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Archives for May 2015

Captured Moments

May 31, 2015 by Keri

It’s the day after the 2015 HOOT! Gala fundraising event and we couldn’t be more thrilled! The event was such a huge success and we cannot possibly begin to thank all of you enough for your continued support for the Cle Elum Seven!! It is truly a blessing to know there are so many people that make up this sanctuary family! It’s clear that people near and far have fallen in love with these seven chimpanzees! I’ll leave the details of the event for Diana to write about on the blog later this week. Be sure to tune in for highlights from the big event!

Here are some moments we captured of each of the chimps from today.

Negra sat on the bridge in the Playroom looking toward the window that overlooks the neighbor’s farm.

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Jamie photo bombed this picture of Negra, as she made her way down the railing to where I was standing taking photos (I didn’t notice she had done that until reviewing the pictures).

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Jamie on her way down the railing.

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Jamie checked out her surroundings on Young’s Hill.

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Annie spent some time grooming her leg while in the Greenhouse this afternoon before walking in the tall grass on Young’s Hill.

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Missy enjoyed a cup of water…

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…and then groomed herself.

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Jody took full advantage of the quite afternoon and warm temperature to rest before going back out on Young’s Hill.

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Foxie lounged with one of her troll dolls on her belly before making her way up to the new climbing structure on Young’s Hill.

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Burrito made his way back toward the Greenhouse from the newest climbing structure by walking bipedal in the tall grass.

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Filed Under: Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Negra, Sanctuary, Thanks Tagged With: Annie, Burrito, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum Seven, csnw, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Negra

Happy Birthday, Carrie!

May 31, 2015 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Sylvia Gandolfo “in honor of Carrie Miller’s birthday and her lifelong, unwavering efforts to advocate for the rights of chimps and all species that share this planet with us.”

Sylvia and Carrie, thank you so much for being such good friends and pals to the chimpanzees and always keeping them in your hearts. It means the world to us, and the chimpanzees, that you choose to make their lives better when celebrating each of your own.

Carrie, we hope you have a beautiful day filled with all the things that mean sanctuary to you! Happy Birthday pant-hoots from all of us at CSNW!

The ever-charming Burrito:

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Filed Under: Burrito, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day Tagged With: Burrito, chimp sanctuary, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, csnw, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day

Negra building trust and HOOT! tonight

May 30, 2015 by Debbie

Today is a big day for me—it is my last day as a staff caregiver at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. I am excited to say that I will be beginning a new position with an animal advocacy group where I can utilize all my skills I’ve learned while developing and working on the Eyes on Apes program and fighting for chimpanzees everywhere. It is not a goodbye for me, though—I will be working from home, which means I will remain very much apart of the lives of the Cle Elum Seven and their human friends, too! Sorry guys, you can’t get rid of me just yet 😉

Though I am not saying goodbye, I have been reflecting a lot lately on my time here at CSNW and the relationships I’ve built with the chimpanzees over the last seven years! I started as a volunteer just a couple months after the chimpanzees arrived and they stole my heart. At the time, I was a graduate student working with signing chimpanzees in Ellensburg (a similar background to many of the CSNW staff) but I still didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life. Since chimpanzee caregiving jobs are few and far between, odds were that I would end up doing something completely unrelated. But as I spent more time at CSNW, seeing the chimpanzees change and grow in sanctuary, my career path became solidified. Words can truly never express how amazing it is to witness the incredible transformation and second chance that sanctuary can provide for chimpanzees.

Negra is a perfect example. She was stolen from her mother and captured from Africa as an infant, and then forced into research to be used in invasive vaccination testing for human diseases. She was also used a breeder, and had her three babies taken from her within days of birth. As if that wasn’t already bad enough, Negra was kept in complete isolation for nearly two years.

Negra has no grounds to trust humans. How could she? After everything that they had done to her—no one is surprised that she isn’t quick to trust someone. Negra’s changes in sanctuary have been very gradual, but we have seen a lot of growth. Negra from day one was (understandably) untrusting and preferred solitude. It became clear after a little while that Negra exhibited symptoms of someone with PTSD and depression. But as the years went by, we saw Negra playing—first with her chimpanzee friends, and then with humans! And she slowly became more trusting as well.

I learned very early on that Negra does not like to be touched. It is likely that she had several negative experiences in the lab, literally being poked and prodded, and so even a gentle knuckle rub would make her scream and run away. After some time, though, she would occasionally ask for a knuckle rub by offering her back to her caregivers. I remember the first time I gave Negra a knuckle rub I was almost in tears, just thinking about how long it took her to realize that she was safe here—and I would not hurt her.

Honestly, I’m not sure that she’s completely convinced of that fact. Just due to the sheer horror of her past, she has not fully moved on from those nightmares. Every once-in-a-while, something will startle Negra and the PTSD symptoms come through. As we started working on positive reinforcement training a little over a month ago, Negra was not thrilled with the sound of the clicker. Something about that sound associated with a bad memory for her, and she did not react very well at first. However, we were able to muffle the clicker sound by placing it in our pockets, and that seemed to work just fine. (And now she is fine without the muffle!) The next step was getting her comfortable with the target—the PVC tubes we use also were uncomfortable for her at first. After a few sessions though, she became more used to it, and realized that getting grapes and chow are totally worth touching that stupid stick. 😉

Ultimately, the positive reinforcement training is something that will be really incredible for Negra. We will be able to work up to a point where we can perform stress-free medical checks. And, if we ever needed to anesthetize her for any reason, we will be able to do so without any trauma, because she will have learned that presenting her shoulder for a poke results in a positive experience.

Since trust doesn’t come easy for her, and since she prefers routine over new things, I was worried that as her primary trainer, I would not be Negra’s biggest fan. However, I completely miscalculated how things would go. Instead of causing a strain on our relationship, training has made our friendship so much stronger. She has impressed me so much with her progress in our sessions, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. What I thought would take months, she has accomplished in just a few weeks. Negra not only confidently touches the target wherever I place it, but she also has started opening her mouth (a useful behavior for dental checks) and she is even presenting her shoulder.

Since this video was taken, she has become more reliable with the behaviors and is very comfortable with me touching her shoulder (even with a stick!)

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Now that I’ve exhausted everyone with such a wordy post, here are a bunch of some of my favorite photos of Negra:

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web Negra sweet sit next to cabin arms crossed YH IMG_4596

Negra look at pasture OA IMG_3782

web Negra funny lip close up outdoor area IMG_0112

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Tonight, we will be celebrating the last seven years of sanctuary at our annual HOOT! gala event in Seattle. We will be sharing stories of the gradual changes and new experiences that sanctuary has given Queen Negra and her chimpanzee family (or should I say the royal subjects under her reign?)

There really is no better send-off for me headed into my new adventure than joining everyone tonight in this celebration of sanctuary. I look forward to seeing you all there!

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Filed Under: Caregivers, Negra, Sanctuary Tagged With: animal protection, animal rescue, animal rights, Animal Welfare, chimp, chimp sanctuary, chimpanzee, chimpanzee rescue, chimpanzee retirement, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum 7, Cle Elum Seven, csnw, Negra, positive reinforcement training, rescue, Sanctuary

Foxie’s in charge now!

May 29, 2015 by Katelyn

The chimpanzees were ready and waiting for the door to Young’s Hill to be opened this morning after breakfast. With chow bags in hand, they all filed out of the raceway and headed straight for their new climbing structure. And Foxie was leading the way, with purpose and intent in every step! Everyone else just fell in behind her, even boss lady, Jamie.

Foxie, followed by Annie, Burrito, Missy:

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Jamie catches up (crossing over the log):

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Look at these chimps! Jody joins the troop in the lower right corner:

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And today, Negra brought up the rear! She remained a rebel and chose not the follow the others initially, instead sticking closer to the greenhouse to forage in the grass:

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Foxie was the first to climb the tower as well, and all except Negra joined her under the roof as they ate their chow together. I can’t express how amazing it was seeing them all sitting together in perfect calm and peace, taking in their new view. Unfortunately, by the time I reached them with the camera, all had started heading back down the hill except Jamie:

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Once again, even the boss was following Foxie:

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But who do you think I spotted walking out from under the new structure? Oh, just Negra! Today she decided to see what all the fuss was about I guess and although she didn’t climb the structure, the fact that she walked all the way to the top of the hill to see it was incredible. As she calmly ambled back down the hill she was beside herself at finding a huge patch of wild mustard to eat:

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I could barely see her, but she finally peeked out at me:

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The chimps have spent the entire day traipsing all the way up to the new structure, hanging out on the towers, and then coming back down and cooling off with a nap in the cooler play room. I think they may be adjusting to the additional exercise! Once rested they would all head back up again. And so it was all day. Play, repeat, play, repeat.

At the end of the day we had a gorgeous thunderstorm roll through. I went out to check on the chimpanzees as they typically head for the chimp house at the first sound of thunder. Almost everyone was back in the greenhouse, even Jamie, but when I looked up at the towers I spotted Foxie, Annie and Missy, showing no fear or nervousness, seemingly watching the storm in awe. I couldn’t believe it!

Annie and Missy chose the covered tower to observe from:

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And Foxie? Out in the open, all on her own, braving a thunder clap as she peeked over the edge of the railing. I adore this photo:

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My heart has been full to bursting all day at the sight of the chimpanzees embracing their new options with such courage, determination, security and joy. I keep thinking about the contrast their view of the world held seven years ago, living in a windowless basement in cages no bigger than a bathroom stall. Imagine the awe and wonder they must feel now.

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Filed Under: Annie, Burrito, Enrichment, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Negra, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day Tagged With: Annie, Burrito, chimpanzee retirement, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum 7, csnw, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Negra, Sanctuary, young's hill

Happy Birthday, Alisa!

May 29, 2015 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary was also sponsored by Ed Brooks in honor of his wife, Alisa Lamire Brooks, on her birthday! Ed shared the most beautiful message about Alisa and this special day:

“Today is Alisa’s birthday. I know that she would rather help sustain Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, than receive a gift for herself. She loves every one of those chimps. She loves animals and advocates for them every day with all of her heart, be they chimps, lost pets, or the cetaceans of the Salish Sea.

Last summer we had a magical day when we visited the sanctuary, meeting staff and watching the beloved chimps forage on Young’s Hill. It is a place that fills her heart with love for animals and humans who are working so hard on their behalf. From both of us, thank you all for the love and hope you inspire there on Youngs Hill.”

Ed and Alisa, thank you so much for sponsoring today and for holding the chimpanzees, and all animals, in your hearts. We’re truly grateful to have you both as part of the chimps’ lives and are touched that you would choose to give them the gift of sanctuary on your own special day.

Alisa, we wish you the happiest of days and may all the love and care you share with others return to you ten fold. Happy Birthday from all of the primates here at CSNW!

Master forager, Jody:

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Filed Under: Jody, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day Tagged With: chimpanzee rescue, chimpanzee retirement, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, csnw, Jody, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day

Today is for Spencer!

May 29, 2015 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by an anonymous supporter in honor of Spencer!

We always feel honored to witness so many amazing people who choose to celebrate special people and times in their own lives by making a difference in the chimpanzees’ lives.

To our anonymous supporter, thank you so much for thinking of the chimps in honoring Spencer today. And Spencer, from the chimpanzees and humans alike here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, we hope you have a wonderful day!

Burrito would probably suggest you include food in your special day. Lots of food.

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Filed Under: Burrito, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day Tagged With: Burrito, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, csnw, Sanctuary, Sponsor-a-day

New views, new perspectives

May 28, 2015 by Katelyn

What an amazing day we’ve had here at the sanctuary! Everyone worked so hard to complete the chimpanzees’ new structure on Young’s Hill early and even had it ready in time for a chimpanzee inspection and lunch forage.

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The chimps were SO excited as we opened the raceway to the hill, pant-hooting, food grunting, and hugging each other in excitement and reassurance. Everyone filed out and quickly made their way to the top of the hill to check things out. Surprisingly, Missy wasn’t the first person on the structure, but she wasn’t far behind Jody, Annie, and Jamie who led the way. And just to warn you, you may have to look a little harder to see the chimps in some of these photos, but we hope it gives you an idea of their new perspective on things!

The new structure is the highest on the hill at about 16 feet high and the chimps’ view is incredible! Annie was one of the first to go up and take it in. She looks so small!:

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Annie looking below the tower:

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Jody was fearless and explored the entire structure with confidence and her new found athletic skills (she is on the shaky bridge as Annie watches from the platform):

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Burrito foraged in the gorgeous new bamboo below the structure initially:

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But it wasn’t long before he joined Annie and Missy (walking on the hand railing, naturally) up top:

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Jamie on the bridge:

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As we’ve previously written on the blog, it wasn’t that long ago that Foxie wouldn’t have felt comfortable exploring this new structure right away. She initially foraged and assessed the situation from below with her troll. But it didn’t take her long to climb right up and explore:

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Never one to take the easy way, Missy climbs one of the posts:

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Those six small, black, specks on the structure are all of the chimps except Negra. This view is from the top of Young’s Hill looking toward the chimp house and the roof in the lower left hand corner is the barn:

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It took a bit for Negra to decide to leave her comfy nest and venture onto the hill to see what all the excitement was about. Being the clever woman she is, she chose to enjoy the forage closer to the greenhouse, which really was pretty smart given that she had it to herself. This was one of the only sightings of the Queen as she disappeared in the tall grass and shade:

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And you can probably guess who the speck of a fearless woman in the following photos is…Missy, of course, had to test out tightrope options. After all, why be boring and take the bridge between the towers when you can walk across on the fire hose? (Honestly, I think we all had to remind ourselves today that even though we shuddered seeing them so far off the ground, they were doing what chimps are meant to do!):

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Her best friend, Annie, waiting to greet her at the other end:

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If you look closely, that tiny looking chimp walking on the hand railing of the tower is the boss lady, Jamie:

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Jamie takes in the view of her kingdom:

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In two weeks time we will be celebrating not only Negra’s birthday (June 13th), but the chimpanzees’ 7th year in sanctuary. It’s hard to believe how far they’ve come since they arrived. The ghosts of themselves they arrived as, the fears, anxieties, and uncertainties they carried, are shadows of who they’ve become. Shadows that grower fainter by the day. We are profoundly thankful to all of you who have made this possible for the chimpanzees and can’t wait to share all that lies ahead with you.

Filed Under: Annie, Burrito, Construction, Enrichment, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Negra, Sanctuary, Young's Hill Tagged With: Annie, Burrito, chimpanzee rescue, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Negra, Sanctuary, young's hill

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