It’s been a wacky winter in the Pacific Northwest! Sunshine in February, snow in March. Let’s take a walk together around Young’s Hill and see what the weather will do.
winter
Winter Sun
The sun was out today, and the chimpanzees took advantage of it!
Mave can most often be found lying down. She’s a pretty chill, not very athletic individual. She also is still getting comfortable being in The Bray habitat, after years of avoiding the great big outdoors.
That’s why it has been surprising to see that Mave is the biggest fan of the shaky bridge that was constructed by founder Keith and friends last summer!
Mave spent some quality alone time soaking up the winter sun.
Meanwhile, George hung out with his new friends in the toasty greenhouses.
Here’s Gordo grooming George, with Cy and Rayne not visible in the photo, but nearby:
They also got some time on The Bray this afternoon!
Rayne (far right) excitedly greeted George (lower middle) while Cy monitored and Terry charged ahead:
Rayne and Snow
On November 17th, 2024, we had our first snowfall! (I’ve been waiting for my opportunity to share this sweet video with you and today is the day!)
Rayne was very excited to get outside, but was unsure of the snow on the decking of the chute. She made it to the end of the chute without touching her feet to the snow, but then she had a decision to make. Will she brave the cold snow on her warm feet to do a little exploring? You probably already know the answer. That Raynie is quite the explorer!
Memento Vivere
Lately I’ve been inundated with targeted ads on social media, which I’m sure those of you who are on social media know what I’m talking about. Now, I’m not saying the work or don’t work, but one in particular keeps grabbing my attention. It’s an ad of a coin with “Memento Mori” on one side, and “Momento Vivere” on the other. I have heard the expression “momento mori” countless times, but “momento vivere” was a new on to me.
“Momento mori” is a saying in Latin that roughly translates to “don’t forget to die.” Many have tried to understand the meaning behind it. The most consistent understanding is it is supposed to be a reminder that life is short and to live in the moment. I had to do some digging for “momento vivere.” What I found is that it roughly translates to “remember to live,” meaning to take time for yourself and make every moment count. Though both try to roughly make the same point about enjoying life because it is short, I will just focus on momento vivere since momento mori sounds more bleak if you don’t understand it.
Momento vivere came to mind the other day as I was spending some time with Burrito. I’m not a psychologist by any means, so I’m not sure why certain thoughts hit at certain times, but in that moment I thought about the last couple of years I have spent with him and his take on life. Burrito is kind of the living embodiment of those sayings. He doesn’t seem to dwell on the past, and is not too concerned with the future. He lives in the now, and every moment he has he doesn’t want to waste them.
My time with Burrito is always such an experience to me. Not only do I get to call him friend and spend probably too much time with him (though I don’t think he thinks the same on that one), but he always keeps me grounded. I am 100% that type of person who gets lost in their own mind; worrying about the future and regretting some of the past. But with Burrito, all that goes away and I am present in the moment with him. I’m not sure how to communicate to him so he understands, but I try to thank him every day for the reminder and keeping me in the now.
The larger message is that this is sanctuary life. Being able to just enjoying these moments of calm and tranquility. Yes. There are moments of anger, frustration, fighting, yelling, etc. But it’s those quiet moments (as seen in the video) outweigh the others for the most part.
He can’t/won’t read this, but thank you Burrito, my friend.
Some bonus photos
I couldn’t decide which one to post, so instead here are both of the photos I captured of Rayne with her “Bonobo Lucy and her Baby Yuli” during lunch. One where Rayne is a little out of focus, but you can tell it’s her Lucy book. The other you can’t tell what book it is but Rayne is in focus.
A Path Out
We finally have a decent break from the snow and subfreezing temperatures. Though there are some more winter storms in the forecast, at least most days are going to be fairly mild in regard to temperature. In fact, for the first time in a long time, the sun has broken through the clouds to grace us with it’s warm presence. With the sun out, it was too good of an opportunity not to try to give Annie’s group Young’s Hill. After some light shoveling, a path to Young’s Hill was forged.
