For safety reasons, we humans are never inside the enclosures with the chimpanzees, but that doesn’t stop the chimps from considering us part of their social world. A typical day is filled with dozens of delightful interruptions, including requests to walk, play, and groom. Of course, we are happy to oblige (though some days—like today— it can be difficult to get anything done!).
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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What fun! If I wasn’t already pals with George this would’ve done it. So young and delightful and athletic! Giving Terry a run for his money on jumping around, and Missy on sheer adventure. Why bother trying to get any work done on days like today?
This has all of the ingredients of our idyllic childhood summer days: the whole day to lounge and do as you please, taking in the sun, the warm, gentle breeze. Friends to spend time with. A refreshing drink. You play w/ Bub, Party Police doesn’t even blink. Everyone took the day off!
George really enjoys launching himself from the platform into the tall grass!
They keep you busy, JB! A job like no other.
Paulette, thx for letting me know that you also don’t see update notifications for the blog comments. I thought it was just me.
That George!!! he is so so cute and so happy. Thank you for putting their names, because I’m trying to identify them. Foxie is so petite and they are all living their best lives. That was a fun video, I almost felt like I was right there with them.
These chimpers sure had a case of the zooms, and the jumps and the swinging on vines and rafters. It is beautiful to them at play on a beautiful summer day. Considering how well the chimpanzees take care of the rescued humans who have been provided refuge at the Human Sanctuary Northwest, I think that they have earned a day off to play.
George must have thought he was trying out for the role of “flying monkey” in the next Wizard of Oz. George, you are an ape and you can’t fly.
That looked like lots of fun for everyone in the tall grass and JB’S exercise romp for the day.
Dang that work for getting in the way of a perfectly perfect day of play! Especially enjoyed George doing his Tarzan swing.
There is a special glint in the eyes of Foxie and Burrito as they play with you. You can see this relaxed, comfortable joy as they play with you—their longtime friend. It is really touching. And seeing you and Jamie patrolling Young’s Hill is something I never get tired of seeing. Wonderful it is still meaningful to Jamie after all these years.
Work can wait just a little…..moments like these are everything.
Oh, and I wanted to add how much I enjoyed Rayne’s slide down the chute during your game of chase! I hadn’t seen that maneuver before. Catch up with me if you can!
You’re all obviously an essential part of their day. So precious that they consider you friends and playmates too. I totally agree with Tobin about the sanctuary part……I’m sure they all consider it THEIR home, but have kindly taken in the humans to give them sanctuary!
Always wondered how you got work done when you are so ready to and gracious about playing with the chimps. This blog told me about playing, which was delightful, and nothing about getitng work done! Ok by me, but it must take time each day to clean the various rooms.
Now that was a fabulous fun summer day!
I could just watch them play all day! Their energy and joy is contagious! Burrito is just such a goofball! I love how Cy takes his magazine outdoors with him!
Of all your chimp friends which one would you pick to be alone with and which one would be a big No to be alone with? I mean, if for some reason you found yourself inside their enclosure. 🙂 Which I know, would never happen!
I feel like answering this question can only get me into trouble 🙂 Maybe I can just say that both Foxie and Gordo are said to have bitten people’s fingers off in their previous lives, and one of them was said to have smashed a car windshield during an escape…
Gulp!! So then, who would you (hypothetically) not be worried about having a cup of tea with? 🙂