Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for October 2021

Thank you, Colleen!

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Colleen Walford graciously sponsored a day of sanctuary in honor of “Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest for doing such a wonderful job!”

Thank you so much for your kindness, Colleen! Certainly none of what Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest does would be possible without our amazing supporters or the amazing chimpanzees and bovines who call the sanctuary their home.

When thinking of “doing such a wonderful job”, our hearts can’t help but sing at the courage and growth of all the chimpanzees and bovines, but even more so at this time, over nine chimpanzees who have been asked so much of these past many weeks and months; a change of homes, friends and family, and all they knew, and how each one is doing their very best, courageously stepping outside comfort zones and into a new home for some, and both new and renewed relationships and experiences for all.

We so appreciate you, Colleen, and every one of you, who help keep the chimpanzees’ lives and home brimming with new choices, possibilities, hope, and family.

Honey B:

Dora and Rayne:

Gordo:

Mave, Willy B and Honey B:

Lucky:

Boss man, Cy:

Terry:

All To Herself

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The chimps were raring to go this morning. You could see it on Missy’s face.

They set off up the hill. Notably absent was the group’s leader, who was momentarily distracted.

No matter. Jody would lead the way.

Missy was close behind.

Annie, Burrito, and Foxie brought up the rear.

A few minutes into the walk, Jamie caught up to the group. The gang was all together now, with Negra selflessly staying behind as usual to keep the nests warm.

But one member of the group would not finish the patrol with the others. On morning walks, Foxie often slips away unnoticed to enjoy the quiet solitude of the towers at the top of the hill.

For while she enjoys the camaraderie of a patrol, she seems to relish those brief moments when she has the world all to herself.

Boxing

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So far in their short time at the sanctuary we haven’t seen Cy and Gordo spend a lot of quality time together. They both seem to gravitate towards other members of their group for socialization. This morning was a different story though. Just before breakfast, Kelsi captured them playing this odd but entertaining box game. Make sure to watch the video all the way to the end for a bonus clip of Gordo’s AMAZING play face!

Burrito and the Giant Kong

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Giant kongs are a newer food puzzle and Burrito loves them. We have found him bouncing on the enormous kongs, throwing the kongs, and dragging them behind him. Finally, we have some videos as proof. Though this video doesn’t have any sound, I actually was laughing out loud, usually I can suppress it! However, Burrito can come up with some of the most ridiculously fun games and this was definitely one for the books. If you needed a laugh, something to warm you from the inside out, or just something totally pure of joy this is the video from you today. Burrito is down right funny and we all need a friend like Burrito.

We also did some introductions today. With no surprise Cy and Willy B volunteered, but we were able to get a Gordo to join us, which was a surprise! And of course little miss Honey B popped in too. It took a long time for everyone to settle down at the mesh, eventually things settled and the door was able to be opened, everyone did well! Though, Gordo and Willy B might need some time alone, because Willy B and Cy have a bromance that no one can come between.

Also Jamieween is right around the corner. We just added some new boots for Jamie’s Birthday on the wish-list!

Burrit-O’s

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As the temperatures begin to drop, Jamie’s group have been waiting a little while before going onto Young’s Hill in the morning, but not too long. Well… Almost everybody in her group…

One of the first things we do when we arrive at the Chimp House is to do a security check to give the chimpanzees access to Young’s Hill as soon as possible. This morning, as I opened the door to the Hill, most hung back a little bit for the sun to do it’s work and warm things up a little bit. But Burrito is a different story. We have been talking about how much we all could have the level of energy he has that early in the day. Once the door was open, *zoom* he was out the door and off to the races. I grabbed the camera and ran as fast as I could. I usually can keep up with him most of the day, however, the first run in the morning is the one where he undeniably beats me.

I grabbed what photos I could while running. As you might expect, they are just a blur.

This is probably only one of the clear photos I got of him, because he was waiting for me so he can turn around and run the other way!

This set of photos are when we completed a lap around Young’s Hill, then he decided to turn around to go again.

Then once we made our way back to the starting point, we went around again. This time though, other members of his family decided to join.

Burrito, Dora the Explorer’s friend Kate, and I waiting for Jamie to catch up. (Missy had already passed us as we waited.)

Then it was off to the races again!

Keep in mind, Young’s Hill is indeed a hill and most of the run is up. I say this as an excuse for my huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath throughout the day. How he has this amount of energy in the morning? It’s almost as if he eats a bowl of Cheerios (or Burrit-O’s that I assume are more energy-packed) before we arrive to ensure he is ready to go once we walk through the door.

(Photo courtesy of Sam)

Some bonus photos from today!

Cy playing chase in his Greenhouse. He moves incredibly fast for such a big guy!
Lucky lounging on the firehose!
Jody enjoying her dinner leek! Don’t mind the corn kernels Jamie “accidentally” dropped on her head.

And a huge thank you who have supported us during Giving Day for Apes! There is still a few hours left you you wish and can support us to reach our goal! Because of you support, not just during Giving Day for Apes, but also on a regular basis, you help us try to provide the best life we can for the 20 individuals in our care. Thank you so much!

Happy Birthday, Vicky!

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Long-time supporter of the sanctuary, Vicky Miller, is celebrating her 67th birthday today and chose to share her special day with the chimpanzees!

Vicky, thank you so much for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimps (and the bovines!). All of us wish you the happiest birthday and hope your day is filled with joy, just as you’ve helped provide for all the special beings who call the sanctuary home.

Annie:

Negra:

Missy:

Burrito, MIssy and Jamie:

Burrito:

The Season of Jamieween

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These autumn days are a breathtaking mix of fire-colored foliage and bluebird skies, all in a swirl of incredibly chilly temperatures and wind. As we’ve been mentioning on the blog recently, the chimpanzees have been spending a good part of their days in the warmer, sunlight-filled indoor areas to start their days, but once the sun gets high enough in the afternoon, they typically move out to the greenhouses where they can bask in sun puddles before it quickly cools off again.

I found Jamie in the sunbeams at the top of the greenhouse in all her glory, half dozing and half making plans for her afternoon. I’m not sure there’s ever a time that Jamie is *not* in all her glory, or is *not* making plans, but it is the Season of Jamieween after all. She heard caregiver Sofia heading back to the barn in the Gator after doing cattle care and decided we needed to go up and assess the situation. Surprisingly, she didn’t ask me to fetch the Gator and was happy to do a slow meander up the hill.

Off we went:

At the top of the hill we found the cattle enjoying their lunch in the warmth of the sun. Honey and her daughter, Meredith:

Betsy soaking up the sun:

Meredith, Honey, Nutmeg, and Betsy. Their winter floof is coming in!

Jamie watched the cattle for a few minutes, then decided we should carry on:

Once we returned, I popped my head into the new greenhouse areas to see if I could catch any photo opportunities of the nine (nope!), but was met with a brief glimpse of sun-warmed and snoozy Dora and Rayne, and a blurry upside down Cy popping his head down from his napping spot on the tree platform to see who was there:

Lulled by the warm sun and a river view from the new greenhouses, Dora’s group and Honey B’s group can usually be found here on these autumn afternoons and appear to be soaking in every moment they can. Wherever we may find our human selves, I hope we are all able to do the same during this mystical and magical time of year. Jamie, nor any of her fifteen friends and neighbors, would want it any other way.

Also! Tomorrow, October 12th, is the official start of Giving Day for Apes, a global day of giving in support of qualified sanctuaries and rescue centers caring for apes throughout Africa, Asia and North America and provides incredible important, life-saving funding for so many individuals. Whether you’re able to support by giving, sharing the info far and wide, or cheering on the sanctuaries you feel connected to, you will make a lasting difference in the lives of so many unique and deserving beings who depend on all of us for not only a second chance, but a lifetime of care and well-being. You can find each participating organization’s page through the Giving Day for Apes link above. And click here for Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest’s!