Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.

Archives for September 20, 2011

Out and About

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I know you all are waiting and want an update with video. We had media crews out today and we are going to wait until they air their story before sharing videos, so we’re not scooping them. I’ll let you know as soon as I do when that might be. It won’t be before late tomorrow at the earliest. I’m sure you will agree it’s worth the wait in order to see the chimps on national television.

All of the chimps ventured out. Foxie walked the entire perimeter of the enclosure, then went inside. Jamie explored all of the climbing structures, Burrito seems quite comfortable out there, Jody went out but is a little hesitant, Missy ran through her tunnel a few times and has been carrying a frozen watermelon in and out, Negra was really happy about the lettuce and just chowed down, Annie went in the hammock and has probably spent the most time of anyone out there.

So, here are a couple of photos. More written updates to come!

 

Negra enjoying her lettuce

Negra on the hill eating lettuce

 

Annie & Missy – friends on Young’s Hill

Missy and Annie on the hill

Today is the day

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I can’t believe today is the day we get to see our chimpanzee friends step on grass for the first time.

Yesterday I looked at the 5′ x 3′ cage we have on the property. They lived in cages that size for decades. It’s impossible to put into words the sadness that small cage evokes. Then I looked at the 2 acre hill.

It might be a little scary for them at first, but the chimps are definitely ready for us to open the doors to the next chapter in their lives and put their pasts further behind them. We plan to set up a large lunch forage for them and open the doors around 11:00 (pacific time).

Its been heartwarming to see all of the posts that people have been sharing about the news on Facebook. It’s a privilege to be part of such a great community of people who care about chimpanzees and are as excited as we are to see the Cle Elum Seven step onto that hill.

A lot of people have been sharing the Young’s Hill video that Jonathan Houser made just a year ago when we were raising funds for the hill at our 2010 auction. I’ve included it below.

Young’s Hill – The Dream from Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest on Vimeo.

 

Thank you all.