Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for January 28, 2025

Chimp-Specific Vocalizations

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Chimpanzees have a variety of vocalizations: some to warn their group members of potential danger, some when they’re excited, some when they’re anxious or scared, some when they’re happy, playing, or greeting someone… In the captive world, the chimpanzees also use vocalizations to express their specific needs/wants to their caregivers. As CSNW caregivers, we have been conditioned to know what certain vocalizations are, based on who they come from and what the context is.

For today’s blog, I have compiled 6 of the top sounds you would hear from our chimp residents and I explain their special meaning.

Enjoy!

In memory of Saundra Boren

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A heartfelt thank you to long-time friend of the chimpanzees, Paulette Wrisley, for sponsoring this special day of sanctuary in memory of her beloved niece, Saundra Boren.

My precious niece Saundra passed away a couple of weeks ago. I share this with you because she also loved our beloved chimps. And because we share things with your friends, right? And you are my dear friends. Saundra didn’t comment on the blog, but followed the chimps on Facebook. Every week or so she sent me a chimp photo and challenged me to identify them. It was a fun game that I will miss so much. We laughed together so often about the chimps’ shenanigans. She would just love me sponsoring a day of hope, love, home, to honor her.

Saundra lived a selfless, modest life with immense empathy for others – a strong, earnest, brilliant, and loving soul that left an enduring impression on Earth. All would attest to her boundless generosity and compassion for all.

She was so loving. And loved. Our sweet Sunny girl.”

Paulette, we are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved niece. Thank you for sharing Saundra with us. I would imagine we would all hope to be remembered so lovingly. We’re sending you hugs from afar.

Foxie:

Foxie and Jody:

Burrito:

For Saundra and Paulette, how about a round of guessing? Many of you may pick up on some key identifiers, perhaps easy, perhaps not. I’ll come back at the end of the day and confirm. 🙂

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