In Between Storms
May 21, 2021 by J.B. -
We’re enjoying another day of much-needed rain showers here in Central Washington. As I write this, the chimps have retreated into the playrooms to build nests or groom with friends while they wait out another storm. This morning, however, was sunny and warm and the chimps took the opportunity to get some exercise on the hill.
Missy, Jody, and Burrito
Foxie (in the lead), Jody, Missy, and Burrito
Foxie, Jody, Missy, and Burrito
Burrito
Foxie
Missy with freshly picked goat’s beard dandelion
Missy
Willy B enjoying a head of lettuce
Willy B
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I have been curious what goats beard dandelions were. Aha, yellow salsify! Do you ever dig the roots for the chimps? I bet they’d like them. I don’t because they taste like oysters. Love the work you all do for these magnificent apes!
No, but we’ll have to try that. I would guess that at some point one of the chimps pulled them up by the roots but usually we just see them with the stem and leaves.
do you broadcast the seeds for all the wildflowers that grow inside the fence…?
No, most of the plants that the chimps harvest are native (or invasive but well established in our area). The one exception is the bamboo, which we obviously planted.
I just watched the extraordinary film, “Lucy the Human Chimp,” now available on HBO Max. It left me in tears. I’d be interested to know whether any of you have seen this and if so, what you think about it.
I haven’t seen the documentary, but I am cognizant of Lucy’s biography. What too many human primates have done to our great ape kinfolk is abominable.
Thank you Lee for mentioning the film. I didn’t see any promotion for it. I first became familiar with Lucy when I was reading about Nim and reading Roger Foust “Next Of Kin”. Lucy’s life story is gut wrenching. I just zipped over to HBO Max to watch the preview. I do want to see the documentary but worried that I’m not emotionally prepared after this past year. I am adding it to my watch list. Thanks for the tip.
PS: I hope the film presents Lucy’s life for the tragedy it was and did not romanticize her forced existence. Lucy never had a choice in how to live her life, people made all decisions for her (perhaps out of love but not the right choices to make). I see Lucy as the prime example as to why we cannot return captive chimpanzees, especially those who were raised in human homes, into the wilds of Africa. Lucy was a captive chimpanzee, she not wild. There is no such thing as a “Human Chimp”. Homo sapiens may be classified as Great Apes but Pan troglodytes are not humans. This also leads to me to recall Jamie’s lesson on why chimpanzee do not make good pets. (Thank you Jamie for stating what should be obvious. And you know from first hand experience! You presented a better case than some scientists.)
I don’t think any of the staff have seen it yet but I have heard about it and plan to watch it when it becomes more widely available. Very tragic story…
Happy to see your sunny morning allowed everyone to get outside to enjoy a view, each other, Dora, a wild forage, a favorite crunchy leafy green, and sunshine for all. And the rain is a great excuse to build nests, snooze, groom, and watch your favorite program. Sounds like a perfect day!
I’m not sure if you’ve mentioned this before, but how do all the chimps handle storms? Do any of the chimps have fears of rain, thunder, or wind?
Mave does. There’s video of her alarm calling during a thunderstorm, but she’s still picking through her night bag snacks while she does it! 😀
A girl hàs to have priorities…..
Popcorn!
The Seven used to sprint indoors at the first drop of rain but they’ve become more accustomed to it over the years. Still, no one goes outside during a downpour. And yes, Mave is still very alarmed at heavy rain and thunder, while Honey B and Willy B seem to take it in stride.
Where was Jamie???
Or has Jamie so much confidence in the gang to hand over the responsability of patroling the Hill to thèm??
I hardly think so! 🙂
She was either way out front, ir busy training newstaff! 🙂
She hadn’t gone outside yet at the time I was taking those photos. She may have been waiting for a human to put on some boots and join her.