That Time Of The Year, Again
December 4, 2016 by Keri -
It’s here, it’s here! The snow has arrived! And the chimps know what to do when it starts getting cold and the snow has fallen.
Last Monday, I watched both Missy and Annie (and took the following photos), make the rounds on Young’s Hill, with a very specific goal in mind; to find ice chunks “hidden” within the various outdoor structures. It was indeed cold enough last week for there to be ice, but there was not enough moisture.
This morning, it was a different story. Missy and Annie set out on Young’s Hill to check all the usual spots where ice forms overnight, including in the bottom of this tire swing. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get outside in time to take photos of them finding the ice chunks this morning when Katelyn called on the radio to say they had found some. So, stay tuned for more pictures of the chimps gathering their snow and ice enrichment in the coming months!
Annie
Missy checked the same tires (but none of the photos turned out where she was reaching in).
Here’s a couple extras of Missy on the hill last Monday that I couldn’t resist adding to the blog.
One of my favorite Missy action shots.
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Those smart girls remember where to look….
So sweet. It’s wonderful they have that memory of something they enjoyed so long ago and now look for it again this year. They are SO intelligent !! and lovable !!!! <3
Have you ever thought about placing ice cubes in some of the ice spots?
Clever idea Cherly. We have never hidden ice cubes on the hill (at least that I can remember) but we do put them in the indoor enclosures! And when the icicles get big enough on the building, we break them off and put them in the enclosures too.
Their recollection of Mother Natures frozen ice treats makes my heart sign. How wonderful! Like Donna stated, so nice they have good memories to look forward to these days. Thank you for making happy memories possible.
Do they have snowball fights when it snows? Or build/play with snow?
Hi Heather. Although it sounds like fun, there have been no snowball fights between the chimps. Mostly, they gather the snow in their hands and eat it. They seem to savor the chunks of ice they find around the hill.
They are so smart!! You guys really do a wonderful job of keeping them stimulated! I noticed in one video one of them was checking out a book!! Love it! Bravo to all!