Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
I can’t believe the weather we’re having. Now, I am not a cold-weather person; my ideal weather is a dry 80-degree day, so you won’t hear any complaints from me. But it’s 45-degrees with no snow on the ground in February? It’s just a little baffling!
I am not sure what this means for our summer, however, it has been wonderful for the chimps to be able to get outside.
Lucky:
Terry with his key:
Gordo:
Cy playing chase on the Bray:
With the Super Bowl under a week away, Burrito has some training tips for Seattle Seahawks (sorry Patriots fans) as they prepare to represent the Pacific Northwest!
George engaged in a lot of play during the one-on-one intros, especially with the other boys. These were positive interactions, but not a guarantee that he would fit in once part of the larger group. While all signs so far have pointed towards George’s integration being a success, we have been waiting for the day that he would feel comfortable enough to engage in some roughhousing in the larger group setting. This would be an indication that he felt comfortable and secure with his new family. And today, just two weeks after building up the full group, we got to see George play with his new best friend—and an awkward third wheel.
I have to say, we’re excited for George, but we might be even more excited for Gordo. He’s enjoying this new friendship and really deserves a buddy like George.
Somehow we woke up this morning to find ourselves in February AND at the half-way point between winter and spring. The first of the Red-Winged Blackbirds returned to the sanctuary ponds a few days ago, their early morning trills swirling through the icy air always a very welcomed surprise. They seem weeks early this year, but they are also the truest of true signs that spring is on the way (even if winter has more to come still in mind).
Today’s birdsong and lengthening light felt like a tapping on my shoulder, giving me an appreciated pause to look up and around. Personally, at this point of the year I tend to exist in a bit of a bubble outside of time as we work to finish everything for last year, while also turning toward planning out the year ahead. Rather fitting for this liminal time between times.
Regarding sanctuary birthday celebrations, we have just one this month. February 10th is Nutmeg Steer‘s birthday and he would have been 11 years old. He’s been gone (following a sudden health crisis) for almost two years, which of course, still feels like yesterday. We miss his giant self and curly, red topknot. We miss looking out and seeing him enjoying his days with his family. But none more so, I suspect, than his mama, Betsy. Just like our beloved Jody, Nutmeg will always remain part of our family, hearts, and days here at the sanctuary.
Nutmeg (l) and his mom, Betsy:
If you’ve signed up to receive our occasional e-newsletter, (or you’d like to), you’ll know that we will be highlighting our Valentine’s Day love for the chimpanzees and bovines this month with daily blog posts, sharing a little about each of their unique and wondrous selves, and how you can become a Chimpanzee Pal and/or Bovine Buddy, (or renew your current membership). The first of these posts will officially kick off on February 10th, with sweet Nutmeg. And yes, for all of you who have been patiently waiting, George will soon be ready and waiting to be your Pal, too! 😉
In the meantime, let’s swoon over all 21 (two of whom are in memoriam) of the extraordinary individuals who call the sanctuary home, and remind our hearts of the extraordinary things this special community, each one of you, makes possible, helps sustain, and allows to grow and flourish, for each of them. Your love and support – past, present, or future – remains an invaluable part of their lives and well-being and we appreciate you more than we’ll ever be able to say.
Annie:
Betsy:
Burrito:
Cy:
Dora:
Foxie:
George (George’s Pal page isn’t up yet, but will be soon!):
Gordo:
Honey B:
Honey:
Jamie:
Jody, in memory:
Lucky:
Mave:
Meredith:
Missy:
Negra:
Nutmeg, in memory:
Rayne:
Terry:
Willy B:
