Hello blog readers! My name is Sofía and I recently joined the CSNW team as veterinary assistant and animal caregiver. I was born and raised in the south of Puerto Rico in a town called Ponce. I lived there up until I graduated with a BS in Animal Science from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (UPRM) back in 2017. By then, I was interning in several animal hospitals to gain experience in the veterinary field, and also interned at a dairy cattle farm to complete graduation requirements. I always knew I wanted to care for animals, I just needed to figure out in what way. Right after finishing my BS degree, I moved to the United States to pursue a MS degree in Primate Behavior and Ecology from Central Washington University (CWU). While completing my master’s degree, I interned here at CSNW and achieved a Captive Primate Care Certificate from CWU. After defending my thesis and graduating, I moved to the Bay Area, California to work full time at a small animal veterinary hospital as veterinary assistant for almost two full years before moving back to the Pacific Northwest.
Here I am getting groomed with a tool by the boss herself, Jamie
I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am to be back with the Cle Elum Seven, and how amazing it has been to get to know the California three and the four majestic bovines. Complemented by amazing human coworkers, I can only describe this as: the dream job. These past weeks have been filled with hands on training with the goal of becoming lead caregiver. From security checks, to learning more about the chimps personalities, it has been serious business in the Chimp House.
But enough about me, I know all of you want to see some chimps and I wanted to show off how it’s going during photography practice!
Foxie, making sure only her best side is captured. All of her sides are her best side.
Willie B enjoying the breeze in one of the platforms in the new green houses
Missy enjoying some forage in the hill
Jody coming back in after exploring in the hill
Terrific you are back, Sofia! Pictures are so enjoyable, thank you.
¡Bienvenida al blog, Sofía!
Como dicen, “Ponce es Ponce, y el resto es parking!” Bienvenida a uno de los mejores lugares del “parking” 😉
Hola! Sofia! What a resume! Would be nice to see some enthusiasm from you. ?
Welcome! The chimps and their supporters are so lucky that you’re living your dream.
The ? is supposed to be a big grin.
Yeah- Maybe IT could enable us to use emojis? Please!?
You can still get a few old school style, Paulette: a colon plus parentheses is a smile, a colon plus a capital D is a big smile, and with a capital P is tongue sticking out. Semi colon plus parenthese is wink and a smile
😀
Hearts are done with <3
If I could have
I would have
put a thumbs up right here! 😉
Lol! <3
Welcome, Sofia! It’s great to have you on board in this new role and I’m sure all the animals at the sanctuary and the humans as well are equally happy you’re there. Thank you for sharing your training, expertise and heartfelt enthusiasm! Looking forward to more of your blog pics and posts. Jamie clearly agrees, and we know she is a discerning judge of character!
Hi Sofi, welcome. I agree it has to be a dream job, thanks for introducing yourself. Looking forward to hearing from you about future shared experiences with the chimps and bovine.
Welcome (back)! I bet the chimps are glad to see you. ? You may be lucky to have your dream job, but they are lucky to have you caring for them, too !
So nice to meet you Sofía! You have the perfect resume for CSNW. I wish I had your knowledge and experience because Yes! You do have THE dream job!! So happy you have returned back to Cle Elum.
Wonderful photos. Look how small big handsome Willy B looks in the new space. The perspective makes the greenhouse all the more significant to me. Super cool.
Desde PONCE PR te enviamos un fuerte abrazo. Nos sentimos muy orgullosas de lo que has alcanzado y nos encanta que haces lo que te apasiona. Exito y muchas bendiciones ?
Welcome (back) to the Sanctuary, Sofia. When Jamie deigns to groom one of her human employees, it’s a good sign that you have the Boss’s Seal of Approval and that you may proceed in continuing with your Dream Job. From your photographs posted here, it looks like your mere (re-) appearance has put a smile on the faces of Foxie and Jody.
this phase of growth is a major move forward….there is a solid future in this profession….6-10 workers will have a daunting task keeping up with a normal day, of which there are none dealing with the furry comedians in your care…take a deep breath and dive in the deep end of the pool..!!
Yeah I was wondering when they might reinstate their volunteer program. I think they’re gonna need some help!
Hi Sofìa, welcome back as a more experienced young woman then when you left.
And that photo diploma is in the bag girl….great pictures!
Wishing you all the success Sofia! Keep the great pics coming. You are making me smile already!
Oh if I could only live my life over I would become a captive primate caretaker. Absolutely. 100%.
I am so happy you are living your dream Sophi!
Oops. Sorry I missed spelled your name!
Congratulations Sofia– you will be a HUGE asset to the chimps and the team at CSNW– ALSO wow that new greenhouse is really something.. I WANT to live in it! 🙂 Great photos! I look forward to hearing more about CSNW! And more pics!