Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for March 2015

Dinnertime lounging

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Yesterday during dinner, Jody decided to relax a little in between courses. She would go out to the greenhouse, get her serving, and then take it to the front rooms to enjoy her meal without any distractions.

Sometimes the chimpanzees prefer to eat with more privacy, and will take their servings off to their own corner. Part of that might be to avoid getting their food taken by someone more dominant (which is completely normal in chimp society) — but partially I think some chimps just enjoy eating away from the hub-bub of the meal.

Still, some chimps will park themselves in one spot during a meal and stay there until everything has been served. Just another example of how great it is that in sanctuary, they can choose how and where to spend their time.

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In memory of Joseph and Carlene’s anniversary

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Joseph Garza, in memory of his late wife, Carlene, and this day, which would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. Joseph and Carlene have done so much for the chimpanzees and even though Carlene is no longer with us physically, both she and Joseph continue to make an immense difference in the chimps’ lives. Joseph shared this beautifully heartfelt message about today:

“On this date fifteen years ago, Carlene K. Olsen-Paul and I exchanged vows to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part. Little did we know that the latter would come much too soon.

She captured my heart with the first look into her eyes and at that moment I knew that I was looking into the soul of the love of my life. The Lord gave us almost 20 years together, 14 and one-half of those as husband and wife. They weren’t all easy, but I would give anything to have even the worst day back again just to hold her in my arms again.

Carlene K. Olsen-Garza, you are my soul mate and I know when my time comes you will be waiting for me and we will once again be reunited, but this time for eternity. Til then, I love you my angel.”

Joseph, thank you so much for sharing such a special day with not only the chimpanzees, but all of us. We are immensely moved that you not only continue to carry Carlene’s passion for the chimpanzees in your heart, but have made it your own as well. Our thoughts are with you today as you remember your dear wife and the beautiful life you shared.

Annie groom Missy in greenhouse

Too Close for Comfort?

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Chimpanzees spend a lot of time grooming each other. Grooming serves hygienic purposes – removing dead skin, tending to wounds – but maybe more importantly it serves to strengthen bonds between individuals. Chimpanzees don’t seem to have the same hangups about personal space as many of us do; they are not shy about getting right up in each other’s faces (or other body parts). It’s hard to imagine how two individuals wouldn’t be closer after a chimpanzee grooming session.

For the most part, the chimps seem to take these invasions of personal space in stride. This afternoon, though, I found poor Foxie pinned into a corner of the greenhouse by Burrito and Jamie, who were both showering her with (seemingly unwanted) attention. She looked like she wouldn’t mind a little breathing room (that’s Burrito in front of Foxie with his back to the camera, and Jamie on the right).

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Happy Birthday, Laura!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Linda Goodwin, in honor of her niece, Laura Chadduck’s, birthday! Linda shared this message about Laura:

“My niece, Laura, lights up every room she walks into with her positive energy and empathy. All who know her love her, and she’s a true animal lover as well as avid [Seattle] Sounders fan!”

Linda, thank you so much for choosing to make a difference in the chimpanzees’ lives while celebrating Laura on her birthday! We are so touched that you would think of them.

Laura, thank you for caring about animals and being such a positive presence in the world. We hope you have the happiest of birthdays!

Our resident athlete, Missy:

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Afternoon Routine

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The chimpanzees have developed their own daily routines. Typically, they are at their highest arousal level in the morning time. That is also when they seem to be the most active, often times playing, displaying and greeting one another and caregivers. After breakfast, the chimps spend time building nests with the new blankets, checking out the new enrichment, playing and venturing out onto Young’s Hill. After lunch, the chimps’ arousal level shifts. Most of the chimpanzees either enjoy their afternoon with a siesta, or by grooming themselves or one another. Other chimps demand to go on walks around Young’s Hill.

This afternoon was no different. I caught Annie enjoying her afternoon siesta in the Greenhouse. She looked quite content on the deck and briefly interrupted her resting time to groom Missy before closing her eyes.

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Foxie took her time to enjoy her chow one piece at a time.

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Jody spent a large portion of her afternoon grooming her hands and arms.

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Negra sat on the bottom platform for a few minutes after lunch just looking around before heading inside to get comfortable in her blanket nest.

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Missy and Burrito were busy grooming one another while the other chimps were resting.

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And what do you think Jamie was up to? She was busy looking for someone to go on a walk with her of course.

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Happy Birthday, Heiwon!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Don and Karen Young for their granddaughter, Heiwon Young, who turns 7 years old today! Don and Karen generously helped to make the chimpanzees’ 2-acre outdoor habitat, Young’s Hill, possible and we are grateful for their compassion and support of the chimps every single day. They shared the following sweet message about today:

“Heiwon is the daughter of Rob and Soo Mi Young, the sister of Helton Young, and our precious granddaughter. She is a Princess, loves animals, is a dancer and an extraordinary artist, but more importantly, she is a gentle, lovely, compassionate little girl.”

Don and Karen, thank you for keeping the chimpanzees in your hearts and sharing Heiwon’s special day with them.

Heiwon, how exciting to be turning 7 years old! We hope you have the happiest of days and thank you for sharing your 7th birthday with the Cle Elum 7!

Our beloved resident dancer, Foxie. (And for an oldie, but goodie, check out this video of Foxie dancing to the “Lord of the Dance” video).

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Spring is in the air

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Spring is here, which for this region means the weather is predictably unpredictable. Yesterday, we had a beautiful 70 degree slightly cloudy day—the chimpanzees and the humans were loving it! We had the windows open, we did some work outside, Jamie went on lots of walks, and it felt like summer was just around the corner.

Annie enjoying some of the nice spring weather lately:
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Today is, well, not as nice. We have had some very blustery winds with a slight drizzle, but that hasn’t stopped Jamie from making her daily patrols! Most of the other chimps have preferred to stay in the warm wind-protected greenhouse, soaking in the spring sunlight.

What will tomorrow bring? No matter what, I’m sure Jamie will still make her patrols and require her caregivers to come along as well. And maybe Burrito will join and do his new “hop.” Or who knows—maybe even Foxie will come along.

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