We just wanted to take a moment to say how grateful we are for the support you have shown us.
In the chimp sanctuary world, we tend to have two different types of conversations. With our colleagues, we are blunt and direct. We talk about illness, conflict, injury, and death, and the constant challenge of caring for powerful animals with the capacity for intense physical violence. We speak freely about these things because we’ve all experienced them directly and come to terms with them as best we can. With those outside of our profession, however, we are more guarded. Whether it’s to protect the image of chimpanzees or that of our own sanctuaries, we have a tendency to gloss over some of the less cheerful aspects of our work. In a way, it’s only natural to want to share more of the things you are most proud of, but there’s also a constant concern that events will be misinterpreted. And if I’m being honest, it’s a bit calculated as well. We are nonprofits, after all, and we rely on your approval (in the form of donations) to do our work.
Over the years, we’ve tried, with varying degrees of success, to be more honest with our supporters. Sometimes we don’t really have a choice – once you get to know Foxie through our more cheerful blog posts, you are probably going to wonder where her ear went, and that would be a difficult subject to avoid for any length of time. The same is true of Burrito and Honey B’s ordeal, as well as the larger fate of our integration efforts. But we’ve also found our supporters to be both understanding and appreciative of increased transparency, even when the news is uncomfortable or upsetting. And at times like this, you are also a great source of comfort for the staff and volunteers that have worked so hard and worried so long only to have their hearts broken.
Your ultimate concern, I know, is for the chimps, so let me give you a quick update. Burrito is still isolated in Front Room 1. He has been quite groggy, swinging from anesthesia hangover to narcotic haze, but he is making progress and beginning to eat more regularly. The girls spent the first day watching him closely and occasionally spitting on him through the door to try to wake him up. When he finally got up, they greeted him enthusiastically, as you can see in the video above. Every few hours, he heads over to the mesh to be groomed by them. But he will need much more time to heal before he can be with them – their drama is difficult enough to deal with when you are at the top of your game.
Honey B spent a couple days in Front Room 7 in the new wing to recover, with Willy B and Mave on the other side of the mesh. She likes to show us her injuries, even those as small as a paper cut, and she seemed very proud of her own progress. We agreed, so much so that she was reunited with Willy B and Mave this evening.
It’s a challenge to care for chimps, and there’s no way to hide that fact. Thanks again for being there for us during the more difficult moments.
Martine Simmons says
Thank you so much to all of you for all you do and go through emotionally and physically on a daily basis to try to give the chimps the best for the rest of their lives. I know that I would love for there to be a storybook ending and happily ever after for the chimps so that they would never have to go through trauma or anything bad. But I know that nature and life is just not that way. I really don’t know how you all deal with everything you have to on a daily basis, but I am so eternally grateful that you do so. No matter what happens with the chimps, I will always be there to support you as much as I can. I am praying for all of you (human and not so human) everyday.
Sherry says
Thanks for the update! They’ve been in my prayers, as well as all of the keepers. I’m glad they are both doing some better. Your care and concern for them is deeply appreciated. Not many of us could do and see what you do each day. It takes a special person to handle all that you do. I’m sure the burden of watching them hurt each other is overwhelming at times. Thank you for enduring and keeping your eyes on the greater good! We appreciate your love and dedication!
Kay Roland says
You all do such good work for animals that rely on you for everything. Some days will be harder than others. But you all have a great love for the chimps. I love all the stories, some good and some sad. Keep up the good work!! Kay
Judy says
I cannot say it better than Martine Simmons did… so I will just say DITTO. We all wish we could wave a magic wand have have it be ok… you deal with the front line of when it is not. Lots of love coming your (collective) way/s.
Linda C says
Ok, this might be off, because I’m just a follower like you, but here’s my attempt:
First shot looks like (can it be!?) A very enthusiastic Jamie in the middle, with Annie rocking forward and back over her right shoulder, and Missy zooming in on her left.
Second shot looks like Foxie on the right, then moving over, Neggie giving a kiss through the mesh, and Jo in the center.
Final shot is Jo in the center doing the grooming, Annie hanging on the mesh on her left, and someone on Jo’s right, looks like maybe Foxie
Wanda Trotta says
“You are braver than you believe
Stronger than you seem
And smarter than you think”
Winnie the Pooh
And your hearts are more caring than you know
Karen says
There are good reasons why chimps are not appropriate pets. Firstly, it is not appropriate or fair to them to be treated like people’s like children. But mostly, they are incredibly strong, and somewhat unpredictable, whick has certainly resulted is some horrible attacks and injuries to humans.
We understand what all of you, human and chimp are going through. I do believe in the very long run, this will all work out. ?????
CeeCee says
Thank you for the update, I’m so glad they both feel better.
I think you all are hero’s!
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need sanctuary’s, but we have to live in the world as it is, and thankfully there are great organizations, and people like you.
Marcia says
I’m wondering JB, what your thoughts are on how different, or similar the chimps perceive your interventions, in comparison to the procedures they endured in the lab. I know that you do PRT training with them, so that some of what you do is with their consent. When you have to take control without their consent, how much recognition do you suspect they have, of your intention to help?
J.B. says
That’s a good question. I can’t really speak to how they perceived procedures in the lab, but I can tell you that they do sometimes acknowledge the need for help and at least try to accept the intervention. This was the case with Honey B on Friday, I believe. But other times they are just too scared, or they don’t feel sick or injured and so they don’t know why we are injecting them. The amazing thing is that they don’t seem to hold it against us.
Jo Lathrop says
Thanks so much for the peek at them and it’s so good to see Mr. B awake!! They will heal, as will we all and especially you guys! Time will see to it. Hoping it’s without any surprises!! Hang in there, stability will visit you all again! Never doubt for a moment that you are doing a wonderful job! I never do. Hugs and love to you all…
Diane DePoe says
Thank you for the video and update. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Caregivers and CleElum 10!
Linda C says
You guys are amazing…as tired as you all must be, having had to shift everyone after a hectic two days with little sleep, you took the time to make and post a video so we could hear the OG Mr. B give the ladies a half squeak!
They really spent a lot of time with him, judging by the changing light! (Jo almost looked pink and hairless! In that light!)
Did Neggie actually offer him a kiss through the mesh!?
Don’t believe for a second that any of us would doubt your intentions where the chimps are concerned-one of the reasons we follow is because your care and love for them are so evident-not many would be willing to take on a job where you never get a vacation, where you have to be prepared for things such as this 24/7, 365 days a year.
Many had expectations for Honey B and Missy, and that hasn’t worked out…but then again, Mave turned out to be wonderful with all….I always try to live by “hope for the best, prepare for the worst”. Since you’re obviously prepared, let’s all try going forward hoping for the best, whatever it may be that the chimps decide is “best”.
Big hugs to you all from l’il Rhody.
Becky says
It must be so difficult to interpret the nuances of the communication and culture of another species of primate when we often don’t get it right with other English speaking humans. I guess there is no way you can let them make their own decisions about who they want to have a friendly interaction? You are doing wonderful and courageous work and I love hearing about it all even the sad parts.??
J.B. says
This is the most challenging part – in most cases, even when the introduction ends in conflict, the chimps express an interest in meeting first. Now, it may be the case that Burrito would not want to be with those folks again after what happened, but he was thrilled to be living with Willy B and Mave at the time.
Becky says
It must be so difficult to interpret the nuances of the communication and culture of another species of primate when we often don’t get it right with other English speaking humans. I guess there is no way you can let them make their own decisions about who they want to have a friendly interaction? You are doing wonderful and courageous work and I love hearing about it all even the sad parts.??
Nancy L says
CSNW staff: to me, you are all such amazingly special people to care for Chimpanzees. They have to be the most complexed animal to work with (next to humans) because of their high intelligence and temperament. Those crazy people thinking of getting that adorable, sweet baby chimp as a pet just needs to follow your Blog and it should deter them from doing such a dangerous thing. If Burrito can bite best pal Foxy’s ear off with a flip of a switch then the same will happen to that loving chimp owner. Thank you for being amazing writers too. We feel we’re right there with you; learning about each chimps personality and needs– and, mosty, a real education on Chimpanzees. Thank you!
Ps- this recovery video has to be my favorite of all CSNW videos! Watching the girls show so much love towards Burrito is Priceless. They really missed and love him so much! What beautiful, loving, scary animals they are! I must say it One more time — “Amazing!!”
Kathleen says
Oh the gals look so happy to be near their old friend Burrito. And I am so happy to see him too.
As someone who has worked with and volunteered at animal shelters, I totally understand that there are situations that occur (regarding dogs in my case) that no matter how much effort people pour into a dogs wellbeing, there is nothing that can be done to help the individual animal. And there are time when, even amongst ourselves, the harshest of realities are carefully spoken of for fear of mislabeling a dog with a term that could be misinterpreted and thus deny a second (or third) chance for that animal.
People who are involved in animal welfare at any level bear witness to heartbreaking outcomes from time to time. It is not for the faint of heart. But, it is the daily joyous, heart pounding, chest swelling, giddy moments that keep me coming back along with the hope that perhaps my time and effort, no how small, just might make a wee bit of difference in one animals life.
I love the individual chimpanzees (and cows!) in your care. At the same time, I hold a deep respect for all of you — staff, volunteers, interns alike because, the chimpanzees could not be who they are with out you and everything you do for them. Together you are sanctuary. Together you are family. You make it easy to support the organization. I thank you for your transparency and for educating us through the years about the ever changing chimp people in your care. As crazy busy as you are, especially during this time, you take the time every day to give us a brief insight into sanctuary life. Every. Day. Even today. Thank you J.B.. Keep up the wonderful work you do. We are all out here believing in and pulling for you.
Big Hugs. XOXO
Carrie Miller says
To everyone at CSNW, you folks have my profound respect and gratitude for your courage, dedication, and devotion to providing sanctuary for chimpanzees who have previously had their natural potential lives stolen from them. The specialized education and experience of caring for highly intelligent, physically powerful non-human primates who have suffered long-term emotional and physical deformation can only be acquired in the doing.
I appreciate your generous transparency in sharing the trials and terrors of attempting to merge the groups, because it reminds me how deeply and complexly wounded each of these now-necessarily captive beings are. You folks’ committing yourselves to providing the best lives possible for them and inviting the rest of us to help support the endeavor is a great favor from you to us as well. We all make sanctuary together in this life and we all benefit from the very existence of places like CSNW in particular. (And could one of you pass along some air-kisses from me to my sweetest guy, Burrito?)
Hilary Hilliard says
All of you at CSNW do are doing a fantastic job, a job which is no doubt extremely difficult and stressful at times. But you do it with love and that shines out in your blogs.
Ours is not to judge. You guys are the experts when it comes to your family. And you do see not only the humans but also the individual chimpanzees as family. That also shines out in your blogs.
I would like to thank you. Thank you for what you all do both with and for these very special chimpanzees in your care. Thank you for taking time out of your busy days to write these blogs, post pictures and take video footage then share it with us. And finally, thank you for your transparency as I, for one, appreciate the respect you show by being so open with us. Yes, sometimes things happen and it can be difficult and painful to read. But for you it must be infinitely worse.
So, may I say just one more time – thank you xx
Heidi says
Thank you for caring for these amazing Chimp people. So glad to see Burrito and how much his family loves him. And equally relieved Honey B in on the mend as well.
Betsy Barnard says
Please keep telling the stories of these chimps with as much transparency as you can. I feel we humans owe it to Burrito and Honey B and all the rest to understand them as the complex beings that they are. For far too long chimps were either portrayed as happy buffoons, “smiling” from movies and greeting cards, or hidden away undergoing medical experiments that we were told were ethical and necessary, when the reality was that they were rented from facilities that warehoused them in horrific conditions. So now they deserve to have their complicated truth told, and if we humans find it uncomfortable or upsetting, too bad. We humans are responsible for what they are going through now. I am responsible. To honor them, I need to really understand that the results of a life in captivity aren’t all sunshine and happy days. Burrito needs me to see and understand the unvarnished truth about how difficult it is to be a chimp raised in captivity, and how difficult it still makes his life even in a beautiful sanctuary where he is nurtured and loved.
That said, I also know there WILL be sunshine and happy days. There will be fun and silliness and joy, new buildings to celebrate, new chimps to welcome, new boots to admire. I am delighted to share your joys, and I will also be there to share your disappointments. I wish I had more money, all I really have is good thoughts and a grateful heart.
Kathleen says
Amen Betsy! Thank you for your comment, nearly had me in tears it’s so on point.
cheryl McGrew says
Thank you for all you do. Life can be rough sometimes for the humans and the chimps. Hopefully things will get better in the coming days. Bless your hearts.
Barbara Thompson says
My thoughts exactly to all who responded above…thank you gals for.giving the credit to the staff. While we know it’s hard work, we know the staff loves what they are doing. And Betsy, you nailed it. Your.post was right on. I couldnt have come even close.to how you expressed your feelings even though I feel the same way. I cannot wait until each and every chimp still in capacity finds a place like what the Cle Elum 10 have. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff and volunteers…I so wish I lived close to the sanctuary to volunteer.
Linda C says
I think that’s gone through my mind at last three times a week since I started following this clan!
Jordan Bower says
Everyone has already written such eloquent comments. I would just like to add (as I did in the blog “Update” – although with a typo) that I support and trust all of the staff and volunteers at CSNW. I have followed the blog for many years. And to be kept in the (relative) loop of what goes on at your sanctuary has only deepened and strengthened my support of your nonprofit and its’ mission as well as my understanding of captive chimpanzees (and their non captive kin). I learn so much about my own humanity from my chimp relatives at CSNW and that is because of YOU. The staff and volunteers who take time from the primary goal (caring for the 7; now 10) and all that that entails; to keep us informed.
Your all amazing people (even though I haven’t met most of you). I respect and support you fully; even if my financial backing is meager.
You are all in my thoughts.
Veronica Nelson says
You have done so much to improve their lives. Thank you. Hopefully in the future they can spend some time together, especially on the hill.
