Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

A look of contentment in their eyes

by Keri

Often times I catch myself gazing at these chimpanzees, wondering what they are thinking. It’s easy for me (and maybe for most people) to attribute my own human feelings of awe and wonder as I watch them explore Young’s Hill (their 2 acre outdoor enclosure) or sit quietly looking out the windows from the catwalk in the Playroom. It seems that there is a sense of excitement and enjoyment when they are playing with one another and a curiosity as they inspect new enrichment items.

Looking at the pictures below, I can’t help but think that there is a sense of contentment in their eyes.

Jamie
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Negra
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Burrito
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Jody
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Foxie
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Missy
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Annie
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Comments

  1. CRoccodero says

    Although they like the snow and icicles, they might be thinking how much they would like to forage and play on Young’s Hill.

  2. Julie Heniff says

    Nice close up photos. My curiosity is wondering what were they looking at? What makes them want to be content vs play?

    • Keri says

      Hi Julie. To answer your question regarding what they are looking at, Jamie and Missy were looking right at me as I was taking photos; Jody and Foxie were looking out onto Young’s Hill; Negra was looking out the window that overlooks the driveway (the chimps can see everyone coming and leaving); Burrito was taking a moment to sit still between playing with a volunteer caregiver, and Annie was looking up at her best friend Missy who was in the loft overhead.

      And the chimps all have times of the day when they play and other times they like to rest and relax, much like we do.

  5. Dalyce says

    Yes, they all look happy and content. I’m sure they are thinking we’re so lucky to be here in this beautiful setting with such great people to take care of us. I love these pictures.

  6. Lorraine says

    Thank you for giving them a dignified, good life….. they could not live in the wild, and “the wild” can be very cruel and harsh, I think they are content and even happy.

  8. Kathleen says

    Yes, I see the contentment in their eyes and all over their faces. And I see healthy chimps too! They have come so far from the day they arrived at CSNW. What beautiful transformations!