I took the video of giving Jamie currants. When I sat down to put it together this afternoon, I looked at Kelsi’s blog post from yesterday and realized were were on the same wavelength. So, read about “The Jamie Tax” from Kelsi, and watch today’s video to see it in action.
Archives for July 2025
The Jamie Tax
In the summer we have our gardens along the side of the building. Jamie’s side is filled with raspberries and currents! The moment one raspberry has grown on the bush, Jamie knows, and you have to pay the tax. Jamie’s summer tax goes something like this: You greet her in the morning, and you owe her a raspberry. You go to check the locks to let them out on Young’s Hill—currants. She has breakfast, lunch, or dinner—currants. You walk past her in the front rooms—raspberries. You play with Burrito in the greenhouse—currants—and then you’re free to continue! Nesting in the front rooms watching a movie? Raspberry. I think you get the gist!
This is just another reason I adore Jamie. She knows how to make sanctuary work for her and she knows how to hustle her caregivers!
To Be Seen by Gordo
We have several human-oriented chimpanzee residents. These are the type of chimps that yearn for human attention for play, grooming, or just quiet time (ex: Burrito, Terry, Cy). The human-oriented chimps are very easy to become friends with because they’re not picky, they just want love and attention from you. These three boys: Burrito, Terry, and Cy, are also the most interested in volunteers or visitors as well. They want to check each and every person out and spend time with them.
On the contrary, we also have chimpanzee residents who do not crave human attention (ex: Missy, Annie, Gordo, Mave, Dora, etc). Gordo specifically, will avoid eye contact with humans, as much as possible. He typically doesn’t want us to acknowledge him unless we need him for something specific (e.g. meal time, gum, etc). However, he will breathy pant with us during exciting occasions (such as a party day) or seek reassurance (when a scary train goes by). Every so often, Gordo will glance at his caregivers quickly while scratching his arms, legs, and torso. If the caregiver picks up on these cues, the game of chase has been accepted. Seconds later, Gordo will start running, expecting you to chase after him.
Another thing about Gordo is that he typically doesn’t build elaborate nests. He will nest with some random pieces of paper or a nearby firehose, but he is not interested in nesting with blankets. The other day I caught him nesting downstairs in the Playroom with paper, boxes, and toys. He does not often nest before bedtime so I captured the occasion on camera! Which, as you will see, ended in a fun game of chase!
Gordo doesn’t need our attention often, but it sure is fun when he wants it!
First in line
Last week I found Rayne in the most blissed-out, comfortable spot at the sanctuary.
She had made a sweet soft nest on the perfect incline of the chute decking, catching the morning rays of sunshine.
To top it off, she had the perfect foot support from the closed door to the Bray.
Conveniently, being nested at the bottom of the chute next to the door, also means she was first in line to go outside that morning. Rayne is more than happy to lead the charge on any and all outdoor adventures!
Perfect Portrait
Yesterday, I caught Foxie, Annie, and Negra each in the portrait studio (front room 4). For those who may not know, front room 4 always has exquisite lighting for taking portraits. However, the true test is if the chimps will sit there long enough for you to run and grab the camera before they leave! Luckily, all the girls stuck around long enough to snag a few pictures.
I love being able to capture portraits of the chimps because it’s a snapshot of their personality.
Foxie can be sweet, silly, and serious all in one sitting:
Negra’s series captured her excitment of chow:
And often in Annie’s photos it captures her shy but curious side:
It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky we are to witness the beauty and individuality of these chimps. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to share these moments with all of you.
Mirror, Mirror
Cy and Honey B’s groups have been getting access back to areas that were used for George’s quarantine now that he has been given a clean bill of health. Last week Willy B and Honey B discovered a new addition to the space, the new Looky-Lou feeder with a mirror! Willy was fascinated pretty immediately and later Honey B took it for a spin, check it out in today’s video!
In memory of Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty
Our many thanks to Joan O’Flaherty for continuing all these years to chose to honor her parents and their legacy by sponsoring a day of sanctuary and making a lasting difference in the lives of our beloved sanctuary residents! We so appreciate you, Joan!:
“This was my parents’ anniversary and they loved animals. Thank-you for caring for the chimpanzees and cows and giving them a safe haven and life worth living.”
Sweet George:
Annie:
Betsy, Honey, and Meredith:
Terry and Willy B:
Rayne:
