A little while ago I was out in the greenhouse and snapped this picture of Jamie sleeping. I love seeing the chimps asleep – they look so peaceful. And it’s especially great to see Jamie looking peaceful since she’s always so serious and busy!
About 10 minutes later, I was sitting at my computer and the chimp house shook dramatically. Earthquake! Jackie and I looked at each other at the same time that the chimps all started alarm calling. We went to make sure everyone was ok (and the building as well) and to give the chimps some reassurance. Everyone’s fine! But the chimps were rattled and I don’t think Jamie will be taking another nap this afternoon!
Oh Sarah, that is such a peaceful picture of Jamie. My guess is that she won’t nap for quite a few afternoons! Glad you and the chimps are OK.
Hello, this is the first time I have replied to your blog. Chimpanzees amaze me and I have read everything and watched everything I can to learn more about these amazingly intellegent animals. I was wondering if CSNW has plans to put an outside enclosure together for the chimps so they can enjoy the outside and play in the dirt. I am sure that it would be quite a financial investment but I am also sure that people that love these animals would come together for such a good cause. Do you have enough land to do something like this? Just wondering. Also, that must have been the fright of all frights for the chimps to experience the earthquake! WOW! and Thanks for doing all the amazing things you do with these amazing animals and resqueing (sp?) them from thier horrible past!
Wow. That was unexpected. I didn’t realize earthquakes were a problem in the area. I’m sure the chimps were rattled. Did they calm down pretty quickly? Glad all is well.
I agree with you Theresa I didn’t know Washington had tremors. I would be interesting to see if the chimps had some sort of reaction before the actual tremor occurred.
I’m glad everyone is alright, I’m like the chimps I’d be rattled too and would need reassurance.
Love the picture of Jamie, it’s rare to see her sleeping when she’s always so active.
They calmed down fairly quickly. Jackie didn’t though! It was her first. We do get earthquakes here in the NW, though not as often as in California. I remember one maybe 10 years ago or so in Ellensburg when I was in grad school.
As I understand, this quake was centered about 14 miles west of Cle Elum around the town of Easton Wa. We did have a quake about 2 years ago in this area with no reports of damage. Quakes are not rare in this area but is is rare to cause any real damage or concern.
Good to hear that the Chimps were able calm down quickly.
As for Jackie……….. take a deep breath in through the nose and let it out very slowly through the mouth….. repeat……… repeat again.
It’s interesting that JB and I were just talking about earthquakes on Saturday and how the chimps would respond. Guess my question was answered. Glad Jamie got some zs in beforehand. hp 🙂
I found that a bit ironic, too, Helen! And I remember thinking, as we discussed emergency procedures, that an earthquake would be more likely than a fire….lol!! JB seemed to think the chimp’s senses are “dumbed down” just as our human senses are to things like natural events and to see Jamie sleeping so soundly just 10 minutes beforehand confirms his thoughts. Glad everyone is ok…even Jackie.
~julie