Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.

Archives for January 2018

Alone Time

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Foxie is one of the more gregarious chimps I’ve known, but even the most social primate needs to be alone once and a while.

At CSNW, each day begins with a group activity – breakfast. When that’s done, the chimps typically head out onto the hill together. Jamie does her first patrol, Missy runs in all directions, Burrito obsessively follows whichever of the girls is cycling at the time…and eventually they head back inside together for some rest. But there’s often one straggler.

This morning, Foxie remained outside, as she often does, atop one of the towers. This is her favorite place to be alone.

I can see why this has become her spot. It’s a great place for her to bring her dolls for private games of make-believe.

Before we purchased the property next door, it was also the perfect location to covertly surveil our neighbor.

It’s a peaceful, private place. Just sit back and watch the river flow by and the cows graze.

Soon enough there will be excitement. There will be stress. There will be politics.

But for a little while, there’s just Foxie.

foxie and the landscape

Whatever the Boss Says

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Volunteer caregiver Becca swung by the sanctuary today to drop off some produce for the chimpanzees. It was supposed to be a quick visit but as soon as Jamie spotted her, she recruited her for a couple of runs (runs!) around Young’s Hill. After the perimeter runs, a grooming session in the greenhouse was in order. Jamie eventually requested that Becca hand over the boot she was wearing, so she had to hobble back to the chimp house on one foot. We’ve learned to submit to Jamie’s rule and not complain too much.

Thank you, Gabi!

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Today was sponsored by Gabi Ford with the simple, but heartfelt sentiment: “I get so much enjoyment from seeing the Cle Elum 7.”

Gabi, thank you so much for your gift for the chimps and contributing so generously to their lives. I am pretty sure you speak for us all. While we are all here together to ensure the chimps receive as much as possible to thrive and flourish in their lives, it’s incredible to see what a source of hope, love, compassion, inspiration and pure joy they are for so many of us.

Negra:

Foxie:

Jamie:

Missy and Annie:

Jody:

Jody relaxing

Burrito:

Happy Birthday, Adam!

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Today was sponsored by Linda Webber in celebration of her son, Adam Webber’s, birthday! Adam has been a long time friend of the sanctuary and we’re happy to celebrate with him today. Linda shared this note about her gift:

“January 17th is important as it’s my son’s 49th birthday. He volunteered there a few years back, one day a month. It may have been a short time but it was he who introduced me to Chimpanzee Sanctuary NW. I’ve followed for a couple years now. It is an honor to be a part of it in a small way. Thank you so much for what you do.”

Linda, thank you so much for your compassionate gift for the chimpanzees in honor of Adam’s special day! We truly appreciate your generosity and the difference your gift makes in their lives.

Happy Birthday, Adam! We hope it’s the best one yet! Thanks for sharing your day with the chimps and your love for them.

Burrito:

Communicating about boots

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On most mornings, Jamie is the first chimpanzee the lead caregiver sees when they open up the human door leading from the kitchen to the hallway in front of the chimps’ enclosures. She is often in the loft overlooking the kitchen, and she has a simple goal in mind: make sure her caregiver puts on one of her boots. Lately she has been pretty specific about which boot she wants some of us to wear, so instead of stomping and gesturing at her boot collection located in the kitchen, she sends us a more obvious message.

Nice Day for a Walk

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When I arrived at CSNW this morning I was greeted by a nice long kiss by Jamie and breathy pants from the chimps. Jamie gestured for me to put a boot on and she broke into a game of chase. Jamie lead me outside to the greenhouse, where she ran up to door Y and insisted I open it so we could finish our game of chase on Young’s Hill. However, we close off the Hill at night for the chimps and before I can open any door there are checks that I have to do. But, trust me – I got her out there in good time! Today was a pretty mild winter day (which might explain some good moods this morning) and the chimps took full advantage of it. Jamie and Missy spent most of their day on Young’s Hill, and who could blame them! Jamie especially was loving this warmer winter weather! Jamie and I played games of chase inside, games of chase outside, we did countless walks, and spent sometime just sitting outside. Because we were outside for most of the day I was only able to capture a few photos.

Jamie eating some broccoli in her nest:

Missy taking a short break:

Jamie admiring her boots:

Jamie tucked her boots safely in her pelvic pocket; shortly afterwards she gave me those boots to go walk with her: