Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for July 2023

Go Gordo, It’s Your Birthday!

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Many thanks to Paulette Wrisley for sponsoring this day of sanctuary: “Sending happy birthday wishes to Gordo, Tom, Dan and David! Have the best day you guys!” Thank you so much Paulette for helping us celebrate Gordo on his special day!

Today is Gordo’s 35th birthday! We threw a big lunch celebration for both Gordo and Burrito’s groups. We started Gordo’s day with an extra large cup of smoothie, because that is hands down Gordo’s favorite thing in the world. To say he was excited would be an understatement. I am sure you are all dying to know what was on the menu for Gordo’s birthday! The forage consisted of some of Gordo’s favorite foods such as oatmeal cups topped with fresh berries, leeks, cherry tomatoes, corn, and more fresh berries.

I thought I would share a few of my favorite things about Gordo. Number one, I think this might be why all of us staff love him, because he is quirky! I love his pokey fingers and that he always sits in boxes (the novelty has not worn off). I adore his little smirk, he just always looks cheeky, it kind of fits his personality. As we have mentioned before, Gordo does come off aloof like he is uninterested in us humans. However, if you pay close attention, when he does want to play or interact he will do the most subtle little knock with his knuckles or he will ever so slightly tap his toe, not toes, just one toe. It’s like he is seeing if you are paying attention and if you are you are rewarded with the prize of playing chase with him. I love the way he lays at the end of the stairs on a hot summer day, looking like fell down them (he has not!). Emotionally, Gordo can be hard to read so it makes me admire how brave he is and extremely proud of how he has handled himself and embraced all of these new situations. We are so lucky to know him. Gordo is a one of a kind guy!

Now you can see why it may look concerning when Gordo lays by the stairs (again it’s just how he lays):

Happy Birthday, Gordo and Dave!

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For our first sponsorship today, thanks so much to Terry Stockdale for sponsoring a day of sanctuary “in honor of my son Dave Stockdale and his twin brother GORDO. Wishing both very HAPPY BIRTHDAYS with great gifts and favorite food treats.”

Happy Birthday, Dave, from all of us here! Thanks for sharing your day with Gordo and adding to his and his family’s celebration!

Happy Birthday, Gordo! We love this guy and his mysterious, quirky, endearing, bunny-hoppin’ ways so much and we’re so honored to be celebrating his 35th birthday with him today!

Be sure to tune in later today for the celebration!

The Cattle Apple Saddle

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Please join Betsy, Honey, Meredith, and Nutmeg for lunch! During the colder months, we supplement the cattle’s diet with grass hay, oat hay, and alfalfa. During the warmer months, other than the cattle’s other supplements that we provide, caregivers generally allow the cattle to roam and graze on whatever their hearts desire. In this video, Nutmeg and Meredith are eating some apples from the apple tree in their pasture, Betsy is munching on some willow near the pond, and Honey was just getting done grazing on some grass.

Here are some bonus photos from today!

With the weather holding out with temperate conditions, Negra’s group had a nice lunch forage on Young’s Hill.

Negra

Burrito and Foxie

Foxie

Missy

Here are some Bonus-Bonus photos!

Burrito

Foxie taking it easy

Annie making her bird noises

And Jamie taking notes

Recently, we added Sprout Pencils to our Amazon Wish List as a new type of enrichment. These pencils have a capsule full of seeds where the eraser is supposed to be. When you are done with them, you can plant the pencil and different types of plants are supposed to grow. There are still some on the Wish List if you would like to help us stockpile some of them for the chimps!

Mornings

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One of the best spots to build a morning nest is the upper platform in Greenhouse 1. From there the chimps can watch the sun rise over the trees above Young’s Hill as they wait for the staff and volunteers to bring them breakfast. Foxie’s nests aren’t really nests, per se, as she doesn’t like to lay on blankets or anything soft, nor does she like anything that even hints of being natural, like leaves or straw. It’s all bare floors and benches for this girl—but she is always sure to have a favorite doll tucked in close to her chest.

Negra, on the other hand, likes her nests well-padded. While her evening nests can be works of art, these morning nests are often hastily arranged. No matter, she barely awake anyway and it won’t take much for her to drift back to sleep.

If you climb to the ridge above Young’s Hill, you will find another pasture with a large spring-fed pond. This is where our small cattle herd spends much of their summer, often choosing to sleep under the stars instead of returning to their barn at night. This year I purchased some portable fences, which can be set up on a temporary basis to manage how the cattle graze the pastures. Early one morning I set some up to rotate the cattle through an ungrazed section of this upper pond pasture. It’s always a joy to see the cows run through a new pasture, especially one that still grows some green grass during these dry Central Washington summers.

Betsy:

Meredith:

Life

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I’ve had this thought for awhile that is really just a vague notion in my head. More of a feeling, really. I haven’t been able to articulate it even for it to make a lot of sense to me, but I going to give it a try. Maybe someone who reads the blog can take the notion and form it into something more solid and eloquent.

Our sanctuary if fortunate to have loyal and long-term supporters. People who have been following the stories of the chimpanzees for years. People who feel a genuine connection to the individuals in our care. This blog, as we’ve said many times, is a labor of love. It helps us process events, articulate feelings and ideas (sometimes poorly, like now), and share the personalities of the sanctuary residents in a personalized way. It’s been a gift for me, and I’m so grateful for those who tune in – whether on an everyday basis or just from time to time.

I often wonder what it is that keeps people engaged, including myself.

I think it’s because what we really write about and share is just… life. Life, with it’s ups and downs, challenges and celebrations. In life you never know what the next moment will bring.

We have the unique privilege of seeing and sharing life through the lens of these amazing beings who are so incredibly resilient, who surprise us every day and help us grow and understand our own lives from a different perspective.

That’s it. It’s a simple idea, but somehow profound in my mind.

Here’s Rayne climbing to the top of Ryan’s lookout with Gordo below early this morning:

 

Today, we put out a few buckets with watered down Gatorade as part of the forage on the hill. Foxie went right for a bucket and drank it in one sitting:

Missy did the same:

 

While Foxie, Missy, and their group were foraging on Young’s Hill, Rayne, Lucky, and Gordo were hanging out watching them on the Bray:

¡Hasta luego!

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This is a bittersweet blog to write, it is my last one. A few weeks ago Anna posted about my departure and since then I have been trying too find the right words to express how grateful I am to have worked here. I am very excited to move to the east coast to be closer to family and further my veterinary technician career, but saying good bye to my chimp friends is probably going to be the hardest thing I ever have to do. There are moments lived with these chimps that can never be replaced by any personal or professional experience, and I will hold on to those memories forever. I remember the day Cy’s group arrived to CSNW for the first time. I was SO lucky to be on the other side of the caging to reassure each and every one of them as they walked in to new spaces and were faced with new people. After that, forming meaningful bonds with them was easy-breezy. I also remember quite vividly the day that Burrito got bit by a rattlesnake…again. I was still not done with probation time when I had to step up and prove that I was worthy of the position. After that procedure, many others followed and it’s been an honor to be there for the chimps in their time of need. I am also going to miss all my coworkers. Everyone here goes above and beyond to provide the best absolute care and life for the chimpanzees under their care and I’m also going to miss everyone’s personalities. I hope to visit the chimps and people as soon as I can.

Also, huge shout out to Dr. Zamzow, or Dr. Z as I call her. I’ve always been lucky enough to work under Veterinarians that take time to teach but also promote hands on learning. I have learned so much from Dr. Z and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.

Honey B

Dora

Rayne

Lucky

Mave

Gordo

Willy B

Terry

Jamie

Negra

Missy

Foxie

Burrito

Jody

Annie

Cy

World Chimpanzee Day 2023

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It’s World Chimpanzee Day!

