Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.

Sunday, Crummy Sunday

by Anthony

Sundays are usually quiet around here but today was unusually busy and a bit chaotic.

We experienced some of those bright moments that we expect when working around happy and healthy chimps, but we also encountered a few unexpected hang-ups that ensured this day would not go as smoothly as we initially hoped.

These days happen from time to time. Such is the life of a sanctuary caregiver.

Today’s minor obstacles included staff car troubles, sheets of ice on our vehicles and sidewalks, and mechanical issues around the building that required substantial effort to fix. I even hit snooze too many times and missed out on my usual dose of coffee. We’ll be fine (especially since I keep emergency coffee grounds in the Chimp House), but I would have been happier if everyone made it through the day without further setbacks.

To add some sour frosting to this moldy cake, Chad noticed that Meredith was acting strangely (even for a Jersey cow) and we gave her a preliminary diagnosis of A.D.R. (the common but dreaded condition of simply “ain’t doin’ right”). Of course, this condition warrants a follow-up exam by a veterinarian, so we called in Dr. Erin.

We love seeing Dr. Erin at the sanctuary, but we definitely prefer when she’s hanging with the chimps or delivering supplies for the vet clinic. Having to do an unexpected physical exam on a curiously-behaving bovine is not ideal, and it was difficult to get the suspicious cattle isolated as the sun rapidly set and plunged the pasture into darkness. We eventually secured Meredith and her companions into the winter paddock for what we hope is a quick check-up tomorrow morning. Hopefully, this is just some temporary discomfort and the cattle will be back to their usual activities soon.

With all this stuff to do, I didn’t have time to take many photos or type out any additional thoughts. Therefore, today’s blog will center around this portrait series of Burrito, the Most Charismatic Chimpanzee in the World. I happened to capture this moment as he ventured out onto the Hill this morning (before everything else unraveled).

As with most of the unusual events that transpire around here, it’s much easier to get through if you maintain a wry sense of humor and a little optimism. Of course, as with any life situation, there’s also a Simpsons bit that encapsulates my feelings perfectly.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caroline says

    I sure hope dear Meredith is feeling better tomorrow. Sending good thoughts her way and hoping all of you stay well and safe!
    Love, C

  2. Tobin says

    Oh dear. I am so sorry to hear that about Meredith. Since there isn’t the equivalent of a Dr. Missy amongst the cattle, I trust that the human veterinarian can set everything right. Still, I hope that she isn’t afflicted with any virus.

    • Anthony says

      Thanks, Tobin!

      I don’t know if you saw Katelyn’s post from last Monday or my post from Thursday, but Meredith seems to be much improved! https://chimpsnw.org/2020/12/just-a-couple-of-wishes/

      As for the viruses, we did some research a while back and concluded that cattle do not seem susceptible to COVID-19. There are, of course, many viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens that do affect them and we have to be on the look-out for each!

  3. Marcie says

    Ah Anthony here’s hoping your evening improved the day. Hope Meredith feels better tomorrow also. Thanks for pics of our Burrito.

  5. Kathleen says

    Oh what a day. Hope Meredith is alright, poor girl. Why do things like this happen on a Sunday, at the end of the day no less?! Makes it all the more stressful and difficult. Thank you Dr. Erin for always coming to the rescue. Thanks Anthony for the photos of Burrito, beautiful light on his magnificent face. Hope your evening is peaceful and when you wake tomorrow, hope you can dose yourself with a double espresso to kick off a better day.

  6. Betsy says

    Yeah, my cats always get sick on Friday evening or Christmas Eve. I’m sure any vet on the planet can confirm that. Same for my kids and any pediatrician. Thankfully your ills can be cured by coffee. Hoping Meredith feels better soon.

  9. Chris says

    I will also keep my fingers crossed for your dear Meredith…please keep us posted as to her condition and thanks so much for those photos of the most interesting chimpanzee man in the world! 🙂

  10. Peggy says

    What a great article. It’s important to keep that sense of humor when things start to go sideways! This is why I look forward to your daily pictures and updates. Hope Meredith is feeling better soon.

    • Anthony says

      Thank you, Peggy! I don’t know if you saw Katelyn’s post from last Monday or my post from Thursday, but Meredith seems to be much improved! https://chimpsnw.org/2020/12/just-a-couple-of-wishes/

      As for the humor, I think that seeing the comedy in everyday life is a valuable tool for any caregiver. It’s difficult not to do so when the chimps and cattle are such eccentric goofballs. 🙂