Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for April 2013

The Veterinary Clinic

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It’s hard to believe, but the 2013 Out of the Box Gala Auction is just around the corner. These auctions have always played such an important role in funding the everyday needs of the sanctuary, but they have also been the starting point for some exciting projects through our Fund-a-Need program. Proceeds from the 2009 Fund-a-Need enabled us to build the greenhouse, which quickly became the chimps’ favorite spot year-round. And in 2010, we raised funds for Young’s Hill, providing the chimps with two acres of grass, sun, and sky.

The 2011 Fund-a-Need was the start of a different but equally important kind of project: an on-site veterinary clinic. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest has always been fortunate to work with a large team of veterinarians to support to health and well-being of the Cle Elum Seven. Whatever happens, we know that we can rely on the expertise of Dr. Richardson, Dr. Nutter, Dr. Newschwander, and Dr. Zamzow, as well as Dr. Mensching, who is the newest member of our team. We are also grateful for the assistance of Mt. Stuart Animal Hospital, which provides us with diagnostic and pharmacy services. But to provide the chimps with the best care possible, we want to have the ability to perform surgical and diagnostic services on-site, and that is why we have begun building a mobile veterinary clinic – a simple, functional, and timely way to meet the veterinary needs of the Cle Elum Seven.

With the money raised in 2011, we have purchased a 38-foot trailer and have begun turning what was once a garage in the back of the trailer into a surgical and exam room.

Clinic trailer 4-10-13

Clinic 4-10-13

Project V.E.T.S. generously donated a dual surgical lamp, a microscope, and a wide variety of supplies. If you aren’t familiar with Project V.E.T.S., I encourage you to check out their great work through their website or Facebook page.

Now it’s time to finish what we started. With your help, we will install a shelter and hook-ups for the trailer and outfit the clinic with a full range of equipment, from autoclave and anesthesia machines to portable x-ray and ultrasound.

You can contribute to this project by attending the Out of the Box auction on May 4th in Seattle or by donating to the Fund-a-Need portion of the online auction. And if you have equipment that you would like to donate to our project, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Take Action Tuesday: Urban Tarzan

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EOA take action tuesday

The new Spike TV show called Urban Tarzan is all about wild animals found in human environments. Though the series has a whole slew of wild animals, the premiere episode from a few weeks ago featured a young chimpanzee actor. The show is supposed to be a reality series, but everything is scripted and the scenes are all staged.

Chimpanzee "actor" on the premiere episode of Urban Tarzan
Chimpanzee “actor” on the premiere episode of Urban Tarzan

There is a growing public awareness about the ethical problems with using chimpanzees in entertainment. Please remind the producers of the show about these issues by sending them a polite letter. Ask them to remove the episode from the air and pledge to never use primates in their productions again. Your letters can make a difference! In the last couple months both Great Clips and CR Fashion Book have removed content with chimpanzee actors after receiving educational letters from advocates like you!

Let the producers of Urban Tarzan know that brutal training practices in the entertainment industry are well documented. Remind them that in addition to welfare concerns, using chimpanzees in the media seriously hinders conservation efforts of free-living chimpanzees.

You may submit your comments to Spike TV’s Facebook page, or post Tweets that express your concern, such as @1UrbanTarzan very disappointed to see a chimp in your show. Please remove the episode! www.EyesOnApes.org

Sample Letter to Spike TV/Urban Tarzan:

I was extremely disappointed to hear that Urban Tarzan featured a young chimpanzee actor in the first episode. You should know that chimpanzees used in entertainment are torn away from their mothers as infants, often repeatedly beaten during training, and then discarded when they become too strong to be managed.

The show is supposed to be about rescuing wild animals from human homes, but since it is staged you are not following your own advice! Chimpanzees do not belong in human homes and they do not belong on TV either. Aside from welfare concerns, their appearance in the media seriously hinders conservation efforts. Surely you are aware that chimpanzees are endangered species in critical need of protection?

Please make the compassionate decision to remove the chimpanzee episode from rotation, and please consider to never exploit great apes for entertainment purposes again. Thank you for your consideration of my comments on this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

[Your name here]

New Beginnings

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As I drove over the snowy pass on the way to the sanctuary this morning, I was reminded how snow signifies new beginnings and a fresh start. While I have spent many years in the non-profit and primate world, I view my role as executive director at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest as a new beginning for me. For most of my life I have wanted to serve primates in a sanctuary setting and to live in the northwest. I now have been given the opportunity to marry both dreams and I could not be more thrilled. Sarah and the CSNW team have poured their hearts into this organization and have accomplished many things such as providing a safe and healthy environment for seven amazing chimpanzees, expanding space for the Cle Elum 7 by building a greenhouse and Young’s Hill, advocating for all primates by creating Eyes on Apes, and developing a visitors’ program (the list goes on and on).

Jamie and I spending quality time together
Jamie and I got to spend some quality time together

Today, I take the proverbial leadership baton and am looking forward to the future (not just for the organization, but for all chimpanzees). I look forward to helping the organization grow, advocating for chimpanzees around the world, and continuing to care for the Cle Elum 7. In the meantime, I will be getting acclimated to the sanctuary and to the area. I have already met many of our dedicated volunteers and supporters and am eager to get to know all of you. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest team and the chimpanzees have also been incredibly welcoming. I have begun forming special bonds with Jamie, Foxie, Missy, Negra, Burrito, Annie, and Jody…how can I not love them?

