Cattails!
July 24, 2017 by Katelyn -
Today dawned sunny and hot from the start. But that didn’t stop Burrito from an exciting game of chase in the greenhouse to start the day off. Sometimes just the sound of our voice greeting the chimps “Good Morning” as we round the greenhouse is enough to get him to fly down the platform, play stomping his foot as he looks to us to chase him. He seems to particularly love when we stand at one end as he charges toward us, play kicks the caging and turns to run back the other way. As you can tell by all of his hair standing on end (pilo-erect) he was pretty excited about chase this morning as he charged toward me:
Ellie quickly moved to her morning shaded spot under the visitor platform as the chimps enjoyed breakfast service in the greenhouse (background):
First thing this morning, Kelsi and I trekked over to one of the ponds on the property to harvest some cattails for the chimps. We are lucky to have a wide variety of wild plants across the property that are safe for the chimps to consume that either we, or they themselves, can harvest. Cattails are a favorite and they love to eat the stalks and then savor them in wadge form throughout the day. We hid a few on Young’s Hill for some lucky foraging chimp to find at some point, but put the rest in the greenhouse. Being hot, the chimps were quick to grab up their share and find a comfortable and cool-ish spot to enjoy them. Here’s Jody:
Cattails are high on the list of favored browse for the boss lady, Jamie (and Annie enjoyed hers in the background):
Burrito:
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Magnificent photo of Burrito at the top of the post, love the perspective and the light! Aren’t you the luckiest person in the world to arrive at your job, say “Good Morning”, and then be greeted by someone who is so excited to see you. As if he was just counting the minutes for your arrival so he could play with you! Sigh. Lucky you.
Minutes from my house is a nature sanctuary that is overloaded with a sea of cattails this time of year. Every time I drive past, I think of the chimps, wishing I could cut and ship them to my dear friends to wadge! Since I cannot cut cattails on preserve property and I cannot ship plants into WA, I am sharing this story instead because it will have to be the thought that counts. ??
Wonderful photos of everyone, including lovely Ellie.
First thing in the morning is my favorite time with the chimps I think, especially this time of year. They are typically so happy and whether or not they are interested in greeting the humans (which is usually when they are) they’re often in nests, grooming quietly, or engaged in really silly games with each other. It’s just the most wonderful thing to witness those early moments when they wake up at ease, so full of joy and lightheartedness. It speaks volumes to what sanctuaries can provide.
I love your cattail sanctuary story. It IS the thought that counts.:) All the seasonal greens on the property are so short-lived so it’s really fun to be able to offer so many different things to the chimps throughout the year.
Thanks for the sweet reply Katelyn. Oh to be a fly on the wall some sunny summer morning. Give my love to all!
To touch on your lovely comment about “waking at ease”, a freedom well earned and perhaps the biggest difference when discussing keeping chimpanzees who are held in labs as opposed to releasing them to sanctuaries. If chimpanzees have a long history of being scared by the horrors that were preformed on them and they remain in the same location, how could they ever truly “wake at ease”? Once abused, there would always be the fear of the unknown or at the very least the association of the fear, and the memory of the past. Thank Goodness For Sanctuaries and the caring devoted people like you who make them what they are — safe and full of love.
What great clear, colorful, bright pictures, Katelyn… tho I must admit Burito charging at me like he looks in that first picture seems a bit frightening.
And thanks for including a picture of Ellie — I’ve become very fond of her too these past few years of viewing your posts.
Yes, Burrito looks much the same when’s he charging around in a pure dominance display which often involves a swift kick to the caging about face level if we happen to be standing around. 😉 It does make your heart rate rise and is one of so many reminders as to why these guys are not appropriate pet or entertainment individuals. Ellie seems to be enjoying her summer – she is currently spread out in the shade enjoying the somewhat cooler morning temperatures.
Enjoyed taking part via the pics vicariously.