Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for July 2016

The Loners

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The Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees had lived together in the lab for a few years before they came to the sanctuary, so they were already an established group when we met them. Like any family, theirs contained a range of personalities. Some were dominant and some were submissive, some were serious and some were fun-loving, some were social and some were independent.

When the group first arrived at the sanctuary eight years ago, Jody and Negra kept to themselves pretty consistently. They would show up to meals, but that was about the only group activity they showed any interest in. For most of the day, they would each find a quiet spot, make a nest, and enjoy their solitude.

We love that the chimps have the freedom to make their own choices, so we were glad that Negra and Jody were spending their days in the ways that made them happy. Still, as we watched some of the other chimps find joy and comfort in companionship, we couldn’t help but wish that Jody and Negra would open themselves up to this experience.

Fast forward eight years: Today we know a Jody and a Negra who still appreciate their alone time, but who also regularly seek out soothing grooming sessions or gentle play sessions with their friends. They remain fundamentally the same people we met years ago, but now their worlds are just a little bigger.

Jody:

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Negra:

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Today is in memory of Kevin Clark

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Today was sponsored by Shelley Winfrey in memory of her brother, Kevin Clark. Shelley is a long-time friend to the chimps and humans here at the sanctuary and generously sponsors this day each year in Kevin’s honor. She shared this message about today:

“For my brother, who passed away…he would have loved the chimps!”

Shelley, thank you so much holding the chimpanzees in your heart as you remember your brother today. We are so touched that you would think of them in such a meaningful way. We are happy to honor Kevin here today and all of us are thinking of you. We hope you have a day filled with good memories and the comfort, love, and peace that you help provide the chimpanzees.

Shelley’s handsome pal, Burrito:

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A chimp’s eye view

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Every morning before we give the chimpanzees access to Young’s Hill we do a perimeter check, walking the fence line to ensure everything is secure. I did this from inside Young’s Hill today as I was picking up around the chimps’ outdoor habitat. Every time I am out there I am in awe of the views so I can only imagine what it means to the chimps.

This is the chimps’ view as they enter Young’s Hill from the greenhouse. Imagine going from a view of the wall in a windowless basement from behind bars to having your door opened to this each day:

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These are the chimps’ views from atop Carlene’s Tower of the wooded hillside across from the sanctuary and where Missy and Annie often like to enjoy their morning chow or wild greens:

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And in the opposite direction toward the mountains and river below (and also Jamie’s current favorite when she sits atop the crow’s nest):

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The beautiful valley below from the chimps’ log bridge atop the wild mustard and lettuce mounds (the spot Negra has been hiking to almost daily this summer!):

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Negra:

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Jamie’s pathway when she walks the perimeter every day with her caregivers following along on the other side of the fence:

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Jamie:

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The bamboo tunnel in the middle of the hill:

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As the chimps had breakfast, lunch and dinner today there were so many fresh, healthy, yummy foods for them to choose from that I noticed the majority of them were quick to let us know exactly what they wanted to be served first, what they wanted to pass on and even what color of a certain food they preferred. To see the chimps not only have choices, but see them recognize and KNOW that they have choices and make those choices from a sense of abundance is an incredible thing.

This freedom, abundance and love that fills each of the chimpanzees lives is because of the many forms of support you provide them. Every day is one of celebration and we couldn’t be more grateful to you.

And because we believe the chimpanzees can never have too much to celebrate, if you haven’t yet heard we have some exciting Christmas in July festivities happening! Check out our Christmas in July video starring Foxie and Dora on the GoPro on Young’s Hill (trust me, you don’t want to miss this one) and then help us fill up our stockings! We’ve stocked up our Amazon Wish List with things the amazing chimpanzees need and things the caregivers need to take care of the amazing chimpanzees and we’re going to have a party for the chimps on July 29th to celebrate!

Foxie and Dora send hoots upon hoots of thanks to you (as do we all)!

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The calm before a storm

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As I write this blog, lightning is flashing and thunder rolling along the surrounding mountains near the sanctuary. Jamie of course, has convinced staff member Katelyn that this is the best possible time to go for a fast walk around Young’s Hill before the rain really hits.

This cooler weather made for a nice afternoon lunch forage (earlier before the storm hit). All the chimpanzees ventured out onto Young’s Hill to collect fresh garden lettuce, snap peas and broccoli (not everyone made themselves available for decent photos).

Negra:
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Annie:
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Foxie:
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Burrito:
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*Don’t worry about Jamie and her accompanying caregivers, they took a quick walk and made it safely indoors as I finish up this post!

Happy Birthday, George!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Shawn Hurt in honor of her dad, George White, and in memory of her grandmother, Annie White.

“July 18 is my dad’s 79th birthday. My dad taught us compassion for animals and I would like to recognize him on this special day by helping the Chimpanzees. I chose Annie because that is my dad’s mother’s name. I love you Dad. I miss you Gram.”

Shawn, thank you so much for such a lovely gift for the chimpanzees in honor of your dad and your grandmother! We are so grateful to you for making a difference in Annie and her family’s lives.

George, all of us here at the sanctuary wish you the happiest of days! And we are also honored to be part of celebrating the memory of your mother, Annie. What a beautiful and valuable gift you gave your family in sharing your love of animals with them. We hope you enjoy getting to know your new pal, dear, beautiful Annie! Happy Birthday!!

Annie:

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Climbing to new heights

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It’s always great to share a story when one of the chimpanzees does something that we have not seen before. What is even better, is when we capture pictures or video footage of it!

This morning, we spread fruit (apples and peaches) throughout Young’s Hill, as part of the chimps’ breakfast. For those of you new to the blog, Young’s Hill is the chimps’ 2 acre outdoor enclosure, with open skies overhead. On the hill, are a variety of wooden structures (Twister, Carlene’s Tower & Jamie’s Lookout to name a few) and bridges, fire hoses and tire swings for the chimps to climb and sit on. There is also Negra’s cabin, built with the Queen herself in mind.

We threw some of the cut up fruit on top of Negra’s cabin, with Missy in mind. She is the chimp most likely to climb that structure. But, today some of the other chimps beat her to it, one of which, most of us do not think we have ever seen climb to the top.

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In all honesty, climbing isn’t exactly one of Burrito’s strong points. He can be a little awkward and doesn’t exhibit the most grace when climbing. But, when I stop to think about it, it’s not something he grew up doing or was taught how to do. Having spent decades in a cage the size of a bathroom stall, there isn’t much space or need for climbing to get from one place to another.

We’re just happy to see Burrito expanding his horizons to include climbing Negra’s cabin…perhaps, peaches and apples were the motivating factors 🙂