Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for December 2016

Chimps are strong!

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This afternoon, as I watched Jamie easily climb and brachiate from one Young’s Hill structure to another, I was reminded of the amazing physical strength of a chimpanzee. There is some debate among the scientific community on exactly how much stronger chimps are compared to humans, but there is no doubt that they ARE in fact significantly stronger than us. This simple moment of leisure for Jamie is a good illustration of just why caregivers never enter the enclosures with the incredibly muscular, agile, and sometimes volatile Cle Elum 7.

In honor of Brian and Polly Caughey

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Kevin and Diane Eilmes in honor of Brian and Polly Caughey! Kevin and Diane shared this message about today:

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Brian and Polly. We are big believers in the mission of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. We know you will enjoy the chimps as much as we have.”

Kevin and Diane, thank you so much for not only including the chimpanzees in your life, but sharing your love for them with others. Your generosity and compassion make the chimps’ lives in sanctuary possible. Your generosity and compassion also make hope, love, home and family possible and we’re so grateful to you.

Brian and Polly, we hope you enjoy getting to know the chimpanzees as the special and unique individuals they are. Thank you for being part of our amazing chimp community!

Meet our boss, Jamie:

Today is in memory of Bill Clark

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by the chimpanzees’ long-time friend and neighbor, Shelley Winfrey, in memory of her dad, Bill Clark, on his birthday. Shelley sponsors this day each year and we’re honored to celebrate Bill here at the sanctuary today. We are so moved that the sanctuary has become a place for so many to remember, honor, cherish and celebrate the special individuals and events of their lives through the lives of the chimpanzees.

Shelley, thank you for always thinking of the chimpanzees and for all that you do to provide them with love, care, family and home. We are so grateful to you for your compassion and generosity and feel so fortunate to have such a good community neighbor in you. Our thoughts are with you and your family today as you remember your dad.

Your pal, Burrito:

Another Christmas Celebration

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With so much love and support (and toys and decorations) from all over the world, we decided to celebrate Christmas again today!

Party setup in the Greenhouse, complete with grapes, LEGOs, and little hats for ornaments on the Christmas tree…

…and more boxes, toys, piñatas, food and presents in the Playroom.

Jamie headed straight for the Christmas tree, just like she did yesterday! This time, she found the hidden grapes.

Jody’s focus seemed to be on the colorful boxes (with primate chow hidden inside).

Negra helped Jamie pick grapes from the tree and munched on primate chow she found in the boxes on the ground.

Annie went straight for the food (leeks, purple cabbage, red onions, mushrooms and primate chow).

Foxie went through the enrichment that Negra left behind, including a snowman piñata and some of the colorful boxes.

Missy also focused on the food we spread throughout the Playroom first before inspecting the decorations.

Burrito spent a lot of time shaking the boxes before opening them (we hid primate chow inside each one.)

We’re so thankful for all of the love and support the Cle Elum Seven have received this past year. Thank you everyone who helped make the festivities continue through today!!

A day of celebration from Laurel!

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This Christmas Day of sanctuary was sponsored for the chimpanzees by Laurel Hecht! It also happens to be Laurel’s birthday and for the past several years this is how she has chosen to celebrate her special day!

Laurel, thank you so much for holding the chimps in your heart year after year and for ensuring their Christmas celebrations are full of all the wonder, magic, joy, and of course Burrito’s most important life ingredient, food! And thank you for turning your own special day into such a unique and compassionate gift for the chimps. We are so grateful to you for loving them. All of us here wish you a Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!

From a few Christmases past, here’s Burrito enjoying the day:

Burrito chimpanzee gazing at tree

Burrito gazing at tree

Burrito spinning tree

The chimp house is a flurry with preparations for the chimpanzees’ Christmas party so be sure to check back later today to see the festivities!! To every single one of you who has sent donations, gifts, good thoughts, cheer and love, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Every moment of the chimps’ lives in sanctuary is made possible because of you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!