Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for May 2025

Floof

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Mave is a giant floof. There was a time when she only floofed indoors. Now she is perfectly happy to floof outdoors as well.

Spring grass is one of the chimps’ favorite snacks. Despite having 4.5 acres of grass to choose from, we find the chimps going back to their own favorite patches time after time. Missy prefers a patch on the north fence line, while Jamie and Burrito can often be seen in the southeast corner at the very top of the hill. When the chimps are late to breakfast, we know just where to look for them.

The cows are never late to breakfast, now that they are out on the Bray pasture.

After a walk around the hill this afternoon, Annie laid down for a nap in the cozy greenhouse.

Some of us were down in Florida last week for the 2025 North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance Workshop, which included a tour of Save the Chimps. We were fortunate to see, from a distance, many of the kids of the Cle Elum Seven, including Annie’s son Virgil. Annie may not know it but her son has a wonderful life now.

In memory of Jody and in honor of Tobin, from Monica

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Many thanks to extraordinary friend and family member of the sanctuary, Monica Best, for sponsoring this very special day in memory of our beloved Jody whose birthday we always celebrated on Mother’s Day, and in honor of a wonderful chimpanzee and bovine friend, Tobin.

“Mother’s Day has always been a special celebration for Jody. As I look at the lilacs, just starting to bloom, I think of Jody and how much she has been missed. But, I’m also grateful for the amazing life she had at CSNW. She was just pure happiness and joy and I love watching videos of her, living her best life. We love you and miss you Jody.

To Tobin, thank you for being such an amazing supporter to the chimps and for making this year’s Love a Chimpanzee Day even more special. I know Burrito felt all the love you sent his way.”

We are profoundly grateful for all the love and care that surrounds the chimpanzees and cows. <3

Jody:

Foxie and Burrito:

Missy:

Jody:

Negra:

Annie:

Happy Birthday, beloved Jo. How we miss you. We celebrate you and our extraordinary good fortune to have you in our hearts every single day:

Be sure to join us later today as we celebrate beautiful Jody and all of the chimpanzee and bovine mothers here at the sanctuary, as well as the mothers of all those who call the sanctuary home!

My Tattoo Tribute

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I recently got a tattoo portrait done of Burrito and I thought the blog readers would love to see it!

Inspo picture of Burrito that I sent to my tattoo artist, Jenny Koll, in Portland, OR.

Shoutout to Anthony who took this perfect picture of Burrito a few years ago! It’s my personal favorite.

Volunteer caregiver of 12 years, Lizz, also got a hammer tattoo in honor of Burrito back in 2023.

Burrito and his infamous red hammer:

We highlight how special Burrito is all the time. He is the happiest, most fun-loving, most playful chimpanzee I have ever met. He wakes up and seems to view each day as a new adventure. It’s inspiring to witness, to be quite honest. He is 42 years old, but still is a fountain of youth.

Why did I get Burrito tattooed? Burrito is so special to me. I hold him near and dear to my heart, just like a family member. This tattoo is a way to honor him now until forever!

I love you, Burrito!

 

Play On Their Terms

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Some chimps love to play with their human friends.  Think Burrito, Cy, Terry.  Others are less interested in human interaction, for different reasons.

Annie and Gordo are two of these chimps.

I don’t often get to interact with Annie.  She tends to be a nervous chimp, and it seems like she is a little uncomfortable about interactions at the mesh caging.  Most of my interactions with Annie have happened with a window between us.  I jump at these opportunities!

Gordo likes to play chase with his human friends.  But you have to be paying attention to his cues, because they are quite subtle.  On this occasion, Diana had been playing with Willy B (another chimp that engages less often with caregivers) and Gordo wanted to play, too.  So I attempted to entertain Gordo.  Unfortunately, he wasn’t into it.  I tried a few different methods, with little success.  Until I tried, what I like to call, “I’m gonna get you” (one of Burrito’s favorite games!).  Gordo loved it, and laughed so hard Diana could hear him throughout the building!

I hope you enjoy today’s video of me with Annie and Gordo, playing on their terms!

 

Silly Willy!

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Willy B can be a really silly guy! For those who may not know, he is known for his two-step. Willy B really seems to enjoy when we stomp to a beat. I used to be a cheerleader a long long time ago, so I starting doing some of my cheer stomps for him, which he seems to like a lot. I’m assuming he does at least, because he will find me to start a game of chase. Willy’s chase also has a lot of stomping. Willy B doesn’t always need a beat to play to, but he does seem to respond well to it. In this video, you can even catch him stomping to his own beat! Boxes also make Willy B downright silly. He has been on a real box kick recently! As you will see in the video, Willy thinks it’s really funny to put a box on his head and shake it around.

Don’t forget today is the last day for GiveBIG!