One of the duties of dominant chimpanzees in the wild is to patrol the perimeter of their territories regularly to keep their group safe from intruders. Here at the sanctuary, Jamie leads the patrols. She’ll do it by herself if she has to, but she prefers to have a caregiver come along. Anywhere from a couple to a dozen times each day, Jamie and a human friend set off to systematically walk the perimeter of the two-acre Young’s Hill.
Today Grace, one of the chimps’ first volunteer caregivers at the sanctuary, returned for a visit after several years away. The last time Grace was here, the construction on Young’s Hill was not quite complete, so Jamie was eager for the opportunity to take a walk today with a beloved old friend. (Grace’s friend Colin, staff caregivers JB, Katelyn, and I, and Ellie the neighborhood elk went too.)
If you get motion sickness, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise, you’re invited to tag along on a stroll with this motley crew.
That was SO much fun to walk the whole perimeter with Jamie and her helpers. I felt like I was there with them. Thanks for the opportunity.
WOW, taking a walk with Jamie and Ellie, what fun!! Great video!
That was a total blast! It was one year ago I had the sheer pleasure (and head rush and heart flutter!) to do this in person, but I wasn’t as lucky as Grace and Colin….. I didn’t get to walk side by side with Ellie too!
What was the reaction when Jamie and the gang saw their old friend again?! It must have been so exciting for everyone!
Hi Kathleen! The chimps were really happy to see Grace. Lots of pant hoots in the chimp house when she came in!
i felt that was right there on the walk too! Thank you so much for sharing this video.
Jamie, the Boss with her multi-species entourage.
Fantastic video … I enjoyed every minute of it but found myself watching Ellie more than Jamie. Never saw an elk up that close Does she go on the walk daily. Amazing she want to be so close to humans. Clearly you people bond with all animals Amazing group of caring humans. I salute you all
Can you give a little history on Ellie? An elk that acts like a dog 🙂 How has she become so comfortable with humans?
Hi Laurie. Here’s a blog post with more information on Ellie: https://chimpsnw.org/2015/03/shes-back/
This ranks very very high on my favorite videos. It’s different than the closeups. It shows an aspect of your daily life there. It shows how BIG the property is! What a walk. And so wonderful that the chimps have so much space to run around in. To see how Jamie keeps an eye on you, just in case you decide to slip away.. And the joy of having a friendly elk take a stroll with you, and get up close with you.
You guys all work so very very very hard but put it all together, you have carved a wonderful meaningful life doing something you are passionate about, in gorgeous surroundings that fuel your soul. I am so very envious.