Caring for a chimp like Negra, who has serious mobility challenges but still spends time with her group, can be a delicate balancing act. We still want to provide her group mates with the chance to forage outside, but that requires that we serve Negra a special lunch, which can upset the other chimps’ sense of fairness or lead to a temptation to steal from her. We’re fortunate that Negra is high-ranking, but sometimes the other chimps are bold enough to test their luck. No one is taking advantage of Negra on Missy’s watch, though…
Archives for July 2026
Primates Being Social
Does this video need an commentary? I think it stands on its own, but I can provide a little more storytelling.
It was not in my plan for the day to move Dora from her usual group into her secondary group with friends Mave, Honey B, and Willy B, but she was not shifting quickly, so I seized the opportunity. Maybe she had it in her mind that could happen. Maybe it was her plan for the day. Or maybe she just took it all in stride.
As you can see from the video, Honey B and Dora were thrilled to see each other, and Mave just wanted to be sure to stay within an arm’s reach. Willy B too was happy to see Dora, and she gave him an enthusiastic greeting.
When some initial cleaning was complete and it came time to shift them again, Willy B decided to stay behind, alone on the Bray, while Mave, Dora, and Honey B enjoyed some snacks and some “girl time” in the Mezzanine.
As a practice, we don’t generally close chimpanzees in the outdoor habitats. Willy B, however, seemed pretty content out there, sometimes displaying and sometimes lying down. It reminded me of the old days when he had begun is solo conquest of the outdoors. J.B. wrote about it in his blog post: The King of the Courtyard and his Growing Kingdom.
Witnessing Willy B’s desire to remain on the Bray, I decided to close him out there while I cleaned the chute and we got some other areas spic and span. I don’t know what prompted him to play king of the Bray today, but he seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Every once in a while I would hear some screaming from Missy and Foxie which let me know that he was displaying and getting just the reaction he was hoping for. And it gave Honey B, Mave, and Dora some time with each other without having to worry about him turning his intimidation tactics towards them.
These social primates made some good decisions today.
Here’s a bonus close-up of Miss Negra to cap it off:
Palling Around with Missy and Annie
If you’ve have been following the blog for any length of time, you likely know that Annie and Missy are best friends. They explore together, lounge together, nap together, and (my favorite) play together!
Recently, on a beautiful summer day, I was cleaning in the front rooms and heard the delightful sound of chimpanzee laughter. Who could it be? Burrito is the usual suspect. But on this day, I found Annie and Missy engaged in a playful wrestling match. Everyone else was out lounging in their greenhouse, and exploring on Young’s Hill, but these two were happy to stay indoors in a raucous play session!
I was looking at old blog posts about Annie and Missy and I came across a post by Diana from March of 2008 – 3 months before the original group of 7, the Cle Elum 7, arrived at the sanctuary. It’s clear that these chimpanzee friends have had a special relationship for a very long time!
A Morning with Dora
We followed Dora for part of her morning this week. It was a relaxing time for grooming, admiring ourselves and finally a nap after all that activity, enjoy!
Grooming with Dora and George
George’s unique upbringing makes him a bit of a peculiar guy in his social group. Fortunately, he continues to be embraced by his new friends, quirks and all!
Willy B’s Creative Play!
Willy B is always coming up with new ways to entertain himself. Whether it’s a slinky, a table to rattle, a tub to drag and shake, or bouncy balls to throw, Willy B will find a way to amuse himself! Willy B’s latest obsession is the bouncy balls. They are pure chaos, they bouncy erratically and can make a lot of noise if thrown correctly. As you will see in the video, the other day we observed Willy B putting the ball in a box and then biting that box, shaking it around so the ball is bouncing all around like a pinball around his head! Willy B lives in a certain level of chaos, so of course, that is how he would play!
In memory of Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty
This day of sanctuary is graciously sponsored by Joan O’Flaherty in honor and celebration of her parents, Ned and Noreen:
“In memory of Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty, who were great animal lovers and would value the work done at this sanctuary giving the chimpanzees and cows a life worth living. Thanks for all your hard work throughout the year.”
Joan, it means so much to us that you include the chimpanzees and cows in your annual remembrances of Ned and Noreen. What a wonderful legacy of their kind hearts is shared through your own generous heart. While this posts at the end of your day, we’re always happy to be able to celebrate with you from afar. Thank you for all you do to help make so much possible for the chimpanzees and cows!
George:
Mave:
Terry:
Betsy, Meredith, and her mama, Honey:
Annie and Missy:
