August 7, 2022 - Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

A frequent question we get asked is how we know when one of our residents wants something specific or when they want one of us to do something with them. While this definitely gets easier as you get to know them better, and it’s never a perfect science, we are often able to determine what a chimp is looking for in how and where they are gesturing.

For example- if Burrito or Gordo are trying to get you to play a game of chase with them, they will look at you and then run away! We would also watch for behavioral indicators of play that include a play face, foot stomp, and exaggerated movements. If Jamie is wanting a specific pair of boots, she will often stand in the playroom loft and gesture through the kitchen door. She will continue to gesture until you bring back the right pair (no matter how many wrong pairs you offer her first) and then she will likely either come down to take it or she will take off for the hill- which is a sign that she wants you, and said boot, to come with her on her patrol. She also sometimes wants you to wear the specific boot instead of carry it… no matter the size. I would like to take this moment to formally apologize to my coworkers (*ahem* Sofia) that have had to squeeze their feet into my toddler-feet sized boots. Y’all are troopers. 🙂

Lately, though, Jamie has been all about raspberries and frozen treats- which are a hit with everyone. Check out the video for more!

Negra enjoying the cool morning on Young’s Hill.

Annie looking particularly beautiful in the morning light of the Greenhouse.

Cy being his dreamy self.

In today’s touching day of sanctuary, Don and Karen Young are honoring the memory of their beloved son, Ryan Young:

“We honor the beautiful memory our son, Ryan, who would be 49 years old today. He visited the sanctuary on the first anniversary of the arrival of the Cle Elum Seven. It was Ryan who introduced us to the plight of captive chimpanzees through the release and restitution program at NEAVS (New England Anti-Vivisection Society). He dedicated his professional life in the field of sustainability. He would love that the chimps get to have a party on his birthday and that soon the 9 will romp and play and look down the valley from Ryan’s Lookout! Love, Don and Karen Young.”

Don and Karen Young, for whom the chimpanzees’ outdoor habitat, Young’s Hill, is named have made an immeasurable difference in the lives of the chimps. Nearly eleven years since Jamie’s group gained access to the outdoors for the first time, they continue to amaze and surprise us with their leaps and bounds (literally and figuratively) of courage, adventure and joy.

Thank you so much, Don and Karen, for allowing all of us the opportunity to share in the celebration of Ryan and his legacy with you. We will be thinking of you all today and hoping your hearts are buoyed with the comfort of love and cherished memories.

Foxie:

Annie and Missy foraging for prickly lettuce:

Burrito:

Missy:

Ryan’s Lookout, in the currently-under-construction outdoor habitat for Cy’s group, The Bray. Thanks to so many, we cannot wait to see all the ways in which the lives of the nine continue to further bloom when their new habitat is ready.