Our friend Felicity is just a little bit smitten by the chimps, so I know she’ll be thrilled to find out that her friend Bern sponsored today in her honor. Thanks to Bern for such a thoughtful gift! And Felicity, I hope your day is filled with as much joy as Missy’s, below.
Archives for December 2012
Merry Christmas!
The chimps were so excited for the Christmas party this morning. We hung the tree (still decorated with beads, trolls, and cowboy boot ornaments) and placed all the presents underneath. Many thanks to Jayne Roepke, Jeff and Lori Anderson, Lori Kiers, Dick and Robbi Brown, and Patti Simms for supplying the amazing gifts and decorations.
On the menu this morning was Field Roast with bean gravy, baked yams, cranberry sauce, and pomegranates. We also put out some of Denice’s beautiful cranberry-stuffed mini-pumpkins and cups of sparkling cider.
Burrito and Jody loved the pumpkins.
As soon as they finished all the food, it was time to open presents. The gifts had started the day under the tree but by the end of the morning, the entire pile had moved ten feet as Jamie went through each and every bag.
Annie’s not much for toys, but there’s always a chance that we might have hidden a few snacks in with the gifts.
And we all could have guessed who would end up with the Christmas pinata, right?
Foxie got a bunch of new trolls this morning but her favorite, which she has been sharing with us throughout the day, is also the most appropriate for today.
Pictures don’t do justice to the excitement of the party, so here’s a short video. Our thanks again to all of you that helped make today special, and to those who helped support us throughout 2012. We’d also like to thank our dedicated team of volunteers. There are no days off here at the chimp house, and we couldn’t make it through the holiday season (or any time of year) without your help.
For Julie and Rob Sweet
Merry Christmas, everyone! Jean Bengston has also sponsored today in honor of Julie and Rob Sweet, and it’s an exciting morning here at the chimp house. The chimpanzees are eagerly anticipating the party that the caregivers are busy setting up. Check back later for photos and/or video of today’s celebration.
Here is one of my favorite photos of Foxie checking out a new Christmas troll doll:
Merry Christmas, Megan!
Surprise, Megan! Your husband and sons sponsored today as a gift to you. They know how much you loved your time with chimps many moons ago and they knew this would be a special gift for you. So the chimps will celebrate in your honor today. Many of the CSNW staff remember Megan from our college days – so good to see your name here!
Here’s a pic of Jamie with one of her favorite things, and I know today will bring many more favorites!
Twas the Day Before…
The chimpanzees are currently busy snacking on a giant tub full of snow in the greenhouse.
Burrito:
Foxie:
Meanwhile, volunteer caregivers Denice and Seana are busy preparing today’s lunch plus cooking up a storm for the feast tomorrow and wrapping presents delivered by the Ellensburg Santa.
Tomorrow is going to be a great party at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest! Thank you again for all who have contributed to the chimps’ happiness this week and for the last four and a half years!
It’s begining to look a lot like…
…chimp-mas?! I was delighted this morning to walk in and see the chimps’ tree all decorated. What could be more perfect than a tree with cowboy boot ornaments (for Jamie – thanks Karen!), troll dolls for Foxie, beads for Annie and Burrito, and a special ornament for each sanctuary resident? Of course the tree topper is a troll too!
Oh, I know what Foxie might think is better than the tree! A troll stocking!
And then there’s the shed packed FULL of goodies waiting to be wrapped for the big day!
Of course there’s more. Like the boatload of Amazon gift orders we’ve received and keep on coming. And the steady flow of donations from people joining the Team Chimp contest (Negra’s winning!) and just supporting our work in general.
Once again, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people who make the lives of the Cle Elum Seven so special. That means you! Thank you thank you thank you.
taking care of the boss
As we’ve mentioned before, grooming is an important aspect of chimpanzee culture. Between lunch and dinner in the afternoon is probably the most popular time for grooming among the Cle Elum Seven.
Even though she’s the boss, Jamie is not always the center of grooming. Missy grooms Jamie fairly often (see some photos from about a year ago on this blog post).
But Burrito is a less frequent grooming partner to Jamie.
Today Burrito and Missy were both grooming Jamie at the same time as they all sat in front of one of the windows on the catwalk of the playroom.
Burrito kept looking at me while I was taking photos.
