Archives for June 2023

Another Day on the Bray

June 12, 2023 by J.B.

Despite this being one of the hotter days this year, the chimps in Terry’s group spent a considerable amount of time on the Bray. One of Terry’s favorite spots is on Ryan’s Lookout, where he is often joined by Rayne and Gordo. Cy even made the trek out to the Lookout the other day! Here’s Terry:

Lucky continues to enjoy her time outdoors but she prefers to stay off the grass whenever possible, which somewhat limits how far she will go. Today she found a way to sit near the ground without actually sitting on the ground.

Foraging for nuts is a little more difficult when you can’t touch the ground but she found a way. She then climbed up to crack them open with Terry and Rayne.

Rayne was reluctant to part with her new favorite book so she took it with her as she hiked around the Bray.

Eventually she set it down and took a walk with me to to the top of the hill.

She’s very interested in the Young’s Hill side of the things…I’m sure she will be excited when both groups are outside at the same time. As far as that goes, we’re just giving Dora a little time to see if she wants to explore the outdoors further without the added pressure of six chimps hooting and hollering at her from the other side of the fences.

Gordo likes to tag along when Rayne explores the Bray. He gets a little nervous when they venture to the farther reaches of the enclosure.

When they reached the top of the hill, Rayne spent some time taking in the view. Gordo waited restlessly for her to head back.

This was, for me, the closest I’ve come to joining any of the new group on a patrol. Once the groups are in their outdoor enclosures at the same time, I’m guessing that Rayne, Gordo, and Terry will do this more regularly. And I’m hoping that Cy will put his magazines down long enough the join them—you know, him being the alpha and all…

Or maybe, as it is on the other side of the fences, the girls will just have to take the lead.

Honey B’s 34th Birthday Party Celebration!

June 11, 2023 by Diana

Happy 34th Birthday to Honey B! We are so delighted to be caring for and celebrating Honey B, a mischievous chimpanzee who always keeps us on our toes and makes us laugh. She had a good day today filled with her favorite things.

Thank you to Paulette for sponsoring Honey B’s birthday!

This is how Honey B ended her day, all tucked in the cubby:

Tea Time with Neggie & Co

June 10, 2023 by Sabrina

Here at CSNW we like to throw a party for any reason, or for no reason at all, so today we threw an impromptu tea (juice) party for Queen Negra and friends was complete with iceberg lettuce, radicchio and a special juice blend made up for them by Sofia

No tea party is complete without a boot.. obviously

Negra was the first one in to inspect the quality of our work, she immediately helped herself to a cup of “tea” so we knew it passed muster.

Foxie enjoyed the less refined method of drinking directly from the pool, meanwhile Boss Lady Jamie and Queen Neggie shared a pool and used their tea cups, like the refined ladies that they are

for the caregivers!

June 9, 2023 by Diana

Today is Animal Sanctuary Caregivers Day – a day to honor the hard work that sanctuary caregivers do every day.

J.B. and I would like to give a huge thanks to all of the caregivers at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, including current staff caregivers (all of whom contribute to this blog among their other varied duties!): Katelyn, Anna, Kelsi, Chad, Grace, Jenna, Sofía, and Sabrina; current Level III volunteer caregivers: Lizz, Keri, Elizabeth, Patti, Lisa, Anthony, Courtney, Krissy, and Dusty, and to all of the interns, volunteers and former staff and volunteer caregivers!!

Since expanding the sanctuary and welcoming the Wildlife Waystation chimpanzees over the last few years, we have also expanded the number of paid caregiving staff. This was necessary to properly care for the chimpanzees, but has also been a boon to the sanctuary because each person who has worked here brings their own unique ideas, experience, and perspective that help improve the care of the chimpanzees and bovines and advance the sanctuary in so many ways.

Caregiving is not an easy occupation physically or emotionally, and it takes a special kind of person to do this work. Burnout and compassion fatigue are serious issues amongst sanctuary caregivers, so it’s important that they know how valued and appreciated they are.

We are incredibly lucky to have this crew of talented and caring humans that have chosen to work for the sanctuary and have embraced the difficult aspects of the job along with the joyous moments.

Thank you all. We love you!

Katelyn with Dora: