Burrito is truly skilled at keeping himself (and us) amused!
Archives for June 2021
Going Head to Head & Toe to Toe
What a wonderful day, especially for Burrito. To no surprise he was playing all day! If he wasn’t making his caregiver’s run until they almost passed out from heat exhaustion then he was playing with other chimps and even a giant stuffed unicorn. There is some video of him playing with the unicorn, but the clip was hard to fit in with all the amazing other play sessions going on. However, I feel I need to describe to you what happened. It was amazing! Caregiver Chad was outside fixing a few holes on the rattle snake fence when he noticed Burrito dragging a giant stuffed unicorn onto Young’s Hill. He was even throwing it up into the air (that part was not caught on camera). Burrito then dragged the unicorn back to the raceway and eventually into the greenhouse. Which led into a lazy wrestling game with Foxie. Later, we found Burrito playing with Jamie. They had their heads together, breathy panting (chimp laughing), and grabbing each other’s toes. All in all it was a good day, but Burrito had a great day.
We have been very busy getting ready for the arrival of Cy, Lucky, Gordo, Dora, Rayne, and Terry and it’s coming up quickly! We have added more stuff to the Wish List in preparation of the 6 new chimps. We are hoping to get some new chairs. They have been really helpful for Honey B, Willy B, and Mave in the new greenhouses. But, the chimps use the chairs everyday. Jamie loves them for sitting and grooming her favorite pair of boots, many like to lay on them, and sometimes they use the chairs as tables to put their food on.
In honor of Ronalyn
Thank you, to Sherry Padgett, for graciously sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees and Ronalyn Huenergard! This is such a lovely gesture, Sherry, and we appreciate all the ways in which you and Ronalyn both, add to the chimpanzees’ lives.
“I wish to sponsor a day to thank Ronalyn Huenergard for the wonderful “Break Time” lap quilt she donated to the Queen’s Brunch Auction, which I practically STOLE for about half the value on auction day. Ronalyn, I will treasure this heirloom quilt that you so generously contributed to CSNW.
Thank you for your beautiful donation to the Queen’s Brunch Auction, Ronalyn. Your gift has made a difference in so many ways and we hope you have a beautiful day!
Missy:
Missy’s daughter, Honey B:
Negra:
Jamie:
Nobody move!
Coming from a tropical Island, I have heard plenty of times that on warm days one should do and move as little as possible. This was the norm today at the Chimp House, and will probably be during the next few days. Willy B, like everyday, got access to the Courtyard this morning but decided it was best to stay resting under the shade in the Chute with Mave, both cooling off with the breeze. The Cle Elum 7 got access in the morning to Young’s Hill and everyone but Jody decided to stay put indoors. This only lasted a little while because shortly after Jody came in to rest in the Green House #1 and was then joined by Foxie. After lunch, both Burrito and Jamie wanted accompanied walks around the hill. After a play session, Burrito wanted Sam to go around the hill with him. Later after, boss Jamie saw coming back from visiting the cattle while driving the Gator and demanded a walk, I complied.
Foxie and Jody resting side by side in Green House 1
Mave relaxing on one of the platforms in Green House 3
Nutmeg cooling off by the creek
Betsy and Meredith by the creek
BONUS: Check out some of the strawberries growing next to the Chute. Best. Strawberries. Ever.
Hot as tater tots!
Summer is here! We are definitely feeling the heat today. We have been trying to help keep the chimps cool and passed out some shaved ice in the afternoon. They love ice! Even if its just a regular old ice cube they are excited for the snack. We have also been giving out extra hose drinks to the chimps who have been requesting it while we are cleaning. Even though they always have access to a water source, drinks from the hose always taste better! Katelyn was fanning/misting Jamie and Annie today. In the photo below you can see them enjoying this. Annie kept putting her head up to let Katelyn mist her forehead.
Jamie needs all that extra water and fanning today from her adventures last night. Since the heat was starting to rise during the day yesterday she didn’t go on as many walks as normal. She wanted to save that for when the sun started to go down. Jamie didn’t want to let go of Youngs Hill for the night after dinner and we went on multiple walks around the hill with her, in a variety of ways. It was fun to see how many different ways she wanted to walk around! First, I went around the hill driving the gator. Then she was ready for Anthony to drive the gator while I rode along. After that, Jamie wanted Chad to follow in the gator behind us. After a couple more variations of walks throughout the evening Jamie decided on one last final walk. This included Anthony, Chad, the gator and I. Missy also came out to join us and Annie was resting on a platform watching. After this final walk Jamie was inside ready for her book and boot bundle. We usually pick out a couple different books and boots to give her before we leave to make sure she has what needs for the night.
Jamie enjoying a walk around the hill, while I drove the gator.
Here are some photos from around the chimp house today!
Mave relaxing in the Chute.
Honey B sitting in the doorway of one of the new Greenhouses.
Willy B being groomed by Mave.
Annie being her sweet Annie self.
The cattle were even avoiding the heat today. Chad found them relaxing in the shade by the creek.
Meredith and Honey hanging out by the creek.
Nutmeg and Betsy cooling off in the mud.
Happy Summer Solstice!
In celebration of the Summer Solstice, Dylan Most sponsored today to wish the sanctuary a happy first day of summer!
Thank you so much Dylan for your kindness and thinking of the chimpanzees and bovine residents here! We hope you and everybody has a great start to the summer season!
Annie in her summer attire from last year (she still hasn’t adorned a headband yet this year):
Honey B:
Jody:
Negra:
Burrito:
Nutmeg, Meredith, Betsy and Honey:
Two Blogs
First of all, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all of you dads out there.
In case you missed it, two of our supporters sponsored this day of sanctuary in honor of their own fathers. Thank you for this generous and thoughtful gift, Sharon and Marya!
Just as we had dual sponsors for this warm summer day, I also had two distinct ideas for today’s blog.
Initially, I wanted to continue our coverage of Honey B, Mave and Willy B’s acclimatization to the new greenhouses. Kelsi posted a great video of their first forays into the unknown on Wednesday and new staff member Sofia added some amazing photos in her follow-up on Friday. Yesterday, Diana wrote a reflective, insightful and pertinent post about how chimpanzees cope with new experiences (which will likely be a common theme over the next few months!). My plan for today was to share additional photos of the chimps hanging out in the new greenhouse enclosures.
The new enclosures (featuring new caregiver Sam, for scale):
However, I also took a look at some photographs I created while strolling through the woodlands and pastures that surround the sanctuary. I feel like I should share them with all of you, too.
Since I couldn’t pick one theme over the other, I am going to “finance two birds with one loan” (as the common idiom goes) and combine them into this mega-post.
First, here are some images of the “California Three” enjoying their new digs.
Honey B (“Beezy” “Beesus” “Chickpea” “Honey Badger” “Bee”):
Mave (who had to investigate the bamboo before settling down for a nap):
Willy B:
Then, as promised, here are some cool nature shots from around the property.
This may be a Say’s Phoebe, although Katelyn would have to confirm that since she is our resident wildlife expert:
A long-tailed weasel (also known locally as a stoat):
A chipmunk:
The cliff swallows that have taken over the eaves of the Chimp House this summer:
One of the many black-tailed deer that frequent the property:
The view of Cle Elum from the higher area of the property: