One of the things I enjoy most about living at the Sanctuary is our rural location and the fact that we share our land with many other fascinating wildlife including deer, turkeys, pigs, armadillos, snakes, raccoons, and skunks. Snakes usually keep to areas where there is little human activity so we only get to see them once in a while. This weekend, however, was an exception — a male and female bullsnake spent the morning going through a mating ritual in our compound area. It was wonderful to watch these individuals, each almost five feet long, seemingly oblivious to our presence as they writhed and slithered along.
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It was another good week for fresh fruit and vegetables. We were fortunate to receive lots of grapes, corn, and avocados. The group of longtail macaques continues to tuck enthusiastically into their food. Mangoes remain their clear favorite, so I ensure that we buy some each week for them. It is rewarding to watch them growing stronger as they develop muscle tone and not stumble around the enclosure like they did during the first few days. A few of the older males move more slowly because of arthritis, but some of the younger ones are becoming quite agile.
Maude and Elsie are thriving in their new social group, enjoying in particular the attention of a male rhesus monkey.
Until next week,
Sarah