As you can see, I “caught” Honey B in the sandbaox when I turned the corner. I love how many different things she tries with the sand.
For you blog readers, who are invested in the sanctuary on a deeper level than those who might just see a video we post on social media once in a while, I’m curious to hear your reaction to the statement I included within the video.
We are always discussing how to put sanctuary life into context and attempting to avoid inadvertently sending the wrong message about “cute” chimpanzees that might elicit the desire to own primates as pets. I refer you to this post by Anthony from over a year ago.
We’re really glad this issue is coming up more and more in our field, and I’m sure we will be reconsidering things we’ve posted in the past and doing more of these explanations within our posts, like we do on Instagram now too. Let us know your thoughts!
I hope you all were able to take the time to dig into something new today too, like Honey B.
If you haven’t already, check out the beginning of our online auction and don’t forget to tune in to the virtual Queen’s Brunch event in just a couple of weeks on June 13th!
Diana – The statement is excellent.
Thank you, Amy!
The statement is well-crafted and necessary. I would suggest that you might want to have the two paragraphs on succeeding screens, so that the font is larger and easier to read and, also, so that the reader has sufficient time to digest the message.
I also liked the concluding photograph at the end, which has the effect of refocusing on the chimpanzees. In this case, Willy B is a resident of a sanctuary where he is well-treated. However, as a member of a critically endangered species, it is best that he should have lived his entire life in his natural habitat, where, presumably, he could have contributed to its biodiversity.
I agree with Tobin, I needed a bit more time to read the entire statement, and had to rewind and pause the video to read it all. Breaking into 2 screens would be good.
Hi, Diana!
The only thing I would change is to leave it up a tad longer. It’s perfect as is!
I agree. I am a quick reader but I had to go back. Really, the truth is because I didn’t pause it but then I didn’t know I would need to.
But very good.
Thanks, Francoise! I agree too.
Hi Diana,
I agree with the sugestions about the timeframe but I would like to see more film after the statement, or maybe put the statement at the biginning of the film, also to prevent people from just skipping the written part.
I also would sugest explaining WHY they have to remain captive; because they would not survive in the wild, and they cannot go back to Afrika in the first place.
I did not find my own commentspace, because there wasn’t any, so I just took this reply.
Thank you, Marianne!
Thanks, Linda! Yes, after watching it again, I agree it could have been left for a few or even several more seconds. I like Tobin’s idea of splitting it up into two different slides too.
I love that you included that statement Diana,
When I’m telling new Friends about Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, I’ll start listing off all the quirky things that made me fall in love with Jamie (love of boots etc.) or Foxie and her Troll/Dolls and I realize that these are probably things that really shouldn’t be. I always add how they got there, and their sad backgrounds, But I really want my friends to check you out because I think they would fall in love with everyone like I have, So its hard to do both.
Your statement manages to accomplish everything I would like to say. 🙂
Considering their circumstances, I don’t think that there is a set pattern for what “should be”. The fact is, they are there, and they need enrichment to keep them all healthy. And they are individuals. Would they have encountered troll dolls in the wild? Probably not. But I love that this place and these wonderful people cater to their every want and whim, Because it means that they are recognising them as theindividuals that they are
Thank you, CeeCee! You are great ambassador for the chimpanzees.
Diana, that is right on every level. What better place to educate the public about chimps and the need for sanctuary. Since I found CSNW I have read every book I can find about chimpanzees…starting with Jane, who I got to meet decades ago and going up to my latest, The New Chimpanzee which was my Mother’s Day gift from my son this year. It’s through your work and your blogs etc that I have been inspired to learn, and as much as I LOVE the daily blogs, photos and videos, I’m very much aware that there’s a whole heap of people that still think of chimps (and other poor animals) are there for our entertainment. Keep up the good work and thank you.
Carol! That’s so wonderful that you have dived into to all things chimpanzees. The New Chimpanzee is such a great book – an easy read, but comprehensive at the same time. Thank you for your comment!
Diana, very well done. I would agree that it could be left up a little longer.I always think that when they are doing what they love to do, it shows people how similar they are to humans. It also shows how imaginative and intelligent they are. Love Honey B!
Thank you, Tami!
Important that you documented CSNW’s philosophy, Diana. Maybe leaving it a few seconds longer, if possible, so everyone can digest and contemplate. The choices you offer these truly rescued chimps is paramount.
I was particularly interested in Honey B’s movements with the sand, even checking out her imprints with both her hands and feet.
Thank you for your comment, Vida. I agree on leaving it longer too. I really wasn’t expecting Honey B to put her feet in the sand. I feel so lucky I was there to see her explore it.
Very well stated! I had to go back to finish reading it, so yes, leave it up a little longer. I love watching these blogs and videos. Thank you for helping them, and keeping them safe, happy and healthy.
Thank you, Amy!
The statement is well-crafted and necessary. I would suggest that you might want to have the two paragraphs on succeeding screens, so that the font is larger and easier to read and, also, so that the reader has sufficient time to digest the message.
I also liked the concluding photograph at the end, which has the effect of refocusing on the chimpanzees. In this case, Willy B is a resident of a sanctuary where he is well-treated. However, as a member of a critically endangered species, it is best that he should have lived his entire life in his natural habitat, where, presumably, he could have contributed to its biodiversity.
Thank you, Tobin! Those are very helpful suggestions.
Hi Diana. I was viewing the video on my phone and had to stop and zoom in, so I agree with the comment regarding two pages with larger font.
I wonder if Honey B was thinking “hmmm, why won’t this stick together, like snow?”
