As promised, here is a more thorough post to introduce myself to all of you amazing followers of the sanctuary.
I have been with the sanctuary for a couple years now as an intern and volunteer. You may have seen me from such classics as: “You’re Doing It Wrong,” “Chad Grooms Jamie,” and the ever so classic, “Fun Police (Stop What You’re Doing And Pay Attention To Me).” If you couldn’t tell, there is a certain individual who runs my life here at the sanctuary. Even at times, doing chores at home I have that strange feeling Jamie is watching me and going to tell me I missed a spot.
My interest in chimpanzees began a few years ago as an undergraduate student at Arizona State University, where I helped analyze data coming in from Gombe of the Kasakela community (the group made famous by Dr. Jane Goodall). I continued my research at Central Washington University as a graduate student studying chimpanzee gestural communication of other wild chimpanzee communities. Through the certificate program CWU offers, I took the courses on captive primate care taught by J.B., and so began my time at the sanctuary as an intern.
To say I was excited when I was asked to help out as a staff member here is an understatement. I don’t think there is any word or combination of words to describe the exact feelings of excitement and (yes) nervousness I have in being given the opportunity to help provide the best life possible for the Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Honey B, Jamie, Jody, Mave, Missy, Negra, and Willy B, as well as Betsy, Honey, Meredith, and Nutmeg, in a new capacity. I will do the best I can to keep you all informed about the daily happenings at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest during my time as a staff member.
For those of you who commented on my test blog yesterday, thank you all for such a warm welcome! And to answer some of the questions, yes! Anna will return!
Now… On to today’s happening around the sanctuary!
We are preparing for some pretty significant snowfall here in Central Washington. In fact, as I write this, snow has already begun to fall. We attempted to give Willy B, Honey B, and Mave access to the snowfall, but they decided it was not in their plans for the day. Honey B just looked at us like we were crazy for even thinking they would ever go in the snow.
On the other side of the Chimp House, we set up two separate play dates for Burrito. First we allowed Foxie to spend some time with him.
Then Jody.
Overall, it was a pretty quiet day here. The chimpanzees are about to be served dinner and settle in for the night. Until next time, stay warm, friends!