Jamie wanted me to show her my boots
Jamie wanted me to show her my boots

Thank you all for welcoming me with open arms. During this transition, feel free to e-mail me with suggestions as to how we can better serve our chimpanzees, community and supporters.

Leaning forward

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I have a tattoo on the inside of my wrist that says “lean forward to the next crazy venture.” It’s a quote I have always loved from On the Road and it has guided me well, through all kinds of crazy ventures like my undercover work early in my career, many loves and losses, and oh, you know, being a part of a fledgling chimpanzee sanctuary. Looking back, which I rarely allow myself to do, I couldn’t be prouder of the role I’ve been fortunate to play in Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.  We’ve gone from zero to 60 in a very short time. The chimps have certainly undergone spectacular changes in the last five years, and I feel like I’ve lived through those changes and that recovery as well.

I have nothing but excitement about what’s ahead for our chimpanzee friends. Tomorrow, the wonderful and amazing Jennifer Whitaker formally takes the helm as Executive Director here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (although she’s been quietly getting up to speed here for two weeks now). I am so confident that Jennifer will take CSNW to new heights and I can’t wait to cheer for each new victory and each little change.

Of course I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a little emotional about my departure. But I’m not going far. The Seven (and their humans) will never leave my heart or my mind. They are a central part of my family, so after a few weeks off I’ll be returning in a new and improved role as a caregiving volunteer. Nice try, but you haven’t gotten rid of me.

I won’t be saying goodbye. There’s no need to. I’ll just be leaning forward with everyone else. I’ll never have words for how humbled I am by having had the opportunity to do this work. Thank you a hundred times over.

web Burrito laugh bite hand caregiver Sarah outdoor area DSC_0092

PS. If you simply can’t resist saying goodbye, here are my suggestions on where to fuel your energy:

  • if you’ve connected with me or the chimps over the past few years, make a donation today to wish me well and welcome Jennifer to the team
  • buy tickets to our Seattle auction now so that you can support our work and give me a hug (I’ll be there with bells on)
  • help us spread the word about our online auction by sharing the link on Facebook and to all your friends. Start leaning toward all those vacation spots!
  • watch the bidding war over VIP Green Day tickets and backstage access. So much fun.

Boots and Grooming

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As J.B. explained a few weeks ago, Jamie has a particular need from her caregivers lately – that we put on cowboy boots and run or walk around the hill while she walks or runs on the other side of the fencing. She goes back inside the greenhouse once she is satisfied with this activity. Sometimes this is after just one lap around the hill, and sometimes it takes two, or three, or four. Once she’s back in the building, she often wants the boot that she’s been “chasing.”

Lately, though, she doesn’t want the boot immediately. Rather, she wants to sit in the greenhouse and groom the boot while the caregiver is still wearing it. This is precisely what we did this morning.

web jamie groom diana caregiver boot gh 2

 

jamie groom caregiver boot

 

And she groomed my knee for a little while too:

web Jamie groom diana caregiver knee iphone gh

I’m sure all of Jamie’s caregivers would agree that there is very little in life more gratifying than satisfying Jamie.

Getting green

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Last summer, over half of Young’s Hill was burned in the Taylor Bridge Fire. We knew that the grass and bamboo would recover, but it was hard to imagine it ever looking the same again.

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But with a little spring rain and some warm weather, the grass has come back as good as ever and we should be seeing some new bamboo shoots in the next month or two.

web Missy Burrito Foxie YH chow bags IMG_5293

The chimps used to run for cover at the first drop of rain, but lately they’ve been staying outside through some of the lighter showers. This morning, Missy, Foxie, Burrito, and Annie all ate their breakfast together in the rain. Jody, however, took her bag back to the greenhouse and dried herself off.

web Missy Annie Foxie Jody YH chow bags IMG_5306

The chimps love to eat spring grass. Most eat it a blade or two at a time, but Burrito stuffs handfuls in his mouth and eats it until his teeth turn green. For a guy that thinks about food nonstop, it must feel good to be completely surrounded by it.

web Burrito eat grass YH IMG_5379

web Burrito eat grass green teeth YH IMG_5373

Green Day Tickets and Resident Rock Stars

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I just sent out an e-newsletter with the exciting announcement of an early Out of the Box auction item available for bidding right now – four exclusive tickets to the April 16th Green Day show in Berkeley, CA plus VIP after-show passes with a meet and greet with band members!

Big, big thanks to Adrienne and Billie Joe Armstrong for this awesome donation to kick off the auction, which is just a month away! AND for the awesome donation of a guitar signed by Green Day band members, which is featured in our online auction. Bidding for that and all other online items opens May 4th- mark your calendars! And buy your tickets for the Seattle gala today.

In honor of Green Day, here’s a photo of rock star Jamie with her purple ukulele:

web jamie play ukulele greenhouse IMG_9637

 

And in honor of Billie Joe specifically, who is a Burrito fan, here is Burrito in one of my favorite photos of all time – personally, I think Burrito should be on the cover Rolling Stone:

small ed Burrito arms crossed outdoor area IMG_1880