I just read the article by Anthony that was linked in this entry. It’s maddening to see some of the YouTube videos posted by a particular animal park where the chimpanzees live in the home with humans. (Goodness! Why isn’t that illegal!??). You’d think maybe PETA would work with Facebook and YouTube to curb these types of videos. While I’m against censorship per se, they don’t seem to mind censoring speech, so maybe they would consider censoring videos that promote primates as pets, which then promotes wildlife trafficking!
To be honest, Paulette, they have their cages. …That bit about the ilder ones living in the house is just a myth that they tell their viewers. Could you imagine not waking up before the 9 year old chimp and going downstairs to see the destruction in the house?! PETA has been trying to shut him down for a while
Love the video, especially when she tries to make balls of the sand (my interpretation, of course). Wonder whether a tray of grass would entice her to experiment in a safe place, and thus extend her interest to the outside?
I wish it was obvious and not necessary to make such statements but sadly it is necessary isn’t it? It’s a great idea Diana. I agree with Tobin, leave it up a tad longer and break into two digestible segments so it is easier to read and with two paragraphs broken up, it will be more digestible for the new reader. I might even suggest adding more information for the person who does’t understand why or how chimpanzees become captive, or what a sanctuary is. Just one small line perhaps? And in the second paragraph the jump from the cycle of breeding to being inquisitive seems a big one. Could it be smoother and more informative by adding something very brief about the need to offer enrichment to feed this innate need? (In this instance it would explain why a sandbox, or why a troll, or why Burrito is wearing a firehose scarf, etc — none of this is being done because they are cute silly pets).
I find in my conversations that many people do not know what a sanctuary actually is, what it offers say compared to a zoo. Could you add something that touches on that? Ex : “We respect the whole of who they are. Sanctuary offers this opportunity.” Or “Sanctuary gives them the freedom to be individuals.”
My wording stinks, I’ve never been good at copywriting, but I hope you see what I’m getting at. It’s like designing a billboard, you’ve got one blink to speak your message. Ha, as if!
Honey B exploring the sandbox… just wonderful. Was it her first experience with sand? Hand, lips feet, it was such a tactile and visual experience for her. And it was fun to see her dusting the sand off too. Very cool. As a California girl she has to like sand right?
Thank you, Kathleen – great suggestions!
Very well written statement. I second the comments about leaving it up a little longer. There will always be those people who don’t quite understand sanctuary and only focus on the animals being in captivity. It’s important to try and educate and CSNW does such an excellent job educating the general public through all your blogs and videos. Your transparency is to be commended. Your deep love and respect for these chimp people really shines through. I am so excited for the new six to join you. They are a great group.
I have to say watching Honey in the sand was very special. I loved watching her explore and when she put her feet in the sand… well that was just too sweet… I really loved this video and Thank you for sharing such a special moment.
Thank you so much, Deanna! We are excited to get to know Cy & Lucky’s group! For sure we are the lucky ones too in this.
Enrichment is everything — to put energy into making celebrations, to mark the seasons, the changing diet specials, and the variety of textures, and products that fit the intelligence of these marvelous chimpanzees- you are an amazing group… the chimps are so fortunate to have you all on their staff.
Thanks so much, Barbara!
Ok, so now there ìs space for my comment ( I used a reply space on your reply to Francoice ) for my sugestions to the written tekst.
What a great inquisitive women Honey B is! It reminded me of a day at the beach and finding sand in every nook and cranny of my body….
Great video Diana.
I do not know what happened: I write comments, and then they don’t appear on the blog, so I copy and send it in again, and miraculusly the old comment appears aswell; so dubble the fun!!
I appologize……
Happens to me all the time. I just keep reloading.
I think a very short statement before the video begins catches everyone, especially those that would stop the video at the end before reading the much longer statement.
Two screens at the end is better because it immediately feels less like a boilerplate statement and more like you are telling more to the story.
I started following this page because it calmed me during all this pandemic anxiety. Do you have share a list of other sanctuaries that follow your level of care that you would approve of following?
For example, I was following Myrtle Beach Safari but then began to feel uncomfortable with some of their videos.
I think it’s crucial to help viewers distinguish what you do from other organizations.
Yep. That’s also the one I was referring to. The videos are maddening. Project Chimps, Chimp Haven and Save The Chimps also provide wonderful sanctuary for laboratory and entertainment chimps but they are very large. What I love about CSNW is, because they are small, they give us the opportunity to get know each chimp’s personality. And educate us along the way. Like you, I found CSNW during the pandemic and they bring a smile to my face every day. Often even a literal laugh out loud! 3>
That’s exactly why I’m here Paulette!
SJ, Great input – thank you so much for taking the time to make those suggestions. Myrtle Beach Safari is maddening. You can read a bit about them on our website here: https://chimpsnw.org/resources/advocacy/apes-in-entertainment/trainers/
Kudos to you for recognizing how problematic things are there for the animals.
As for other sanctuaries, I would encourage you to check out all of the sanctuaries that are members of the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance! NAPSA does not itself accredited sanctuaries, but does require member sanctuaries to be accredited by either the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) or as an AZA affiliate institution, so you know there is some oversight. Here’s the link to the NAPSA member sanctuaries: https://primatesanctuaries.org/about/member-sanctuaries/
Hi Diana,
I agree with the sugestions about the timeframe but I would like to see more film after the statement, or maybe put the statement at the biginning of the film.
I also would sugest explaining WHY they have to remain captive; because they would not survive in the wild, and they cannot go back to Afrika in the first place.
And Honey B remindes me of a lovely day at the beach, coming home with sand in all nooks and crannies of the body…..