As much as possible, we make a point of sticking to a daily routine here at the sanctuary. We think it’s important that the chimpanzees know what to expect each day and when to expect it. (I’d imagine that one of the horrors of laboratory life would be never knowing what’s going to happen to you next.) We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time each day. The chimpanzees are asked to shift to a separate area of their enclosure if they’d like to participate in the meal. Since we never enter an enclosure with the chimps — last Tuesday’s fight serves as a great reminder why — we need them to leave an area before we can enter to clean. Once in awhile someone chooses to skip a meal and stay out (usually Missy when she’s looking to have the Playroom to herself for a little while), in which case we just put off cleaning until the next meal. The vast majority of the time, though, everyone willingly shifts for the meal and we’re able to access the area they’ve evacuated. Since this is part of our daily routine, none of the chimpanzees are ever blindsided by the consequences of their choices. If Missy chooses not to shift for a meal, she knows that she’s also choosing not to eat that meal. She also knows that another meal will be offered a few hours later. Most days, if someone stays out for breakfast, everyone will shift at lunch and we can do our Playroom cleaning then. Very occasionally, someone will stay out for both breakfast and lunch and we’re unable to clean until dinner. Whatever happens, we have to remain flexible. Chimpanzees are intelligent and willful, and when they’re given the opportunity to make their own choices — like they are in good sanctuaries — they will.
Today Missy and Annie have skipped both breakfast and lunch to hang out in the Playroom. (If Missy chooses to play hooky from a meal, Annie almost always joins her.) It’s a rainy, gray day and I can’t blame them for not wanting to stray too far from their nests. If they choose to come in for dinner, Jackie and I will clean the Playroom then. If not, we’ll try again tomorrow morning. Either way, we’re happy that Annie and Missy and the rest of the Cle Elum Seven are now able to make their own choices for the first time in their lives.
Doreen says
I have been known to skip a meal myself if I have the need to stay put. Good on the Chimps! I love reading these blogs. Thank You AGAIN for all you Guys do at the Sanctuary.
Amy M says
Elizabeth — This is a beautiful explication of what makes a sanctuary a sanctuary.
KimF says
I loved this post too. So much love and tender kindness for them.
Thanks for all you do.
Benjamin Pavsner says
I think I like reading this a lot better than last week’s skirmish. Annie and Missy look relaxed.
Jody says
I’m with Doreen. I wait patiently each day for the blog! Thank you for all you do!
Wanda Trotta says
I think that nursing homes should follow the lead of your sanctuary and give their residents the independence you afford the 7! One of the very traumatic things about being upper middle age is the tremendous loss of independence after years of building up that independence. Harshly and quickly they are again dependent children.
These are probably the luckiest Chimps of all the sanctuaries, as good as they are. The small group gives you the ability to really know them so well and adapt to them. They certainly deserve it and you all are definitely being written up there for your amazing dedication!
Jeani Goodrich says
That’s great! I wanted to stay close to my nest on this rainy day too but I didn’t get a choice! Good for you for giving the Cle Elum 7 the choice to be independent! Thanks Elizabeth.
Rita Stevenson says
Thank you Elizabeth, As always a great blog. I use to work as a Primary Counsellor in group homes for the developmentally and physically challenged , several with psychiatric illness as well. I see so many similarities, re operations.They all had been released from state run institutions .For the first time ever they too, had freedom of choices. Routine was so vital to their well being. Be it chimp persons or human person, routine and daily predictability is important. Since coming the CSNW all the chimps have changed dramatically. They all know what to expect in their daily lives. I’m not surprised that Annie CHOOSES to stay behind with BFF Missy. Looks like on this rainy day its another wonderful day in the CSNW neighborhood. I hope they are making use of the new crib sized fleece blankets, I’ve sent them. I hope Jody is enjoying her new big stuffed dog as well. Its always such joy, shopping for the Cle Elum Seven.. They all deserve our very best. I know they certainly are receiving the best care,food,enrichment,a well run and very clean home,, Thank you for giving them safety and security.
Libby says
Do they get any snacks if they choose to skip the main course? I would worry that they would get cranky without a snack offered or something?
Elizabeth says
We do a couple of small forages between meals.
rita stevenson says
I totally agree with your comment Wanda. Prior to my semi retirement,,I use to work as a Primary Counselor/Caregiver in group homes for the developmentally and physically challenged We were trained to give them as much free choices as possible. The majority came from state run institutions of post war eras, and later. I’m often reminded of them, re given freedom of choice vs hard cored, strict protocols, they had come from. Having the FREEDOM to choose certainly has enriched the lives of Cle Elum Seven, The posts, and videos of June 13th. 2008 to present, certainly are a testament to the healing process, as result of giving the chimps.. freedom of choice,love, and such intensive care from all CSNW staff, Its liberating to have choices.