Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for May 2018

Lounging

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After a cool day of rains and fresh air yesterday, we are surprised to be in the upper 70’s today (though it somehow feels much, much warmer as we’ve had no chance to get used to the heat yet!). But that’s spring for you. The chimps have been in full lounge mode and since the staff and volunteers can’t exactly lounge, we are definitely in slug mode. Even Jamie has been taking time out on her perimeter walks to sit in the cool tunnel on the hill while staff sweat away in the hot sun waiting for her to resume her walk. Naturally.

Beautiful Jody is known to be the Queen of the Lounge:

But everyone was right there with her today:

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Annie and Jody after breakfast:

Annie:

Jody dozing off next to Annie:

Zzzzzz:

Snoozy Burrito, with Foxie in the background:

All joking aside, I’m sure I don’t have to explain how full our hearts were as we all took a moment to take in the beautiful scene of utterly relaxed and content chimpanzees, lounging in sunlight and fresh air to the sound of birdsong. Between the happy, healthy and thriving chimps and the astounding beauty and wildlife that surrounds their home, we all laugh that it’s a bit like Narnia out here at times. But honestly, it’s not only the true sense of sanctuary here for the chimps, but all beings who find themselves so fortunate to be in this very special place. Thanks to all of you.

Practice Makes Perfect

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Jamie had a lot to do today. J.B was doing some work around the Chimp House so of course Jamie needed to monitor his work, but Jamie also had to get her perimeter walks in, as well as practice her tight rope walking.

Jamie started the day with making sure J.B. was doing his job (he was, as always):

Than Jamie and I surveyed the Hill (it was clear):

Once the Hill was secure, Jamie hit the logs to warm up her balance:

After Jamie was warmed up she decided to get straight to business:

Wow! She really nailed round 1, but this was practice so she had to go again:

Her technique was impeccable, so she tried again:

Wow, Jamie was flawless by round 3! Practice really does make perfect! But, with her busy schedule Jamie decided she needed to get back to work. This morning was nice and warm, so it wasn’t just Jamie out and about. Everyone made an appearance on the Hill at one point in the day, even Neggie came out to forage for some grass, or at least before the rain came.

Missy exploring on the Hill:

Annie lounging around:

Foxie was hanging out on the Hill too:

Foxie and Jody spent some time outside together:

But, Burrito was never too far behind Jody:

Negra made a nice nest and took advantage of the peace and quiet while everyone explored the Hill:

 

 

Missy’s Perfectly Playful Day

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Missy is having a really good day. She and Annie enjoyed some grass together first thing this morning.

 

Later, they played chase at the very top of the new structure.

 

For lunch, they sat next to each other eating some beets.

 

Missy often does things for the sure joy of movement, like this tightrope walk and dismount on some fire hose.

 

Missy shared her good spirits this afternoon by inviting me to play a game of tug-of-war with a blanket. She does this by pushing a blanket under the caging and giving a casual glance at her prospective play partner. Often these tug-of-war games are gentle, but she loves a serious match once in a while. Today, she was being particularly vigorous and I was left having to let go of the blanket when she was pulling very hard, which resulted in her falling backwards. She seemed to find this quite funny, so we repeated it several times.

Watching Missy today was a reminder to get outside, embrace the little moments, and have some laughs with a friend or two.

Business to attend to

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Jamie has kept us busy with perimeter patrols all day today. So as not to displease the boss by slacking on my true duties as a caregiver, here are just a few photos from this morning.

Foxie swapped her red headed “Kate” doll for a lost and found Dora doll mid-way through her morning hill exploration.

How Foxie started her walk:

How she ended it:

Lovely Negra:

Time to get back to work!

Happy Birthday, Gabi!

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I often think of the chimps’ wondrous hearts and their lives here in sanctuary as this amazing ever-widening spiral that reaches out to include the love and care of more and more people, more and more beauty. What a gift to see the chimps’ grow and flourish with each new friend who discovers them, as well as the difference they make in the lives of everyone who cares for them.

One of Foxie’s newest Pals, Gabi Ford, graciously sponsored a day of sanctuary (okay, yesterday if I’m honest, oops!! :/) for her birthday so she could share her joy with the chimps!

Gabi, we’re so delighted you discovered the chimpanzees and have so much love in your heart for them. They are lucky to have you as part of their chimp family! Thank you so much for sharing your special day with them! All of us here at CSNW hope your birthday celebration continues to be filled with all that you most love (and some Foxie-style pirouettes). Just as you help to ensure the chimps receive every single day.

Happy Birthday, Gabi!!

 

 

Today is for Amy Holden

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This special day was sponsored by Brian Freyermuth in honor of his wife, Amy Holden. Brian shared this incredibly moving message about today:

“For my wife, Amy. Life is what you make of your second chances.  CSNW has given a priceless second chance to the Cle Elum Seven and I’m sure that everyone who follows the sanctuary, whether in person or online, revels in seeing the chimps take full advantage of their new start running and climbing on Young’s Hill, napping in the greenhouse or, with respect to Burrito, eating.  I’ve sponsored today in honor of my wife of nearly 23 years, Amy Holden, who in late 2011 was diagnosed with a rare Stage 4 cancer that had metastasized from her sinuses to her spine and lung.  After a scary 2012, Amy has been five years cancer free (or, in Boston-speak, “your oncologist is wicked bored with you now”).  And like Burrito and the girls, Amy has embraced her second chance at life.  Whether doting on her nieces and nephew, skiing in Maine, Montana and the Alaskan back country, kayaking Buzzards Bay, or just enjoying the quiet of her yard with a book, Amy takes full advantage of the beauty and opportunities that a new lease on life provides. Kind of like seven chimpanzees that we all know and love….”

Brian, we’re truly humbled by your gracious gift for Amy and the chimpanzees. And yes, like seven chimpanzees we all know and love, the beauty and inspiration of Amy and her story provides our hearts with so much reason for joy and gratitude.

Amy, we’re so happy and honored to celebrate with you today! The chimpanzees bring out something special in people. And when we’re lucky, when we’re paying attention, we get to see humans, like you, bring out something special in humans. Have a beautiful day, from all of us here at CSNW!

Where’s Waldo?

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Spring is here, the air is warm, the grass is soft and sweet, and the chimpanzees can’t get enough of the outdoors. The two-acre Young’s Hill offers a lot of room for them to spread out – so much so that we sometimes have a hard time spotting them out there. See if you can find the chimp(s) in these photos.

Negra, of course, is usually pretty easy to spot. Just look for the nearest pile of blankets.