Archives for February 2014

Everything in His Arsenal

February 16, 2014 by Elizabeth

When Burrito wants a caregiver to play with him, he dips into his toolkit of irresistibly charming play initiation behaviors. Things start out innocently enough.

But as soon as he makes eye contact, you know it’s all over.

He holds your gaze while biting on the nearest object.

He might add a head tilt for good measure.

If that doesn’t get you, he’ll throw in a play bow.

And if by some miracle you’re still not won over, he pulls out the trump card: the joyful blanket fling.

Try saying no to that.

Foxie’s new love

February 15, 2014 by Diana

It’s a winter wonderland at the sanctuary today:

But Foxie is keeping Dora warm inside:

Foxie has not left her new Dora the Explorer doll alone since she got it yesterday as part of the Valentine’s Day celebration. I found her gazing lovingly at it several times today.

Meanwhile, I have been gazing lovingly at our Share the Chimp Love fundraising site! We are 74% to our goal with 12 days to go. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and shared the site and the Share the Chimp Love video.

I am really looking forward to the Grapes for Apes wine tasting in Kirkland on Saturday, March 1st where we can celebrate reaching the $10,000 goal for the month, some other really loving things that occurred this February (more on those soon), and the kick-off to our Hoot! ticket sales. There certainly are a lot of things to look forward to both inside and outside the chimp house in the coming months!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2014 by J.B.

Here’s Negra at the beginning of the party this morning, delicately sipping from her cup of pomegranate juice.

Here’s Negra a few minutes later, when she realized that the other chimps were getting all the food.

Actually, Negra was the big winner of the party today, as you’ll see in the video below. But everyone had a great time, thanks to Syd and Diane, Lisa, Steph, and all the volunteers.

I hope you all are having a great Valentine’s Day too! And if Valentine’s Day is not your thing, I hope you enjoy watching the chimps celebrate theirs. And remember – you can help keep the celebration going by Sharing the Chimp Love.

Big thanks to Debbie Redwine for her $500 challenge donation that was quickly matched by Bridget Lepley, and matched again by Adrienne Armstrong. Truly a day to warm our hearts!

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

February 14, 2014 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary love was also sponsored by Donna Mensching and Burrito Chimpanzee, in honor of Stephanie Perciful’s birthday!! We suspect Burrito might just include this message for her: “Stephanie, would you “B” my Valentine on your Bday?!”

Stephanie has been a long time volunteer caregiver with Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and has one of the biggest, kindest, most generous hearts of anyone we know so it’s seems only fitting that she was born on Valentine’s Day. Every year Stephanie chooses to spend her birthday throwing a party for the chimpanzees! She enriches the lives of the chimps, and every human and non-human animal she meets, in countless ways and is one of Burrito’s very favorite humans in the world (and one of ours as well!). She just makes the world a better place.

Donna (and Burrito), thank you so much for honoring our dear friend on her birthday in such a sweet and generous way! Stephanie, we could never thank you enough for all you do for the primates of CSNW but we wish you the very happiest of birthdays and a day filled with all the love you deserve!

Of course, there is a huge Valentine’s Day party getting underway for the chimpanzees so be sure to check back later today for the festivities! We are so grateful to all of you who share your hearts and support with the chimpanzees, we truly couldn’t do it without you! And if you are still looking for a Valentine (or seven!) you can learn more about the chimpanzees and how to help here: Share the Chimp Love. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

In honor of Rita and Scully

February 14, 2014 by Katelyn

Today was sponsored by Rita Morgan for Rita Laws and Scully Dog. Rita shared the following touching message about her friends, Rita and Scully:

“Rita rescued Scully the dog over a decade ago but lost her this summer when Scully passed away. Scully was a faithful and true friend, brave and sweet, and lived to cuddle with her mama. Nothing brought her more joy than getting the invitation to tunneling under a blanket on Rita’s lap. She felt safe and warm, and all was right with the world. The chimps would appreciate her skill in creating the perfect nest. I know Rita would love to celebrate Scully’s life by helping to build a new nest for the many chimps who need our help. I chose Valentine’s Day to honor Scully because I lost my baby boy Kobe, the love of my life, on that day in 2010. Take care of our Scully, Kobe. Honeybee and Deuce too. We love you all and miss you so so much. xxxooo”

Thank you so much, Rita, for honoring your dear friends, Rita and Scully, in such a special way and thank you both, for bringing so much love into the world. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of the primates at CSNW!!

Beautiful Negra:

Venturing Out

February 13, 2014 by Elizabeth

Before the chimpanzees go out onto Young’s Hill, they’ll sometimes stand at the door and contemplate for a moment. I often wonder what they’re thinking during this pause in their busy day. Considering that they spent the first few decades of their lives in tiny cages barely bigger than their bodies, I like to think they’re taking a moment to relish two acres of possibility.

Today the ground is wet from the melting snow, so Missy’s excursions outside were brief and purposeful.

Snow keep away!

February 12, 2014 by Katelyn

After bearing up incredibly well to a long, snowy week, the chimpanzees were finally able to get out and enjoy some time on Young’s Hill today! Even though it was sunny with surprisingly warm temperatures, the remaining snow was melting fast and made for pretty slushy walking. The chimpanzees were so anxious to get outside and collect some snow, but no one wanted to walk in the slushy mess (can’t say that I blame them!). So everyone clung to the fire hose to navigate their way onto the hill without having to touch the snow.

Here are Jody, Annie and Missy, going out of their way not to touch the snow. And of course, Missy (on the right) had somewhere to go so it was pretty funny watching her make her way past Jody and Annie when no one wanted to touch the snow!