Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Never Dull!

by Kelsi

It’s never a dull day when working with chimpanzees, each individual is so their own and also has their own agenda for the day! As you will see in the video, most days Gordo just wants to go on the Bray not giving his caregivers a second look, but on this day Gordo decided it was time to play chase with his caregiver from the chute to the Bray. While, Terry just wanted to give sweet kisses in the morning. I think we all know Honey B’s agenda is to derail the schedule for her caregivers as much as possible, as she should! But she also tries to carve out alone time with one of her close friends, Dora, which can often play into derailing her caregivers schedule, too. She is such a multitask-er :)!

Though somethings may “derail” our day, it’s also the fun part about our job. We don’t know what we are going to walk into, but what we do know is that everyday they are provided with as much choice as possible!

Gordo eating a pear series:

Bonus!!

Foxie playing a lazy game of poke the doll and maybe camera with me:

I just love her eyes in this one:

And a very snoozy Willy B! So snoozy I don’t think he even knew I took this photo:

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Comments

  1. Eli says

    Is that a very fashionable waistband I spy on Ms. Honey B’s person? Definitely Annie-approved! CSNW has so many style mavens.

  2. Tobin says

    Oh, the brachiating of Beezie and Dora is exhilirating in its grace of movement (mitigating factor: Dora’s grasp of her blanket in her foot). Nothing in the recent Paris Olympiad can begin to compare to their beauty.

    And, 76 days out from the Day of Reckoning, may I add — pace Monday’s blog and Gordo’s peculiar interest — better a hemophobic cacospectamaniac than a raging megalomaniac.

  3. Linda C says

    Never the same say twice, Kelsi!
    Seems like Mave is grouchy in the mornings, lol! I’m still surprised though that she goes outside without Dora. I always thought Dora would be the one to enjoy the outside more than Mave. And I love that Willy B still takes naps outside!
    Yes, Foxie’s eyes in that middle photo do seem like proof of a Duchenne smile in chimpanzees!

  4. Nancy Duryea says

    Kelsi, Gordo looks so handsome in the pictures. I also loved the video of of Honey B and Dora…the two rascals. Thanks.

  5. Susan Kathleen Feeley says

    Well, you just never know how the day will pan out at CSNW. I loved this video with the gang out in the gorgeous weather basking in the sunshine and perhaps cooking up a little mischief. It was a delight watching the antics of Honey B and Dora who seem to be besties together. Do they ever display jealousy sharing friendships – a girl or guy thing? I must say that Gordo looked particularly handsome and regal in those photos; poster boy in the making, although he has competition there.Still all of those magnificent chimps are kings and queens in their own right.
    Once again thanks for letting us into and sharing your magical day.

  6. Kathleen says

    I always imagine your days full of “Did you see that!?” moments. Blink and there’s something new going down. Even after years of working at the sanctuary you still appreciate and find excitement and pleasure in the small everyday moments. That’s true love.

    Gordo! He’s a funny guy. Your photo series shows off how curious he is, not to mention handsome and floofy. I always love the quality of light in their greenhouses.

    Like Tobin, I was enjoying Honey B and Dora playing Don’t Drop The Sheet while brachiating like they were in the trials for an Olympic competition. Graceful but such power and strength. What a cool way to travel! These two have a really fun time together.

  7. John Dosep says

    Another great update! Apologies if you’ve done this before and I haven’t seen, but have you considered photos of how it looks when they’re all indoors and sleeping? I mentally envisage a big cuddle pile even though I know in practice they all probably find their own spots and blankets and get cozy seperately!