Like Katelyn’s blog post from this morning stated, “July 14 has long been a special occasion being the day in 1960 when Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE started her trailblazing research on the wild chimpanzees of Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Over the last half-decade we’ve made it extra special by marking World Chimpanzee Day on this day every year. This year, like every year, is a day of celebration – of chimpanzees and of our collective impact to help save them.”

Today, I’d like to write a few things about each of our fifteen chimpanzee residents so you can further get to know them. These are all my perspectives of the chimps, maybe other staff would describe them differently, so keep that in mind!

ANNIE

Annie is sweet, sensitive, and very aware. She is one of the least dominant chimps in her group, so she hangs back in certain situations. She is tall, walks bipedally through the grass, and makes the sweetest bird sounds with her mouth when she is completely content. Her best friend is Missy and feels the most comfort when she’s in her presence. Annie is very sweet towards humans, but doesn’t crave too much human attention.

BURRITO

Burrito is one-of-a-kind. Despite being 40, he has the most youthful energy I have ever come across. He is almost constantly playing and the easiest chimpanzee to make laugh. Burrito is always down for a game of chase, tickle, or tug-of-war with his caregivers. He is also perfectly content playing with his group members (like Negra or Foxie). He LOVES watching the neighbors (Cy’s group) out on The Bray or in the chute. The more drama he can watch, the better. Burrito almost always has some type of toy with him, to put in his mouth (typically a toy block or toy tool).

CY

Cy is the alpha male of his group. He is a very good, natural leader. Cy loves to read magazines, ones with exciting pictures of humans are his favorite. Some pictures scare him (rhinos, for example). He craves human attention. When he is in need of some caregiver time, he will let us know by being very noisy. Cy also loves movies, particularly chick flicks. Actually, I don’t know if that’s his favorite or our favorite. Cy is incredibly sweet towards his caregivers and is just happy to be in their presence. He just wants to be included.

DORA

Dora is small but mighty. Also, popular. She has strong relationships with nearly all of her group members. Dora’s best friend is Mave. Anytime there is conflict in their group, Dora and Mave will find one another to hug it out once the drama is over. Dora has unique mannerisms. Sometimes when she is in a silly, goofy mood, she will have to spin twice before beginning to walk somewhere. That’s hard to explain, maybe we will capture it on video someday. When we offer a food item to Dora that she doesn’t want, she will tell us “no” by shaking her head. Dora does not usually pay attention to us humans, but occasionally we will get lucky and she will spend some quality time with us.

FOXIE

Foxie is a silly, unique gal. Foxie loves to carry dolls, specifically Strawberry Shortcake (as of 2023). She is very rarely doll-less. Once a caregiver has been approved by Foxie, she will let them carry her dolls for her and then ask for them back when she’s ready. Foxie is considered lower ranking in her group, but she is close friends with everyone. Foxie is very playful. She is very particular about the humans she chooses to be close with.

GORDO

Gordo is a mysterious guy. Not because he’s actually mysterious, but because he’s harder to read than other chimps. Gordo is a quieter guy, who keeps to himself. However, he does love to groom his group members. When things are especially exciting, he and Willy B will chase each other with big, play faces and Gordo will do his infamous “bunny hop”. Gordo gets most excited over his morning smoothie and after he is done drinking it, he will carefully lower it to the ground, as to not knock the cup over. You can also always tell when Gordo is about to start walking or running somewhere, because he will scratch his torso a couple times beforehand. Gordo seems to really enjoy The Bray, the two acre outdoor habitat for his group. He follows Rayne anywhere on The Bray, but will still go out on his own if she’s not around.

HONEY B

Honey B is highly intelligent, sensitive, and mischievous. Ever watch the hose heist video from a few months ago? We posted a video of Honey B using a tool to steal a hose from outside of her enclosure one night after we closed up. Her process to stealing it and the joy she experienced as a result is highly entertaining, I must admit. It also encompasses Honey B’s personality so well. Go watch it now!

JAMIE

Jamie is the alpha of her group. While female chimpanzees are typically not the alpha in their social groups, it is more common in captivity. Jamie is dominant, highly intelligent, and assertive. She has eyes on everything, both chimps and humans, at all times. Jamie loves shoes, specifically cowboy boots. The first thing she seems to notice about someone is their footwear. Jamie also loves to read. She loves to read anything, but her favorites consist of bonobos. When she especially likes a page out of her books, she will rip it out and carry it in her pelvic pocket. Jamie is a great nest builder and will weave her blankets through the caging so her nest is nice and secure. Jamie likes all foods, but is partial to berries of all kinds, pears, corn, and leeks.

LUCKY

Lucky is the sweetest gal! She keeps to herself a lot within her group. She likes to groom her caregiver’s hands, as well as investigate their footwear. When Lucky is very excited, she will breathy pant while sticking her tongue out. Excited Lucky is easy to spot in a room because she will be sitting on one of the foot chutes, nearly jumping up and down, while breathy panting. She is very even-tempered.

MAVE

Mave is loyal, chill, and Dora’s #1 fan. Her hobbies include hanging with Dora, nesting with Dora, hugging Dora, playing with Dora, eating near Dora, etc. Mave also likes to lounge. Why sit when you can lay down? Mave couldn’t care less about us humans. She is focused on her social group and perfectly content with that.

MISSY

Missy is athletic, independent, graceful, and intelligent. If you ever watched Missy run on Young’s Hill, you would never guess she is in her forties. She is highly coordinated and makes all movements look easy. She is not human oriented and would rather focus on her chimp family. Missy is Annie’s safe space so they are often found together. Missy makes huge, elaborate nests. Missy is small and short in stature.

NEGRA

Negra, also known as Neggie, is the Queen. She is the oldest chimp resident at CSNW. She is wise and highly respected among her group. She will avoid the drama at all costs. She knows what she wants, when she wants it. Caregivers will know when Negra is ready for a meal because she will give us two quick claps to let us know to hurry things along. Negra is a chow and night bag enthusiast. She loves to be in her nest and will take over Missy’s, if Missy leaves an elaborate nest unattended. Neggie likes when caregivers dance for her. She will often nod along or dance a little, as extra encouragement to keep going. Neggie often offers kisses to her caregiver’s hands.

RAYNE

Rayne is socially savvy, confident, and sweet. Rayne is well-respected by her group members and is a friend to all. She loves to build nests, specifically with colorful sheets. When her group got access to their outdoor habitat for the first time, Rayne has no fear and walked out and explored like it was any other day. She still consistently takes advantage of the 2 acre habitat, while Terry and Gordo will typically follow her lead. Rayne is very sweet to her caregivers and enjoys gently grooming their hands. Like Gordo, she is also a smoothie enthusiast. If you offer her her breakfast fruit before she has had her smoothie, she will decline. Smoothie first, always.

TERRY

Terry is the sweetest guy in all the land. Terry is just happy to be here. He is a friend to all, socially savvy, loves shoes, loves to groom, and is even-tempered. He often offers kisses to his caregiver’s hands, then will stick his tongue out to lick them. Terry often makes raspberry noises, which you can hear in nearly all of our videos. Terry loves a game of chase and he loves to spit water on caregiver’s shoes while they are running. I know I said it already, but I want to emphasize it again. Terry is the sweetest.

WILLY B

Willy B is a strong presence, awkward, sometimes serious, and sometimes playful. Willy B works the hardest on his social relationships because it doesn’t come as naturally to him. However, he is quite close with Cy (the alpha), which is beneficial to him. Despite his awkwardness, Willy B has friendships with everyone in his group! He plays with everyone, when the time is right. He loves to watch videos and look at his reflection on camera.