Today has been a bit of a day here at CSNW.
We woke up to messages from J.B. and Diana that there had been a kerfuffle between the members of Cy’s group in the early hours of the morning. Although Willy B required a trip to the vet clinic, everyone is doing OK. Willy acquired an injury to his right nostril and had to have a few stitches from Dr. Erin. He was a rock-star during the procedure and is recovering well. A special thank you to Mekenzie, CRNA, for stepping in to assist Dr. Erin and Sofia with his procedure!
Dr. Erin Zamzow (right), Mekenzie (center), Sofia (right), and Willy B (on the table).
Dr. Erin giving Willy B his stitches:
Sofia charting a dental exam:
Displaying, fighting, and resulting wounds are a common part of chimpanzee society. While it is hard to watch at times for us humans, and sometimes the displays are so loud that we have to cover our ears, it often is a lot of screaming and, thankfully, direct physical contact occurs less often. It does happen, though, and another key aspect of chimpanzee society is post-conflict reconciliation. This includes reassurance behaviors, grooming, and play. We were relieved to see a lot of this, especially between the guys, and there has been a lot of reassurance between the other eight chimps in Cy’s group throughout the day today. On the other side of the chimp house, Jamie’s group has spent a lot of today watching the construction on Young’s Hill. I briefly interrupted a grooming session between Jamie, Burrito, Jody, and Foxie before Jamie told me in no short order to go away.
Everyone is well.
There was a lot going on today, but all the stress related to something I’d been thinking about for a few days… Not about unexpected trips to the vet clinic, so stick with me. The other day we had our virtual tour of the sanctuary for VIP ticket holders to HOOT! and one of our supporters asked Diana and I what we find to be the most rewarding aspect of working at the sanctuary. I fumbled out some vague answer (I’m not good at speaking on the spot) and Diana answered about how rewarding it is to see all the people who are brought together by the sanctuary and, also, how rewarding it is to see the chimps form relationships with each other and choose to spend time together. This has stayed with me for a few days.
Sanctuary is a unique concept that often seems better defined by an emotion, rather than a written definition. I’m not biased at all, but CSNW embodies this emotion in every way. Working here is a combination of the heavy feeling of knowing that the chimps we care for do not belong in captivity, but we are also so lucky to have the opportunity to know them and to get to form deep connections with them. It’s watching individuals in Jamie’s group play, groom, and be goofy. It’s watching the newly integrated group of 9 form relationships with each other that they might not otherwise have had the opportunity to form. It’s giving them choice, connections, and a lifelong home.
There are so many connections that have been formed because of the chimps here at the sanctuary. Not only have we connected with supporters all over the globe, that we otherwise would never have known, but it has also brought myself and all of my fellow coworkers here to the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Most all of us have left the places that we called home and our family members to move here and it has created a truly special space where we are all each others family. And days like today, that are more chaotic than most, this comfort keeps my anxiety at bay.
So, if I were to better answer the question posed earlier this week, I would say that the most rewarding thing about working here is the connections. Connections with coworkers, supporters, and (last but certainly not least) the chimps.
We already owe the chimps so much, but this should also be added to the list.
Also, don’t forget that our signature fundraiser HOOT! is coming up this Friday, September 16th! The online auction is live and you can place your bids now! Our annual fundraiser contributes a large portion of the funds that allow us to provide sustainable sanctuary and lifelong care for all of our residents. Click here for more and to help us reach our fundraising goal!
Bonus Photo
Honey B, chillin: