We often talk about how we can see the chimpanzees in the playroom when we’re standing at the kitchen sink, so I thought I’d share some photos so you all can better picture what we’re talking about. It’s a neat feature both for the humans who work in the kitchen and for the chimpanzees, who can see produce being washed, meals being prepared, and general organizing of the kitchen, which seems to be necessary almost constantly.
Right on the other side of the window above the sink is a human area where we wash toys and store cleaning equipment. To the right you can see the caging of the playroom and the playroom itself (you can just see the stairs in this photo).
This was our produce for today – one big box to sort through. We compost anything that is too far gone to serve and wash the rest. After it dries, it goes into the refrigerator behind the sink. All of the appliances and cupboards were donations.
And here is, roughly, the view the chimpanzees have, although they can climb higher to get a better vantage point, and they can also see into the kitchen from the loft. Usually there’s more going on than J.B. contemplating a tomato.
I consider this troll doll our kitchen mascot. He(?) sits in the windowsill in front of the sink. He was improved with a ball point pen by Jamie a few months ago – she spent quite a bit of time drawing on him. I usually see this side of him, but sometimes….
…he’s turned around. Jamie adorned his front side with the pen too.
In case anyone is a little bored with the lack of chimpanzee photos in this post, below is one I took last week. Boxes aren’t just for Burrito, Jamie enjoys a good box in the morning too.
Thanks Diana. I was trying to picture how the chimps could watch the goings on in the kitchen. I would love to stand in the kitchen and watch them playing and observing what was being prepared. Need a fulltime cook and dishwasher?
Thank you so much for letting us see the kitchen area, it helps when I read the kitchen adventures. The chimps really do have a good view of what’s going on in the kitchen, I’d get excited seeing all that good food too.
Who’d have thought seven months ago that troll dolls would rule at CSNW.
Jamie looks so comfortable in that box. I’ve really noticed since January 1 that “play faces” have been in abundance and what a good thing that truly is.
Very fun post, Diana, thank you 🙂
Another thought, it’s nice to see what the chimps see every day.
That looks like a pretty good assortment of fresh vegetables for the middle of January ~ YUM!! I’m so glad the chimps get to eat fresh vegetables every day…no wonder they are looking so healthy! Great idea to post pictures of the kitchen for bloggers to see. And Jamie looks so happy and comfy in her nice box!! Thank you, Diana!
Great pics, Diana! What fun to see more of the Sanctuary!
Wasn’t it Jamie who scooted across the room in her box once?
The chimpanzee’s kitchen is my favorite place on earth!! Can’t wait to be there again.
Wonderful pictures and post Diana. Looks like the produce is back to normal! I agree with Margaret and Karen…It is definitely one of my favorite places!!! I can’t wait to be able to come back over. I need a chimp fix! or I should say a volunteer fix. I love getting things ready for them. It is snowing again on the west side of the mountains but so far it isn’t sticking much.
I was at the sanctuary yesterday with my husband and JB talking over some “termite” mound logistics. I can’t even explain how excited I was to be able to see where everything happens. I knew i would be going to see the area for the project, but I didn’t expect to actually get to see the chimps, so I was ecstatic when some of them came out to the outside enclosure. I got to “meet” Jamie, Foxie, Jody, Missy and Annie. Missy and Annie spent some time chasing each other through the enclosure. I was sooo honored and excited! I think I have had a smile on my face ever since! I’m going to have to start volunteering, because actually being there was incredible!
OMG!!! I used to write all over my dolls with ballpoint pens when I was a little girl. Seeing Jaime’s handiwork brought all those memories back and made me laugh! Thank you sooo much for sharing!!