Oprah had a baby chimpanzee and baby orangutan on her show today. She does a lot of great things for animals (including this about our good friends at ALDF!), but unfortunately she and her producers were misguided about this issue. The orangutan and chimpanzee were provided by TIGERS, a facility known for purchasing and breeding “exotic” animals, as well as providing them for film and TV. Please give the Oprah folks some feedback: both that this choice was a mistake and that they should use their power to shine light on true chimpanzee sanctuaries. For talking points, visit our Primate Patrol site.
Archives for May 2009
Check out Jamie on the AP wire
There’s a story running today on the AP wire about privately owned chimpanzees and problem of finding somewhere for them to go when they “outgrow” their private homes. Along with the print story there’s some video featuring Jamie. Check out the story and see the video below.
Tug of war
Here’s a video of Foxie enjoying a game of tug of war with Diana:
Afternoon play
While waiting for us to finish cleaning the playroom today, Missy and Annie found a way to entertain themselves. (I apologize for the length, but I didn’t want to cut any of it out!)
Party day
Thanks to the generosity of the chimpanzees’ friends and supporters, the chimps have had a wonderful Mother’s Day (and Jody’s birthday!). For the big day, we purchased some of the chimps’ favorite produce — sweet potatoes, parsnips, bananas, corn on the cob, blackberries, greens — and in honor of Jody, we set out fresh straw and tons of cushy blankets for nesting, and pink and yellow roses for smelling and eating (although Missy preferred to nest with them). The weather in Cle Elum today is slightly windy but warm, and the chimps spent a good deal of time outside this morning playing, enjoying their forage, and sunning themselves.
And here are some photos of the birthday girl (with roses, investigating a bucket of soapy water, and in a giant straw nest):
Thanks so much to all of our supporters for making today such a great one for the Cle Elum Seven!
Jody’s birthday / Mother’s Day
Personally, I’m having a difficult time with the fact that it’s already May, but I’m really happy for the Spring weather (at least today Cle Elum has Spring weather) and for Jody’s birthday on Sunday!! If you are subscriber to our e-newsletter, or if you’ve noticed our new Mother’s Day tribute page on our site, or if you’re a member of the Chimp Sanctuary Supporters social network, then you know that we are celebrating Jody’s birthday on Mother’s Day, which is this Sunday, May 10th.
A recent look at her file revealed that Jody had at least nine babies born to her and taken away from her during her years as a biomedical test subject. It’s hard to fathom. She deserves a big day of celebration focused on her favorite things (which today was a long blue sock), and that’s what we will give her. Thanks to those have already acknowledged her day and donated for Jody and the mothers in your lives.
Brachiating and swinging
Just a short video of chimps being chimps. Foxie and Missy take turns brachiating across the roof of the enclosure. Then Jamie and Missy play with one of the new fire hose swings around the recently donated culvert.
My favorite part of the video: When Diana (and the camera) get hit with a flying troll. It’s an occupational hazard here at CSNW!
