Chimpanzees have prehensile lips which almost act as a second set of fingers. They come in handy for grasping and sorting out seeds from fruit. Here Jody demonstrates perfect technique!
Archives for June 2019
In memory of Robert Ruggeri
Rachel Ruggeri sponsored today in memory of her father, Robert Ruggeri, and shared this beautiful note about her gift:
“Today would mark my father’s 83rd birthday. And though he passed away six years ago in July, he is ever present in our thoughts and a part of so many of our conversations. My father loved to laugh and he found so much joy in the everyday antics of animals, most especially primates. He would be comforted knowing that the gang of seven now joined by the bovine bunch had found a future filled with peace and independence at the sanctuary in the quiet hills of Eastern Washington. I like to think that my father has also found that sanctuary somewhere in the ether…high above the clouds, but still within a distance to see all the beauty in the world he left behind. We miss him each and every day, but know that “sanctuary” is where we all ultimately aspire to be…”
Rachel, thank you so much for remembering your father in this way and for the difference you make in the chimpanzees’ lives by doing so. We’re honored to celebrate Robert’s legacy and wish you and your family a day of comfort and joy-filled memories as you hold him in your hearts.
Negra:
Foxie and Missy:
Jamie:
Burrito:
(clockwise) Honey, Betsy, Nutmeg and Meredith (front):
Jody, Foxie and Annie:
Play Tactics
When Jamie and Foxie decide to play, it is so fun to watch! They are hanging upside down, chasing each other, Jamie takes Foxie’s doll, and they can be found wrestling on the floor breathy panting. This time I caught them doing all of those things, but along the way Foxie found a big nut in the Playroom and Jamie wanted it. Jamie did not stop playing however. The nut just became part of the game. In the video at one point it looks like Jamie is trying to gently shake the nut out of Foxie’s mouth. You will see a lot of different tactics in the video like play biting, toe/foot grabbing, eye pokes, tickling, and belly pokes; but that one was a new one to me. I hope this brings joy to you on your Wednesday!
Also thank you to everyone who participated in the pop quiz blog yesterday! Everyone did so great! I put and answer key in the comments with explanations in case anyone want more info!
Happy Birthday, Amy!
Kristen Elliott sponsored today for Amy Webster and shared this lovely message about today:
“Amy (Webster) spends her life advocating for animals of all kinds. She works tirelessly to ensure animals are cared for, loved and respected. It is truly a breathtaking thing to watch Amy campaign and work for the animals. If there were more people like Amy in the world, everyone – plant, animal and human – would know they are worthy of love. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is close to Amy’s heart. In honor of the day she entered this world, we’re sponsoring June 5, 2019, for Amy.”
Kristen, thank you so much for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in celebration of Amy! What a wonderful way to be honored.
Amy, we are so happy knowing there are humans like you in the world! May you have the best birthday yet!
Pop Quiz!
I have a pop quiz for you all today! How well do you know your chimpanzee behaviors?
So, if you’re ready let’s get started!
1. What face do you think Foxie and Negra are making?
A. Fear Grimace
B. Play
C. Relaxed
D. Who knows!
2. What are Negra and Missing seeking in this photo?
A. Threat
B. Play
C. Reassurance
D. Beats me!
3. What Face is Negra making?
A. Play
B. Relaxed
C. Food peering
D. Fear Grimace
4. Why is Burrito Pilo?
A. What are you talking about, he always looks like that?
B. Burrito is excited or afraid from some kind of social excitement
C. Burrito is as cool as a cucumber
D. Burrito feels relaxed
The Queen of the greenhouse
The days are getting warmer…
The chimpanzees were out and about early this morning, enjoying the cooler air and getting some foraging and exploration done before the day heated up. Negra was waiting at the door and led the group onto Young’s Hill before heading off into a shady spot on her own:
Jody made her way back to the greenhouse with a beautiful pine tree, goat’s beard dandelion bouquet:
Annie braved the tall, potentially snake-filled grass, picking dandelions to snack on along the way. Thankfully for Annie (and any snakes), it was a snake-free day:
Annie and Missy, besties:
It’s been a relaxing Sunday for everyone otherwise. As our weather inches closer to summertime temperatures the chimps have chosen to spend much of their day nesting in the cooler chimp house, grooming each other and generally lolling about trying to stay cool.
The chimps are all in their night nests and just let out nest grunts of goodnight with the exception of Jamie, who is in the greenhouse, anxious for the evening to cool off a bit so she can catch up on her walks for the day. So you know what that means…we’re donning cowboy boots for an evening stroll around the hill with the boss lady.