Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is not open to the public like a zoo. In general, we like to give the chimps their privacy. When we do allow visitors, we limit the frequency of the visits and the size of the groups, and we always ensure that the group is guided by a staff member that the chimps know and trust.
But we have one visitor that doesn’t abide by our rules.
Most mornings throughout the spring and summer, Ellie the wild elk can be found laying beneath the visitor shelter, waiting for the chimps to finish their breakfast and head out onto the hill. She seems to enjoy watching them, and they in turn have at least grown accustomed to her. In fact, we have even seen Jamie and Ellie taking a walk together around the hill without us.
Jamie and Ellie:
Burrito and Ellie:
Ellie and Jody:
Ellie, Jamie, and Missy:
So I guess – just this once! – we’ll make an exception to our visitor policy. It’s not like we could do anything about it anyway…
