Mave, Willy B & Honey B!
Today marks four years since Willy B, Mave and Honey B made their way to CSNW and a lot has happened since they arrived. The original plans for the three didn’t work out as everyone had hoped but after some time the Lucky 6 arrived and welcomed Willy B, Honey B and Mave into their family. While some are still finding their place within the group, which is completely normal, others have found their other half, like Mave did with Dora.
I wasn’t here for the introduction of two groups one of my favorite things about introductions with chimpanzees is watching them figure each other out and decide how to approach each other. I have been watching Rayne and Honey B’s relationship since I started and while some day’s it can be a little rough, they are quick to forgive and also have so many moments where I see them playing and grooming recently. One thing Honey B has picked up is Rayne’s keen fashion sense.
Honey B wearing a headband as a waistband:
They’ve not only made new friends but since their last anniversary the Bray has opened so they now have their very own outdoor habitat to explore at their leisure!
Willy B enjoyed an anniversary forage with his group
Honey B enjoying her lunch forage in the chute with the girls, she’s clearly a big fan of radicchio!
I couldn’t get them in the same frame but Mave and Dora enjoyed taking an after lunch snooze in the chute together
While Cy enjoyed some quiet contemplation in the greenhouse, because everyone needs a little alone time
Missy’s birthday is coming up soon, so don’t forget to check out her tomato themed wishlist items!
National Relaxation Day
Today is National Relaxation Day! According to the Economic Times, National Relaxation Day is observed to “encourage individuals to slow down and unwind.” Though chimpanzee life can be very chaotic and dramatic, they all find some time throughout the day to let their hair down and relax. It’s all about balance, right?
In homage to National Relaxation Day, please enjoy some photos of the chimpanzees in relaxation mode!
Honey B taking a quick nap after her play session with Lucky.
Foxie taking a rest after breakfast.
Gordo taking a breather after returning from the Bray.
Burrito taking a break in his Greenhouse (though I am convinced he was playing because seconds later he had caregivers playing chase).
Dora enjoying the shaded part of the Chute.
And as you might have guessed, right next to her is Mave.
Willy B taking advantage of the large fan in the front room area on a hot day.
And of course, the Queen of Relaxation, Queen Negra.
We hope you are able to find some time to get your relaxation in today!
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop (Playin’)
We are really appreciating the break from the intense summer heat here in Cle Elum and the chimps seem to be enjoying it too. Both groups enjoyed a lunch forage today that included strawberries, blackberries, fingerling potatoes, bell peppers, and whole heads of baby Iceberg lettuce! All day today the chimps have been grooming and playing (mostly playing) with each other- so it’s been a pretty good day. Check out the video for more. 🙂
Two days ago, J.B. wrote about Willy B’s procedure. We’re happy to report that he went back with his group first thing yesterday morning and is doing great! We are so grateful to Dr. Erin and the team of professionals she brought together to help us ensure that we are giving Willy B the best possible care he can receive.
Photos from Today
Annie, looking out to Young’s Hill before breakfast this morning:
Burrito during the lunch forage on Young’s Hill:
The cattle are also enjoying this weather in their extended summer pasture!
Gordo, before a game of chase:
Jamie really putting in work during the lunch forage:
Rayne looking out through the Riverview Greenhouse:
