Well, what an amazing Christmas it has been! The chimps are still discovering new enrichment every day, like Foxie with the Anna doll from Frozen. While others, like Burrito, are still having fun with items they received before the big Christmas party. Words cannot express our gratitude for all of our supporters, we would not be able to do any of this without you!
This morning Cy’s group received access to the Chute and to say Burrito’s group were excited would be an understatement! The seven were all lined up by the window hooting and hollering, but Burrito especially took great interest! He almost missed breakfast! It had been a little while since the group of nine had received access to the Chute, because it has been so cold at the sanctuary.
I suppose I will share with you all a condensed story about the chaos that unfolded last week! We received quite a bit of snow in the past couple of weeks and it also became extremely cold, getting as cold as -5 degrees. So cold that last Wednesday our well water became frozen. Our co-directors J.B. and Diana had left for a quick and very deserved trip to go see family over the holiday, however with all these winter storms their flight back got canceled. We went to the store and grabbed lots of water to use for cleaning and for drinking water, but we had to use the water sparingly because we had a few more days of this extremely cold weather. Thankfully, all of this did not affect the chimps and they were none the wiser- we made sure that they had plenty of water, food, clean blankets, and most importantly a clean enclosure! We had a Christmas miracle because on Christmas eve it finally warmed up and the water started to work again! Finally, we have caught up on laundry and mostly decompressed from the chaos that has ensued. We are sooooo grateful to have J.B. and Diana back safely and that the water is flowing again!
Burrito watching his neighbors:
Cy enjoying some green beans:
Sweet Rayne:
Kudos and thanks Kelsi and all of the staff for taking charge when the well froze. Could have been harrowing, but it looks like you all handled it perfectly. I’m sure J.B. and Diana were very pleased. The Cle Elum area does have its weather and climate “issues”, but I doubt there is a better home for chimpanzees (and some cattle!). It just takes some extra planning and infrastructure to operate in Cle Elum versus sanctuaries in warmer and gentler climes.
Safe to say Foxie really loved her new doll. Very touching.
Wow, Kelsi, you guys weathered it (pun intended), and without complaining! I’ve always wondered how JB and Diana handle a once-in-a-while vacation-and they must feel like Murphy’s law came into play– but obviously, you guys managed just fine!
Thanks for the extra video! Foxie realized she can’t play the same games she usually plays with her dolls (like clacky feet and clap-fly-catch), but she does seem to have enjoyed it, all the same!
Thanks for the fun video!
I hope your stray Kitty is safe in your Barn
Does anybody know what size block is safe for Burritos mouth? is 1.75-in to big?…..We have a Birthday coming:cake::birthday:
for some reason, I feel like they had some on the Christmas list. but that should be an okay size as long as they’re wooden
Yes, he is! He was away when the stormy weather first hit but he came back the other day demanding to be fed 🙂
:upside_down:oops
Holiday greetings to everyone! What amazing pictures and video. Thank you, Kelsi. So sorry to hear about the water problem, but so glad it was resolved and it’s wonderful that Diana and J.B. were able to get away for some well-deserved time off. It looks like another heart warming celebration at CSNW. Thank you all for all that you do and thanks to all the supporters who sent gifts for the Chimps. Love and hugs.
Maybe the goal was to demonstrate to J.B. and Diana that even when a pretty serious difficulty is presented that the incredible staff at CSNW will do whatever it takes to handle the situation and keep the chimps safe, full and happy. Oodles of Kudos to you all… and I hope the resulting feeling for J.B. and Diana is that they can (and will) go on WELL DESERVED visits or vacation/s and all will be well (2 puns intended) no matter what happens. Indeed, thank you to all the supporters who provided Christmas gifts – and all who provide varying levels of support year round. Much needed, much appreciated!
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said there Judy!!
Thank you to the holiday staff for having grace under pressure. I can’t believe your well froze?! I am sorry you had to go through that hardship. To not have access to running water is a major issue and yet, it appeared as if all was well as the chimps were showered (yup, pun intended) with gifts every day. You didn’t skip a beat. And the chimps didn’t suffer at all, they were too busy enjoying all their holiday goodies. Unbelievable!
Burrito with his buffalo blanket is just so funny. What a great disguise for spying on the neighbors! And is it just me or is a floating head doll a little creepy? Saying. Clearly Foxie is happy with her beautiful Anna doll. And Jamie is pleased with the Anna brush. Something for everyone!
No, it’s not just you Kathleen; I thought it was creepy and I honestly think that Foxie thought so too…..touching little by little and retracting her hand quickly …but the hair won her over…soooo lushes and hard to resist.
To me those claps always feel like a sort of spell she puts over the dolls ?!
Adorable Foxiefox, with that little grinn on her face. She knows how to handle creepy dolls for sure.
I have to agree with Kathleen…a floating doll head is a little creepy, but I’m glad she was well-received. Many hugs to all the magnificent residents & caretakers. You guys are wonderful over and over and over again!
Absolutely loved seeing Foxie clapping! And, always love to see the chimps eating! Makes me hungry!