Digging out
December 22, 2015 by Anna -
Yesterday we got about 6 more inches of snow at the sanctuary and staff and volunteers spent the day battling the weather with car chains, snow shovels and the tractor. Today was one of those beautiful winter days where the sun and blue sky makes the new fallen snow blindingly white. The weather has warmed considerably, causing snow to fall in massive piles off the roof of the chimp house. J.B. took the opportunity of clear, warm weather to dig the chimps a pathway out on Young’s Hill to one of the climbing structures.
Annie was first on the hill and she sat in the new pathway for probably 10 minutes. I watched her enjoy a quiet moment with the warm sun on her face and back.
This photo should give you a good idea on how deep the snow is getting.
The snow bank around her provided easy access for a cold snack.
When she decided she’d had enough fresh air, Annie took some snow back inside with her.
A special thanks to J.B. for all his snow removal efforts and to all the volunteers who have braved the snowy drive to the sanctuary!
8 Comments
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Great photos of Annie. So strange to see the chimps in the snow but they do seem to enjoy it!
Thank you JB for all the shoveling and snow removal so that they can all make their way to the look outs safely
Such beautiful pictures!
Ohhhhhh, lovely! The first photos of Annie melted my heart. She is just so beautiful isn’t she?! To think only a year ago she hardly ever went outside without Missy close by and here she rests with snow up to her shoulders. Oh Annie, I am so happy for you.
Is this ‘normal’ for Cle Elum winters, having all this snowfall? (And I see more snow expected tonight and tomorrow.) I think you need to add a snow blower to your Amazon WIsh List! Would be perfect to blaze trails through the snow so Jamie could have her walking path cleared. Plus it might be easier on J.B.’s back — ugh shoveling is hard work. Thank you everyone for doing what ever is necessary for the comfort of the chimps.
Agree…snowblower on the wish list!
These pictures are wonderful Anna. That is so nice that J.B. made that pathway for the chimps if they wanted to venture out. I can’t help but wonder what they think of the open spaces, the sunshine, the snow, the warmth, green grass, after having been in confinement for so many years – I am so glad they have the chance to experience all of this.
Nothing beats fresh air! Just wondering, do they ever wear clothes outside when it’s getting cold? Washoe apparently did so 🙂
We do give the chimpanzees clothing in their enrichment, but we don’t see them using it much. Several of them will wear scarves around their necks from time to time, but I’ve never seen them wear anything outside (except maybe an occasional boot worn by Jamie).
Fascinating photos. Thanks for the link Anna. I will be delighted to follow our north west chimps here!