It shouldn’t come as a surprise that no two days here at CSNW are the same. Especially in spring time, when there are an abundance of projects to be done, you never really know what your day will hold.
Today is an absolutely perfect spring (early summer?! maybe?!) day here in Cle Elum, WA. The sky is that precious blue bird blue with only a few clouds floating by, the temperature is warm with a nice breeze that keeps you comfy, and the sunshine is bright. Most of the chimp house doors and windows are open, so it’s hard not to feel that happy feeling that comes with having a soft breeze and fresh air throughout the chimp house after winter.
In season appropriate fashion, this week has been dubbed spring cleaning week and today our team is tackling the kitchen. It’s quite the task, believe me. One of the items on the list was to de-frost the freezer, which meant an exciting forage of “All-The-Frozen-Things” this morning! We put out a daily morning forage when we are done with the first round of cleaning on each side of the building. It’s different every day, but the frozen treats were pretty unique and it had everyone excited!
Negra and Jody were both particularly excited when they saw the icy treats. 🙂
While we enjoy spring cleaning with the windows open, the chimps are leaning into the season with all their might! Cy’s group has access to their outdoor chute and this morning I arrived to find most of them out enjoying the early sunshine. Can you count (and identify) the chimps in this photo?!
To continue the excitement, we did a lunch forage for Jamie’s group on Young’s Hill. J.B. recently wrote about how construction has resumed on The Bray for Cy’s group, which meant that Jamie’s group had to be off the hill for a few days too since some of the tasks involved both sides of the hill. Today we were able to give them access just in time for a lunch forage and a more perfect day could not be had!
Foxie took her doll with her to forage, of course.
On a lovely day like today it’s hard not to think about how grateful I am for our supporters who have made sanctuary life possible for our 16 chimp and 4 bovine friends. As someone who got involved at CSNW as an intern in grad school, left for a few years, and then had the opportunity to return full time – it’s amazing how many things have changed in just a few years. Taking a bigger step back and looking at the then-and-now between fifteen years ago and the present day, it’s truly inspiring. That’s what all of you, every person reading this blog, have helped to create- years full of hope and love in a forever home for individuals who deserve it so much.
As we reflect back we also have to look forward, which means reaching out a hand to you. Right now, early giving is open for GiveBIG. Every donation matters – no matter how big or small – and, right now, donations are being matched by our amazing supporter, Donna T! Please consider helping us reach our goal– every donation will go to support our incredible residents.
Like beautiful and amazingly cool, Jamie.
We’re also super excited to announce our next Virtual Visit! We will be hosting a virtual Lunch with Cy’s Group on Sunday, May 21st from 1:00 – 2:00pm PT! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to serve a meal to the nine chimps in Cy’s group, then this is the event for you. Be sure to register today to save your seat and submit any questions you have so we can answer them during the virtual visit!
Cy can’t wait!
BONUS PHOTOS:
A drama, in three photos, caught by Caregiver Chad’s photography skills.
Gordo and Dora enjoying the chute:
Sweet Foxie in a peaceful moment.
Linda C says
Thank you, Grace!
It’s encouraging to see the chimps taking advantage of the chute time….I feel like they’ll naturally head out, just as the 7 did, because they saw the construction happening. And Willy B will lead the charge!
And those pics of Neggie….:laughing:. If I were that crow, I’d know what was good for me and keep my distance! Thanks, Chad!
Marie says
Looks like Neggie was eyeing dessert way up high:grin:……. nothing like fresh air wafting through a building. ……….lifts your spirits AHHHHHH
Marie says
OH NO look Neggi!!!…. you not only missed the bird but THE PEANUT it carried!:scream:
John Joseph OBrien says
“Hey Jody!” What Negra?” “Feast your eyes on those icy treats!” Both: “Yummy!”
Kathleen says
This post would brighten anyone’s day! Can’t image how difficult spring cleaning a busy sanctuary must be (spring cleaning my own house exhausts me!) but you made the challenges sound like fun. Can’t stop smiling over how happy Neggie and Jody look over the frozen treats! Such a great idea. That photo and the photos of Foxie, sideways on her barrel Jamie, Cy, and Gordo and Dora in the chute, all prove that each chimp person has a richer life thanks to CSNW and all you do for them.
And then there’s dear Queen Negra! Chad! Talk about being in the right place at the right time. I love crows, they are tricksters and wicked smart, but this crow is messing with the wrong chimp!! Perhaps I am misinterpreting Mr. Crow’s intentions. Maybe he wasn’t after Negra’s food, maybe he was preforming a fly over to pay his respect to the Queen of the springtime grass. Yes, that must be it. It was just poor timing with Negra mid bite on her lettuce. (Or cabbage? Or frozen something?!) Oh Negra, I wish you knew how much you are loved by me and your fans. And maybe even Mr. Crow.
tomaustin says
she did look pissed……..pardon my french………….:angry: