Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
In these stressful and uncertain times, what you definitely need right now is to watch this video of Mave and Honey B playing. What’s your favorite part? Mine might be the big toe to the eye…
This video is a reminder of why the chimpanzees’ relationships with one another are so important and the best type of enrichment.
Many of you are likely wondering about the risk of the COVID-19 coronavirus to the chimps. This is something we are taking seriously, given our proximity to the known areas of community transmission in and around Seattle. While we don’t know precisely how this virus would affect a chimpanzee, we are determined not to find out. Staff and volunteers are following strict hygiene and disinfection protocols and wearing gloves and masks whenever they are in and around the facility, not just when they are in the chimpanzee areas. Planning meetings usually held in person are now being held by phone. And after consulting with our Direct Care Committee, a committee of our Board of Directors made up of veterinarians and primatologists (including a veterinarian that specializes in infectious disease and global pandemics), we decided to suspend all volunteer shifts for people who live and/or work in the greater Seattle area for the time being. Other restrictions will be put in place as needed as we follow the progression of this virus.
While the humans must adapt to a new way of working, it’s business as usual for the chimps.
This morning, Foxie immediately wanted to play a game with her trolls in the “foot box” (a contraption we built to allow for x-rays of the chimps’ hands and feet).
Lunch was a casual affair. The chimps love to sit in the fire hose swings at mealtime. While the caregivers are willing to squat down to the chimps’ level to serve them food, the chimps prefer to come up to our height and will often move barrels and benches up to the caging to make this possible. I doubt this is out of any concern for our ageing knees but rather to be positioned right at eye level when trying to get our attention for more food.
Burrito took a number of walks around the hill today. At one point, he and Jamie started running, which I took as an invitation to play. However, I soon realized that they had spotted a herd of 13 deer near the top of the hill and they were attempting to chase them off into the woods. Mission accomplished.
The two groups at CSNW spent most of the day in relative harmony, but early in the afternoon Willy B got some ants in his pants and decided to display in the Chute. Screams and threat barks were exchanged but before long everyone was more interested in dinner.
The chimps all have their own individual habits when bedding down for the night – where they sleep, how they create their nests, etc. Honey B likes to make a comfortable bed on the heated floor and then pull the covers halfway up.
Sleep tight, Honey B.
We are so fortunate to have so many amazing volunteers. They are always willing to jump in no matter how big or small the task is. Today, we tackled a big project and all of our awesome volunteers came to our aid! We were trading out the old wood chips in the Green House for some fresh new wood chips. This is no small task, though it is a satisfying one! We do this at least once a year depending on how long the chips last. However, we do change out the heavily soiled areas more often. But, it takes quite a few helping hands!
Here they are hard at work:
Here is the what the Green House looked like after!
Meanwhile, Jamie took a break from supervising to make a nest and relax a bit.
Jamie was actually really in the mood to have her photo taken.
Foxie came to say hello.
And left her doll for Jamie.
After, the Green House transformation everyone went out onto Young’s Hill for a perimeter check.
Even Neggie came out to soak up the sun.
Mave also found a comfy place to nest.
Willy B just wanted to play chase all day. Sorry it’s a little blurry, we were in mid-chase!
I have never had a dull day since chimpanzees have entered my life. When I tell people what I do for a living a large part of the conversation is dedicated to the chimp’s personalities, their past, what we do to care for them, and hopes for their future. I can never say for certain what is waiting for me when I walk through the door in the morning. I always say no two days are the same and it is never dull! I love that about working with chimps. They have a plan of how they see the day going, just as you and I do. Sometimes the chimps are just silly and having the best day, some are the opposite, but most days are everywhere in between.
This morning I walked in to greet Honey B, Mave, and Willy B. Honey B came down so enthusiastically from the Mezzanine. She was breathy panting and seeking reassurance. That is when I noticed her fanny pack. I love walking in and not quite knowing what to expect. These three are so fun to get to know and they just keep getting sillier as the days go on!
After cleaning was done Honey B came across a beach towel that happen to be a very summer-y feel to it. Which, I like the summer vibes she was putting out! Honey B had it with her all day, she wore it around like a shawl or had it dragging behind her.
Mave was in a playful/sweet mood. She wanted to spend time grooming and tickling. When I took my phone out to capture a phone she started to look at herself, make silly faces, and inspect her teeth.
Neggie was soaking up the sun.
Missy, Burrito, and Foxie were wrestling in the Green House.
Eventually, it was just Missy and Burrito in the wrestling match!
Later in the day Jody, Jamie, Burrito, Missy and Foxie all decided to go on a walk when the wind took a break.
And little Miss decided to race.
Not everyone may be in the photos today, but it was a busy and silly day for these chimp. Maybe for the humans too.
It was in the low 50’s today. Meaning all the snow around the sanctuary is all but gone. Burrito absolutely refuses to believe this and sends us out on expeditions until we find whatever surviving snow patch may remain.
He generally prefers a pre-breakfast snow:
A post-lunch snow:
And a post-dinner snow. I’m still formulating how to break the news to him the snow will officially be gone by his post-dinner snow! He won’t believe me and I will probably find myself hunting for whatever snow I can find around the sanctuary. Hopefully I will be able to find a patch I have overlooked, or I may have to break out the snow cone machine.
While Burrito has spent his day daydreaming with hopes more snow will come, the girls were pretty relaxed all day.
Jamie decided to soak in some sun this morning when she went on Young’s Hill.
While Missy zipped about from structure to structure.
Annie spent some time outside as well.
But she spent most of the day inside.
Foxie must have been cozy because she spent most of the day on the top platform in the Greenhouse.
And when he wasn’t demanding snow from the caregivers, Burrito spent his time grooming with Foxie.
Later on, there was a grooming party going on in the Greenhouse.
Jody seemed to be at the center of this party while Burrito, Jamie and Missy groomed her. Though Annie was initially grooming herself, she eventually joined.
Negra debated about joining the party on the platform right below her, but decided not to join.
On the other side of the Chimp House, caregiver Anthony took down the mirror in the mezzanine to perform some much needed retouches. They were without their beloved mirror for most of the afternoon. After dinner, we reinstalled their mirror to much of Honey B’s delight. She just had to see herself, sporting a headband-waistband.
I’ve finally posted the video showing the highlights from Willyfest 2020!
Thank you all for helping to make Willy B’s birthday so special. Most importantly, thank you all for helping him to have a secure retirement in an enriching sanctuary home!
Brynn Edwards sponsored a day of sanctuary and celebration in honor of Sarah Sweeney!
“Happiest of birthdays to one amazing lady! We hope you are having an amazing day!”
Brynn, thank you so much for including the chimpanzees in your celebration of Sarah! We love that they are held in so many hearts and minds.
Happy Birthday from all of us here, Sarah! I’d say have one filled with Honey B-style, but it could perhaps be a little awkward at times…but super fun nonetheless, which is really all that matters. 😉
Your Chimpanzee Pal, the one and only, Honey B (we love her so much – thank you for loving her, too) <3:
Scootin’ while drinking (juice):
Randomly deciding to tickle your friends when they least expect it:
Aerial yoga?
Strong selfie game:
