Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for June 2017

A selection

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Each day, caregivers put out carefully selected enrichment items into the enclosures for the chimpanzees to enjoy. Objects like clothing, crayons, magazines, paper, and kids toys are placed around to try and peak the chimps’ interests (or sometimes to just give them something to throw). There are two types of enrichment items that are an absolute requirement for each enclosure: Foxie’s dolls and Jamie’s boots. No area at the sanctuary is fully enriched without at least one cowboy boot and a Dora or troll doll.


In memory of Bryan Riner

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by The Riner family in memory of Bryan Riner. Bryan had great love and respect for the chimpanzees and his family has graciously continued to share that compassion in his honor. His wife, daughter and son shared this message about today:

“In memory of Bryan Riner, a wonderful, compassionate husband and father who respected all beings (especially the Cle Elum 7), from Judy, Marin, and Dax.” 

Judy, Marin and Dax, thank you so much for your long-time friendship of the chimpanzees and for including them in your memories and celebration of Bryan. Our thoughts are with you all today and we will be thinking of Bryan and all the good his wonderful spirit continues to do in the world.

Missy, in all her glorious “Missy-ness”:

Annie and Missy top of Twister

A new friend for the chimps!

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Last week we welcomed our new part-time staff caregiver Kelsi to the sanctuary! She has been busy learning the daily routine around here and is now getting to know the chimps!

This afternoon Burrito was more than happy to demonstrate proper chase protocol for her:

And how to give a good (and safe) back rub:

And boss Jamie taught Kelsi how to model new cowboy boots for her. Note that Jamie is sitting comfortably in the shade, while Kelsi knows her place in the direct sun:

Keep an eye out in the next couple weeks for Kelsi’s own blog posts as she starts writing about her adventures in care giving at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest!

Into the wild green yonder

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The grass is so tall now the chimps literally step into it and disappear at times. I don’t think I will ever do anything less than treasure those moments as glimpses into the wild that will always live in their hearts:

Hidden Burrito:

Jody:

Jody and Burrito:

Jody foraged a gorgeous wild bouquet to bring back and enjoy in the greenhouse (notice her sneer face because bugs were biting her):

Here she is swatting them away:

Foxie was on an adventure with two tiny twin trolls which fell off her back so she stopped to put them back where they belong:

And a bonus Annie photo, because well, who doesn’t need to see a bonus Annie photo?