Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for October 2016

The struggles of blog photography

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Each day of the week, sanctuary staff members trade off the responsibility of being the Lead Caregiver for the day. The Lead Caregiver is tasked with keeping to the routine of the day, moving doors to close off an area for cleaning, and taking photos and writing for the daily blog. Some days the blog photography can be the most challenging part of the day. There are often entire afternoons when the chimpanzees choose to spend their time off grooming out of sight from the camera. There are also days when the chimpanzees are right in front of you, but seem to have other thoughts on their minds besides holding still for a photo.
This video was taken a few months ago as staff member Katelyn tried to get a photo of playful Burrito.

Somewhere in between play bouts, Katelyn managed to get a few stills of this handsome guy. Maybe you recognize this particularly gorgeous one?
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True Altruism

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“True altruism is caring for places you will never visit, people you will never meet and a future you will never see.” – Author unknown –

I was looking at Jane Goodall’s Facebook page the other day and came across the above quote. As I read the words, I couldn’t help thinking of all of the people who have and will continue to advocate for chimpanzees across Africa who have suffered as the result of deforestation, the pet trade and the bush meat trade. Many of these people are fighting for animals in places they will never have the chance to visit.

And then I read the quote again and couldn’t help but think of all of the Cle Elum Seven supporters around the world. Many supporters will never be able to meet these chimps, yet, they continue to love and support them.

Reading the quote one more time, I thought about the countless number of people fighting for a future they were not sure they’d ever see; an end to biomedical research on chimpanzees in the United States. I think Diana did a great job of describing how our society has shifted toward “greater understanding and compassion” It takes a lot of people and a lot of time, but change does happen and a future we dreamed about is happening now.

Thank you to all those who care about and advocate for, the places, the people and the future you may never see.

Jamie
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Jody
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Burrito
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Negra
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Foxie (look close to see Annie’s head poking out in the background)

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Missy (Foxie is in the background holding a troll doll.)
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Annie
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Four Seasons of Sanctuary

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JB’s post yesterday got me thinking about how much the sanctuary really transforms each season.

In winter we have the always enriching snow.

Annie takes a moment outside on Young’s Hill before grabbing an icy snack:
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In Spring we have bright green grass and thriving lush plants.

Negra forages:
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In summer we have hot days and long cool evenings.

These evenings are often spent enjoying Young’s Hill with the determined night owl Jamie Chimpanzee:
Jamie on Twister dusk

And on fall days like today, we have picturesque views of golden aspen trees.

Jody exploring:
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Fall mornings

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The chimps love these cool fall mornings. As soon as we’re done serving breakfast in the greenhouse, they pack up whatever they have left – in this case chow bags and pomegranate rinds – and head out to the hill take in the view.

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Sunbathing

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Luxuriate in the sun, play, repeat. Temperatures were at freezing this morning and the chimps spent a lot of time lined up along the catwalk of the chimp house luxuriating in the sunny windows and grooming and/or playing with one another. At one point, everyone was bunched together enjoying the warmth of the sun and one another.

Annie was particularly enjoying herself, stretched out in the bright light half asleep. But that didn’t stop her from a lazy game of toe grabbing (and nibbling) with her best friend, Missy:

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(Notice Annie gently play-biting Missy’s toes) 🙂

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Eventually, Missy gave in and decided to groom Annie, arm poised mid-air, basking in the warmth of the sun and friendship:

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