Leslie Seaton says
Thank you for being honest about the realities of the chimps’ lives. As a person who loves and am fascinated by animals, I am nevertheless weirded out when fellow animal lovers want to turn animals into tiny saints or perfect beings. I feel like it removes some element of the true nature of *every* being, human or not, to deny their complexity and their capacity for both positive and negative actions. It’s not to say I’m not bummed that the integration took a somewhat grim turn…but it’s a reminder for me of just how complex they all are, as individuals and a social group.
Chris says
I have been away from the comment section of the blog for quite a time now but not ever away from reading it every single day as this Sanctuary and especially all of you that are there every day running it are a very, very important part of my life. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for what you do for these magnificent beings in your care.
I really can’t add much to all of these wonderful, eloquently written comments but I think Betsy said it best for me..we are here to share the joys as well as the sometimes heartbreaking disappointments that you all go through every single day. We need to see these hard truths along with the fun things to really appreciate, support and understand this most beautiful, complex, heartbreaking job you do.
None of us are here to judge..I don’t think any of us could do what you do with such immense passion and love that you show these chimpanzees and for each other every single day!
Thank-YOU to each and everyone of you!
Chris & Dave Frutiger
Kathy says
Please share the names of the ladies watching over Burrito. (I’ve been following for awhile but still don’t know the chimps names by sight.) This was a heart warming video. Feeling cared for and connected to community helps with the healing. Well wishes to both Burrito and Honey B. Thank you all for what you do.
Linda C says
I thought I’d posted, guess it didn’t take….here’re the guesses of another lowly blog follower:
First shot, a very excited…Jamie? With Annie rocking behind her right shoulder and Missy zooming in from the left side.
Second shot:Neggie giving a kiss through the mesh, looks like Foxie moving from the right to the center, Jo in the middle.
Final shot: Jody grooming, Annie hanging on the caging to the right, to the left of Jo, maybe Foxie, Neggie coming down the stairs in the background
Tobin says
The Chimpanzees have had difficult pasts (and the cattle would have had horrifying fates had you not provided them sanctuary), and as such they have complex personalities and personal characteristics. I appreciate that they exhibit behavioral challenges (after all, they share 98.76% of the same genes as a lower primate species of great infamy); even so, being able to read about them and to see them is a gift. Notwithstanding their injuries and infirmities, the ten (fourteen) are in a good environment. , with very good human caregivers.
PatC says
^^^what everyone else said. Thank you again to the Staff and Caregivers for your consistent “keeping it real” philosophy. It makes me respect the Sanctuary even more. Lots of love for you all.
Arnold Fernbladst says
Personally I prefer the honest approach. When trying to understand chimpanzee behavior one has to see the entire spectrum. I think the best video you did showed how a fight happened, explained how alliances worked, how some tried to distract and how others pant-hooted to call the fight off. I was berated on a YouTube post asking why your videos were so highly edited. It would be like CNN only showing the good things Trump does and NEVER talking about the bad things. I think we can all agree that as adults, we’re able to logically assess on our own, but only if given the proper information. From what is typically posted I can only assess that you either have the best behaved chimpanzees on the planet, or the most highly censored videos of chimp behavior.
J.B. says
Hi Arnold – If you generally only follow us on YouTube, you’re probably missing much of what we write about the chimps. We use YouTube to host videos, which are then embedded in our blog posts with photos and commentary.
But you are correct that we focus more on eating, playing, and grooming. This is what chimps do. Aggression makes up only a tiny fraction of their daily interactions. We don’t deny it, and we do write about it frequently, but we don’t usually think to grab a camera when they are engaged in a serious conflict. We are more busy trying to ensure their safety. And as you point out, in those rare moments when we do happen to have a camera, we do sometimes share it.
When you say that our videos are highly edited, it makes it seems as if we are editing things out. That’s definitely not the case (except for that time when Anthony was giggling throughout the video he was filming; that took some genius editing on my part to remove). We just tend to grab a camera when the chimps are doing something interesting that we want to share and not when when they are fighting. Our social media will never be a reality show filmed by a third party, and it won’t be a live feed where people learn nothing about what they are watching. We acknowledge that there is a bias in our videos towards the good stuff, which is why we try so hard to write about the bad stuff. Our chimps are definitely not the best behaved (well, Jody maybe) and if you follow our blog you’ll learn all about their faults as well as those of the humans that care for them.
Sara Lissabet says
It’s your honest and upfront explanations of all of this – good and bad – that make your supporters feel more connected to these 10 individuals. I haven’t read the previous comments, but I’m sure some people have said, like me, that they are absolutely fascinated with our primate relatives and want to know how they think, feel, and how they are different from (or the same as) humans. I, for one, am grateful that you share with us and as a result, I feel much more connected to your organization than any other charity to which I’ve donated.
Thank you for answering our questions and bringing the lives of these 10 amazing, complex creatures to us through your posts.