Archives for June 6, 2021

New Friend

June 6, 2021 by Sam Jones

Hi everyone! My name is Sam and I am one of the new caregivers here at CSNW. Originally, I am from Ohio and I moved to Washington to attend Central Washington University to obtain my Masters degree in Primate Behavior in 2016. During that time I was an intern/volunteer at CSNW and this started my path in the direction of chimpanzees. After graduation I moved to Georgia to work at Project Chimps and was a caregiver there for the past 2 1/2 years. I am beyond excited to be back in the Pacific Northwest and here at CSNW working with these amazing chimpanzees, humans, and cattle!

This past month I’ve been learning the routine and enjoying the beginnings of building friendships with these 10 chimpanzees. Jamie has been keeping a close eye and making sure I’m being trained correctly. Grooming my boots in the afternoon is also a strict part of the training process. Burrito has been helping to build my cardio and Honey B has been making sure I am always on my toes.

I have a couple photos to share with you, as I have started practicing with the camera.

Burrito between play sessions

Jamie keeping an eye on things from her comfy nest

Jody enjoying an orange for breakfast

Honey B watching watching us do checks

Betsy relaxing in her summer pasture

In Memory of Robert Ruggeri

June 6, 2021 by Katelyn

Dear friend of the sanctuary, Rachel Ruggeri, thank you so much for sponsoring today and honoring your father, Robert Ruggeri, and his legacy in such a heartfelt and compassionate way. All of us here are sending you and your family all the good thoughts and hope your hearts are filled with love, joy and comfort, just as you help provide for the chimpanzees and bovines. This is such a beautiful tribute and we’re honored to get to share in Robert’s memory with you today. He sounds like such a special human.

“I want to sponsor this day in honor of my father, Robert Ruggeri, who would have been 85 years old today. Sadly though, my father past away 8 years ago. So while we are no longer able to honor him in person, we think of him in spirit each and every day most especially on his birthday, June 6th. My father was an incredible person who loved life and all living creatures, but had a special place in his heart for animals most especially chimpanzees (primates). My father made the world a better place and in his honor, I want to ensure that the chimpanzees at the sanctuary know a better life…the way they so deserve. Cheers to the memory of Robert Ruggeri!”