Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for April 2021

New map

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This week Willy B, Mave and Honey B were more than happy to demo our two new indoor playrooms. Today they have continued to explore, relax and play in the new sun-filled spaces. It’s been a delight watching them zoom (Honey B), stomp (Willy B) or shuffle (Mave) from one enclosure to the next. For the humans, it’s also been a learning experience as we practice shifting and cleaning under a new set of circumstances.

For those unfamiliar with captive chimpanzees (and their strength and unpredictability), caregivers never enter an enclosure at the same time that the chimpanzees are occupying that space (the one exception being during an anesthetic medical event) . We ask the chimpanzees to shift from one space to another so we can secure and lock doors (using a remote operating system). We make sure all the remote controlled “chimpanzee” doors are securely in place and the chimps are identified out of the space before we unlock the “human” doors to enter and clean safely.

There are several new remote operating chimpanzee doors that have been installed to connect old areas to new areas, new areas together, and new rooms to future spaces.  If that sounds a little confusing, that’s because it definitely can be overwhelming! We take safety very seriously so we are always reporting and double checking each other’s shifting plans.

JB presented us with a new updated map this week:

And we did a little training to practice and orient ourselves with our new system:

Here’s Diana practicing operating the new hydraulic door “L” :

All these new doors mean more choices and opportunities for our chimpanzee friends. Seeing them boldly take on their new space makes all the training and yes… even a little bit of human stress… all the more worth it!

Willy B spying on the humans from his view in Playroom 3
Mave heading up the stairs in Playroom 2
Today, Mave and Willy B ate lunch next to each other in Playroom 3
Mave (left) Willy B (right)
Meanwhile, Honey B fulfilled her dream of eating as far away from her group mates as possible. She took her lunch to go and headed out door G which connects Playroom 2 to Front Room 5 and then through door F which gives her access to the outdoor Chute. Honey B prefers a quiet private lunch!
Honey B

 

 

Playroom Fun!

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What a day! Yesterday, Honey B, Willy B, and Mave received access to one of their new playrooms, Playroom 3, and today they received access to Playroom 2! They have been waiting so patiently for these spaces and the day has finally come. It is a true joy to watch these three chimps explore all the room surrounding them. I really thought Honey B would be the crazy adventurous one, but yesterday Mave surprised all of us by climbing and testing everything out. However, once Honey B got comfortable and more confident she was investigating everything. True comfort for Honey B is making a paper nest.

The Seven always know everything, even if they can’t get a clear visual on what is happening. Yesterday the Seven ran out onto Young’s Hill to try and spy on Honey B, Willy B, and Mave getting access to their new playroom. Even at the furthest point of the building the seven can see everything. And today was no different. Playroom 2 is closer to the Hill and you can bet the Seven or at least Jamie was out there watching! We also had construction for the two new green houses going on too. So Jamie was pretty busy managing people and chimps ;).

This is the view from Playroom 2. Pretty amazing, right?

This photo isn’t the best. However, this photo shows you the pure joy on Mave’s face. She looks so happy and content in her new playrooms. This is what sanctuary is all about :).

Mavis <3

Willy B and Mave have really been loving the leaves on the new tree structure!

Welcome to the New Playroom!

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Today was the day! Willy B, Honey B, and Mave were finally able to move into one of the new playrooms! We are beyond thrilled they now have so much more extra room! As you know, this is only part of our plans to expand. With the construction crew finished with the playrooms, they have already begun construction on the two new greenhouses!

In short, today was a very, very exciting day!

As bonus, here are some photos of the Seven during their Easter Forage last Sunday!

Jody:

Annie:

Jamie:

Negra:

Missy:

Foxie:

Burrito:

Cast under a spring spell

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My true cornerstone of comfort and reassurance always, but especially so over the past year, has been to look to nature. No matter what turmoil is occurring around us, the river is still running, the wind still blowing, the birds and the seasons still turning. And so very thankfully, the chimpanzees still living their days in relative ease, unaware of the world outside their sanctuary home.

Many of us often remark this time of year about this or that being the true sign that spring has officially and finally arrived. I have a mental checklist. The first sign is the return of the red-winged blackbirds, their territorial calls swirling across the fields and ponds in the icy morning air. That’s when you know it’s happening. One by one, the birds return – the Say’s phoebe, the finches, the bluebirds and the sky they seem to paint with their wings, where the red-tailed hawk pair circle endlessly under cerulean blue, calling out to one another over and over. Then we see the marmots, the ground squirrels, the first golden flashes of balsamroot blooms against the slowly greening hillsides, the return of the turkey vultures taking such delight as they flow on the thermals through the canyon, mirroring the river below. Then the frog chorus! The much anticipated appearance of our own beloved groundhog of sorts, Queen Negra, venturing out for the first tastes of spring grass. And finally (today!), the swallows, who animate the air surrounding the chimp house with their constant swooping and chatter. It’s a marvelous miracle out there. I hope you’re able to stop and take a gander. Soothe your soul a minute, breathe a little so your heart feels buoyed.

Welcome back, Swallows!

The chimpanzees spent much of the day in their near-to-outdoor areas, soaking in the warmth of the sun just out of the wind’s reach, dozing and dreaming perhaps, to birdsong above and river song below. I found Jamie, Annie, Burrito, Jody and Foxie all lined along the length of the greenhouse, resting, at ease.

Sweet Annie:

Foxie and her new Easter Strawberry Shortcake:

I could barely catch Jamie hiding around the corner, beloved boot tucked under her chin, enjoying her Africa National Geographic magazine while everyone else dozed:

Jody, sound asleep in her nest:

Tucked between Annie and Foxie, even (believe it or not) the whirlwind we all love and adore, Burrito, was under the sleepy spell of the greenhouse…though he tried.so.hard to fight it:

This same spell seemed be cast over the chute as well, as Mave, Honey B and Willy B, spent most of the afternoon snoozing in the chute, faces pressed toward the sun as the birds swooped and soared around them.

Now that y’all probably have a good case of yawn contagion, may you, too, rest well, friends!

Nor’Easter

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In my native Rhode Island and the surrounding New England states, the locals have a unique name for winter storms that blow down from the north Atlantic: nor’easters. These tempests bring sideways rain, chilling temperatures, and powerful gusts of wind.

The eastern slopes of the Cascades don’t have the same maritime climate as the northeast seaboard, and we lack a consistently strong breeze. However, early spring in eastern Washington is known for the blustery winds that signal the transition to warmer days. Such is the weather in our valley right now; Mother Nature seems to be torn between winter and summer, snow and sunshine, and the alternating fronts seem to churn past the sanctuary by the hour.

This morning, Easter Sunday, was one of the windiest days we’ve had all year. I’ve decided to call it Nor’Easter.

The howling winds provided us with a soundtrack as we did the morning chores, set up a big celebration for the chimpanzees, and watched them venture outside to gather up all their treats. Due to the turbulent weather, the chimps brought their harvested carrots, beets, lettuce and eggs back to the sheltered Greenhouse where they happily feasted away the afternoon.

We decided to make a video of the day’s festivities for all of you to enjoy. I know that some of you love to hear food grunts and breathy panting, so I tried to edit out the harsh background noise while leaving the best chimp vocalizations intact. Despite the gusty weather, it ended up being a beautiful day for everyone.

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Also, in case you missed our earlier post, today’s holiday had TWO sponsors (and they have quite the connection to each other).

First, our friend Lisa Stuverud sponsored this special day in memory of her sister-in-law, Linda Vazarre. Additionally, Lisa’s husband Richard Stuverud also sponsored this day in honor of her birthday:

“I’d like to sponsor today in honor of my wife Lisa’s 63rd Birthday (she will not be upset with me for sharing that). I know she believes that the Chimps and everyone associated with CSNW has contributed immensely to her making it this far. The chimps continue to bring her joy and lighten up the sometimes difficult days especially of this last year in ways only you and they can do. Much love and Thanks!!”

We really can’t thank them enough for all they’ve given to the sanctuary over the years, and we owe them our deepest gratitude for sharing their love with the chimpanzees. They’ll be glad to know that the chimps had a great feast!

Happy Birthday, Lisa!! We hope you had a beautiful day!

In memory of Linda

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Many thanks to you and your gracious heart, Lisa Stuverud, for sponsoring this hopeful day of spring and sanctuary in memory of Linda Vizzare. We so appreciate you and your long-time friendship and support and hope today and beloved memories bring your heart comfort and ease, joy and inspiration. We’re honored to celebrate Linda with you. And from our hearts, thank you for all you help make possible for the chimpanzees and bovines!

Lisa shared this message:

“I am sponsoring April 4th in memory of my sister-in-law, Linda Vizzare because we always shared this day. I miss her terribly and often wish to be able to talk to her especially this last year…WOW…it has seemed unbelievable in everything that has transpired. I often have no words but like my dear sister-in-law you find something positive like Burrito doing his happy dance which was her favorite. You focus on what feeds a passion in your heart and life and you find purpose and joy amongst the chaos. For me that is everyone at CSNW and I do mean everyone! I am so grateful to have all of you to share this day with.”

Best friends, Annie and Missy:

Honey B and Mave:

Betsy and her son, Nutmeg:

Burrito and Jody:

Meredith and her mama, Honey:

Willy B!:

Jamie and Foxie:

Burrito and Negra:

Missy and Annie:

Easter celebration preparations are under way so be sure to tune in later today to see what the chimpanzees think of the Easter Bunny’s visit! 🙂

Are You a Jamie or a Burrito (Chimpanzee)?

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Kelsi and I were cleaning the playroom this morning when Jamie got Kelsi’s attention and requested a walk (we’ve learned to read Jamie’s behavior pretty well, and she’s insistent until we figure out what she wants). It’s not unusual for Jamie to want to pull someone from cleaning to do her bidding. That’s what sanctuary is all about, right?

When Kelsi came back from the patrol around Young’s Hill, she was grinning – I could tell even with her mask on. She said she got some great video of Missy and Burrito playing while patrolling.

She was not wrong! It was a joy putting this video together.

Later in the day, during a lunch forage, Missy and Foxie scaled Negra’s Cabin at the same time (Burrito down below).

Foxie made it to the very top and secured some beets before climbing back down to where she had left her doll.

Soon enough, they were both off doing their own things separately.

Here’s a bonus photo of Spring Queen Negra:

On the other side of the building, Willy B laid down on the boardwalk, just as he did yesterday, soaking in the sun and taking cat naps. Spring is good!