Jamie takes her job as boss very seriously, but Foxie can usually get her to let loose for awhile.
Archives for January 2014
A small winter snack
It has been an unusual winter for Central Washington so far—we’ve had very little snow overall and some really unseasonably warm temperatures for the last few weeks. But last night, it snowed! And the chimpanzees were excited to get a quick bite of it. However, they don’t particularly like walking in the snow, so here was Missy’s technique for getting handfuls of snow:
We do give the chimpanzees clothes, including socks (which Missy wears somewhat often) but I think this morning it was just easier to pull some acrobatic moves to get her snack. Jamie was watching closely, and grabbed a handful of her own, but didn’t want to go out much further. So she nodded her head at me a few times until I served her a handful. She was pleased.
Missy and Annie play wrestle
Are you sick of seeing Missy and Annie play? I didn’t think so! These two are always wrestling and having a good time. Here’s a video that is bound to brighten your Tuesday afternoon:
Today is in memory of Dr. Mel
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Dr. Mel Richardson by Laura Handzel. Laura shared: “I’ll miss Dr. Mel and his smile. I’m grateful for everything I learned from him and for all he did for the animals, especially those at CSNW.”
As many of you are aware, the animals of the world (human and otherwise) lost a dear friend in Dr. Mel recently. While our loss is immeasurable, so is his legacy. Dr. Mel’s was a life well lived and a model of how to walk in the world as a human. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and all of us here wouldn’t be the same without being so fortunate to have been a part of his extraordinary life.
Laura, thank you so much for honoring Dr. Mel in such a thoughtful way.
Here is another fan of living life to the fullest, Dr. Mel’s Pal, Jody:
B is for birthday and that’s good enough for Burrito
To celebrate the birthday boy today we tried to make sure his day was filled with things that he enjoys most. Enrichment for the party included scarves for playing tug-o-war with, the bedbug popper toys he likes so well, and wooden toys for biting to his heart’s content. Party decorations included streamers, paper, boxes, and more streamers. Volunteer Patti Sims contributed birthday pinatas and, for the coupe de grace, food! Truly, when it comes to Burrito’s favorite things, food is right up there on the list. So in his honor we made today about the food he loves. There was pineapple smoothie for breakfast, a chow and Brussels sprout forage in the party room, a leek and cucumber lunch forage in the front rooms, baked squash for dinner and healthy food snacks served throughout the day. In addition to his food themed day, Burrito also enjoyed plenty of games with human and chimpanzee friends alike! I don’t know about you, but I think he looks pretty well satisfied with the day’s festivities.
And while most of the photos we captured of the day involved the birthday boy, I can assure you that the other chimpanzees enjoyed the party as well!
Foxie foraging for chow (It’s what’s in the yellow party box):
Jamie foraging for chow, or possibly the Brussels sprouts:
Today is for Burrito Chimpanzee!
Today was sponsored for Burrito Chimpanzee in honor of his 31st birthday, by his Pal, Tracy Headley! There is probably not a day that goes by that Burrito doesn’t melt one of our hearts. Whether he’s biting on something while he plays (a toy, a fire hose, the caging, his own foot…), having a raucous game of chase or tug o’ war ending with him shyly gazing at you as he offers you a kiss or presents his belly for a knuckle rub, laughing uncontrollably when you blow in his ear, food squeaking with utter joy and abandon over his favorite (or any!) food, hugging his good friend, Foxie, becoming more courageous each day as he patrols Young’s Hill with Jamie, or just sitting there being his handsome self, his endearing qualities are countless.
As the youngest member of the Cle Elum 7, and the only male, Burrito doesn’t always have it so easy. This usually comes as the result of getting himself into trouble with the ladies due to his confusion around appropriate chimpanzee social skills. Having been born in a lab and denied the nurturing care of his mother or the role modeling of an adult male chimpanzee, it makes sense. But one thing is certain above anything else. Burrito is dearly loved by his family and friends, chimpanzee and human alike.
Party preparations are underway and as no party for Mr. B would be complete without plenty of food, you can bet he is going to be happy so check back later today to see the celebration! And while you are waiting, you can learn more about Burrito here.
Thank you so much for sponsoring today for this special guy, Tracy!! Happy Birthday, Burrito, we love you!!!
Foxie’s dolls
We try our best to vary which chimps are featured on the blog, so that no one is over or underexposed. But sometimes good material for a blog post just comes to us, and we have to go with it. So, I have a Foxie video to share today, despite the fact that the blog has been rather Foxie-heavy lately.
Foxie has an interesting relationship with her dolls. She often treats them maternally, kissing them or carrying them on her back as a mother chimp would do with her infant. Other times, she behaves aggressively toward them, beating them repeatedly with a wooden spoon. Occasionally she seems to be in awe of them, holding them out in front of her and gazing at them adoringly. And sometimes, they’re simply playthings.
This morning she spent some time completely preoccupied with this collection of dolls in the playroom.
