Outside of the sanctuary, there’s a lot going on right now.
Most of you are probably well aware of the uncertainty and trepidation surrounding COVID-19, and we have been altering our operations to ensure that this pandemic has no effect on the chimpanzees. If you’re wondering exactly how we are adjusting, I recommend reading this letter to our community that Diana sent out yesterday.
Obviously, we are doing our best to minimize the potential for pathogen transmission into the sanctuary while maximizing social distancing. Unlike many Washington state employers, however, we can’t just completely close down the office and have everybody work from home. Our staff needs to continue providing the chimpanzees with healthy meals, engaging activities, secure enclosures and clean surroundings, albeit now with a much smaller team of personnel than we are accustomed to. That’s okay, though. Our core team is pretty good at this caregiving stuff, and we don’t think the chimps have noticed that there are unprecedented measures being taken across the globe in response to a new and unusual coronavirus.
Today, I took some time after lunch to observe the chimpanzees as they foraged, relaxed, socialized and exercised. I also casually took some photographs to share with you all.
I always find that watching them go about their day is grounding and encouraging, and I am proud that we can continue to offer them a peaceful sanctuary home even in the strangest of times. Stay mindful, everyone.
You all keep my faith in humanity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for looking after these beautiful beings. Stay safe and keep letting us know how all is going.
Gator racing! That means spring is on the way!
Everyone is being extra cautious….spring break starts tomorrow at 5, but they’ve extended it for a week, and we’ll be online for two weeks after that, just to make sure the spring breakers don’t bring us back any souvenirs….the state government had to force the city’s hand to cancel the St. Patrick’s day parade Saturday in addition to related activities, as well as ban any large events, and bar restaurants from hosting more than 150 people at a time. Thankfully, no snow, so we can exercise outside as much as possible (wishing *I* could race Missy, but I know she’d beat me, too!).
Am dreading the grocery store tomorrow, lol. As early as Tuesday, one local chain was limiting people to 5 rolls of paper towels each….gonna try my luck with that chain first! A d we’ve only had 5 confirmed cases, 8 pending.
So thankful, on the chimps’ behalf, that you’re all willing and able to take on the extra hours!
I read Diana’s email today and felt a rush of emotions for all of you. All I can say is thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For being there. For making these days seem so everyday normal, for the chimps and for us. Thanks so much for taking and captioning all these photos with all have to do. (I actually thought the one big photo of Honey B was Missy! Family resemblance fooled me I guess).
Stay mindful indeed, and wash your hands.
And The Boss seems to be spending more time with Mr B lately! Like his newfound obsession with snow, maybe her tolerance for Burrito has increased?!
wonderful wonderful and so very insightful photos of the gang(s)
So nice to see all these familiar faces as we deal with all the turmoils of these days.
Thank you for these lovely photos.
There is an eternal question of whether animals have souls. I’m sorry, but when I gaze into their eyes, I believe they do.
It is heart warming to see the chimps choose exactly what they want to do and
enjoying their life at the Sanctuary. We want them to be safe from harm and
disease so wish you the best when trying to get through life right now as it has
changed. Thank you all.
I love what you said, Anthony, about the chimps’ actions being “grounding and encouraging”. That says it in a nutshell (pardon the pun), doesn’t it. Our world can seemingly feel like it’s falling apart but when we watch the actions of animals or children…. they seem to have the answers we adult humans lack. Their message always seems to be: Be aware, go forward, but keep living life as you always have…. and don’t forget to have fun…. because fun keeps everything in perspective.
Andrea, you reminded me that I wanted to say how much I loved that enrichment idea….even of Willy B found a quick eay around it!