Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for March 2022

In memory of Susan

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Thank you so much, Paula Griffith, for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees and your sister, Susan Griffith!

“In memory of my sister, Susan, on her birthday. She was a wonderful dog and cat mama and a fierce animal advocate. She loved the face of Honey B.”

Paula, there are many ways in which you could choose to honor and celebrate Susan and her memory, and it means so much to us that you chose to include the chimpanzees as you celebrate your sister today. We hope your heart is full of joyful and comforting memories.

Dear Honey B and her sweet face:

First Look

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One of my favorite parts of every morning is the “first look” the chimpanzees take before they journey into the wide expanse of Young’s Hill. It’s that special quiet moment where they determine which direction they want to head out and which quadrant of their outdoor space they want to explore first.

Foxie in the doorway that leads out to Young’s Hill.
Jody, finishing up her breakfast.
Missy
Negra (chow in mouth) heads down the raceway.

Bonus! Willy B empties his giant Kong.

In memory of Honey and Papa

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Many thanks to Kim Harris for her beautiful, heartfelt sponsorship of a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in memory of her beloved grandparents, Honey and Papa!

“My grandma, Honey (my grandpa always called her Honey, so I started calling her Honey when I was learning to talk, and it stuck. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, called her Honey until she passed away in 2016.), and Papa (his name was Willie; their names tell you just how special they were!) were a huge presence in my life. I spent more time with them than my own parents; I was with them almost everyday of my childhood. And I either spent time with them or spoke with them everyday until they passed. And my son also spent time with them almost everyday. By the time my son was three, he would call them on the phone and ask them to come get him, often unbeknownst to me. Ten minutes later they would be parked at our curb and my son would be telling me he was going home with them as he was walking to our front door. They were truly the best of the best; the grandparents (and great-grandparents) everyone wanted.

They fostered my love of animals when they bought me my first horse when I was ten. Everyday after school one of them would pick me up and then Papa and I would go riding for several hours. Honey would have dinner waiting on us. And on weekends, we drove all over central Oklahoma rodeoing. My horse was my life and I loved her dearly. I have always had pet dogs, but the bond I had with my horse was something special. The many hours I spent with them riding were filled with learning, laughter, and love. Learning about and caring for my horse taught me responsibility and commitment, built my self-confidence, and filled my days with happiness. Honey was unlike anyone I have ever known. She was my biggest fan and supporter. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t wish she were still here to talk with. My life with them most definitely made me who I am today. Honey’s birthday was March 10 and Papa’s was March 28. So today I would like to sponsor a day of sanctuary in their memory. They both would have loved CSNW and those who call it home.”

Kim, thank you so much for including the chimpanzees, and all of us, in your honoring of your grandparents and all the love and support that they (and your horse!) provided you in life. Your tribute is so beautiful to read.

Honey B:

Burrito, Foxie and Jody:

Rayne, Gordo and Dora:

Lucky, Dora and Rayne:

The Progression of Sleep

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The Riverview and Oakwood greenhouses provide an incredible amount of warmth, even on snowy days. The chimps also seem to really love the vertical space! We often find them up high in the greenhouses grooming or taking a nap in the cozy snug greenhouse.

The progression of Dora falling asleep:

Terry and Cy having their heads together before grooming.

Terry with his dream-eyes.

Rayne holding her feet and laying in a nest.

Bonus photo! A silhouette of Annie laying next to Foxie.

 

Days like Today

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After taking in several days of great weather, we are back to winter conditions. What started off as rain, quickly turned into snow, with it supposed to last throughout the afternoon and into the night. With a day like today, the chimpanzees are spending most of the day in their nests on the upper story, where it is nearly impossible to get any photos. But who can blame them. It’s the perfect day to just cozy up and nap.

I was able to get some sporadic photos here and there though.

Terry greeting me in the morning.
Jody resting in the front rooms in her nest.
Mave came down for a few minutes before going back up to her nest.
Cy enjoying the latest gossip magazine.
Honey B with her turnips during lunch.
Honey B! (That’s a tomato seed on her lip.)

Moo Beginnings

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As Katelyn noted yesterday, it’s already beginning to feel like spring. That means a lot around here, but I doubt anyone appreciates this transition more than the sanctuary’s bovines.

Every year, the small herd of four rescued Jersey cattle spend the winter in an enclosed paddock on the northern side of the property. This area contains their main barn (and a couple secondary shelters) where caregivers provision them with grass hay, alfalfa, water, minerals, and supplementary grain.

As the days get longer and warmer, the Moo Crew begin to spend more of their time roaming around the paddock and sunbathing. The muddy brown landscape slowly develops a tinge of lime green and the bovines venture into the creek to browse.

It won’t be until May that the pastures are mature enough to support these large herbivores. (There are several tests that we do to verify that the prairie grasses are ready.) At that time, the crew will pick a day for “The Running of the Cows“– the opening of the gateways to the larger grazing areas— and the bovines will be on their merry way to ruminant bliss.

With that being said, there is always a lot of work to be done before we can safely turn them out for the summer. First, the cattle need their annual visit from the hoof trimmer who makes sure their feet are ready for another year of strenuous trips around the hilly property. Dr. Erin also uses this as an opportunity to give them their annual vaccinations and quick physical exams.

Finally, the fencing itself usually needs a minor facelift. This task will be more difficult than ever this year due to the ongoing expansion of Young’s Hill and construction of The Bray, both of which will now occupy what was once cattle pasture. Instead, the bovines will most likely get access to the wooded farmland further up the slope which we will have to enclose with suitable electric fencing.

Last week, I took some photos of the cattle enjoying a couple fresh bales of hay in their winter paddock.

Honey:

Betsy and Honey:

Nutmeg:

Meredith:

While the bovines have been serenely waiting for pasture, the chimps seem particularly excited about the human activity around Young’s Hill. This afternoon, J.B. hosted some familiar faces who have volunteered to help furnish the new outdoor areas. As is tradition, the tour was mirrored by a few curious chimpanzees. (Unsurprisingly, one of them had to scout out everyone’s footwear.)

Volunteers Tom, Greg, Steve and Brian, with Jamie Chimpanzee & Co. in the background:

This spring will be busy and challenging, but it’s exciting to utilize more of the property and give the chimps and bovines some new experiences!