I must apologize, however. As I watched the pileup at the door that leads to Young’s Hill was opening, I realized I had forgotten the camera and my phone. I guess it boils down to I was too plum excited to see the color contrast of chimp and snow.
Foxie
Annie
Even with access to get their own snow, sometimes having the snow brought to you is the best. At least that seemed to be Jamie’s preference, with the addition of icicles and black cherry Stur water enhancers.
Missy also had joined Jamie in snow and icicles.
Some bonus photos of Willy B playing with Lucky a couple of days ago!
Riders of the Storm
Like a good chunk of the United States, we are going through one doozy of a storm. When caregivers arrived in the morning, this is what we had waiting for us:
With most of the residents deciding not to venture too far outside (if at all), how do you try to stave off cabin fever? I wonder…
Throughout days like today, caregivers try to offer many types of enrichment and activities to the chimpanzees.
Whether that enrichment is watching The Devil Wears Prada.
Forages are also a way to keep the sanctuary residents occupied.
Gordo
Willy B
We can try to perk up their afternoons with an afternoon tea time (caffeine-free of course).
Jamie
Burrito
Foxie
Or they might take matters into their own hands.
Rayne with a snow snack she grabbed from outside.
You read that right! Rayne took it upon herself to grab some snow. And that in itself started a chain reaction. Later Gordo, Mave, and Dora were seen with massive amounts of snow they gathered. Granted there may have been some thievery at play, but is the start of shifting attitudes for Rayne’s group? Only time will tell.
And for the real reason you are probably here, the winner of the Burrito photo contest!
There were many votes, and though I personally loved every single one of the photos and wanted them all to win, there can only be one that stands above the rest!
And the winner is……
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Hey Girl!
Thank you all for participating and sending in your votes! Prints of this photo will soon be available for purchase – stay tuned!
Stay safe and warm wherever you might be!
Snow Toes
If you watched yesterday’s video of all the celebrations, you may have noticed we did have the whitest of Christmas this year. We did, however, receive some albeit lite, snow over night. It was just enough to glance a peek at who has been visiting the sanctuary during the night.
As caregiver Amanda and I were conducting our daily inspection of the perimeter fence this morning, we noticed not just a plethora of tracks, but a decent variety of tracks.
On our way up the Young’s Hill side, we noticed two sets of tracks going up and down.
Upon closer inspection, we both could clearly see they were left by a some kind of canine.
After confirming with Diana and J.B. that they did not take Abbey, Benny, or Nala for a walk up the hill recently, we can rule them out. With only one other species of canine that inhabits the area, it’s safe to say these tracks more than likely belong to some coyotes. Though there are wolves and foxes in Washington, we don’t really see them around here. Plus the size is a little more consistent with a coyote than the other two.
Also left almost literally all over were deer tracks.
We do have a lot of deer who call sanctuary grounds home. More often than not it will either be mule deer or the occasion white-tail deer. Just because there are two families of mule deer seen recently, I’m just going to guess these were mostly mule deer.
Admittedly, these next tracks I just saw be made.
These were made by a little round fluffy chickadee.
*no archived photo found of chickadee*
These next tracks were left by the absolute most fearless, vicious predator on sanctuary grounds. A predator so fierce, wolves, coyotes, cougars, bears, and all other wildlife are afraid of him.
These tracks belong to the one and only Barn Kitty! It was kind of fun to follow his steps to see where his paws lead him around. And trust me, he walks around a lot more than I thought, and I had already assumed he was walking around a lot.
Here are his paw prints next to one of the chickadees. Yes. I can confirm these tracks were made at two different times since I saw the chickadee make them.
Last but not least, there are these tracks.
Upon closer inspection, I could only guess these were made by that elusive Washington resident: Sasquatch.
Ok. Maybe not the Sasquatch, but his cousin Chimpsquatch.
And course it wouldn’t be a true snow day with some snow treats!
As a bonus for today, here are some photos from yesterday’s Christmas celebration!
Annie
Missy
Negra and Burrito
And my last message for tonight:
Someone very special has a birthday rapidly approaching! We could really use your help in making it special by going to our wish list and help us acquire some of the supplies/presents we want to give the special guy: Burrito!
