This summer, we tried something new at CSNW – we invited small groups of supporters to the sanctuary to see in person how their contributions have improved the lives of the Cle Elum Seven. Guests were treated to a light lunch in the barn as they learned more about the chimpanzees and the history of the organization. Then they received an orientation on safety and etiquette, so that they could be considerate guests when they were near the chimpanzees’ home. Finally, they got to observe from a distance while the chimps enjoyed a forage on Young’s Hill.
Yesterday was the last day of visits, and we were treated to a surprise guest – a wild elk:
She quickly grew bored with my presentation and skipped straight to lunch:
But she was extremely attentive during Diana’s lecture on safety and etiquette:
With that out of the way, the group proceeded to the observation area:
And we quietly observed the chimps eating their lunch on Young’s Hill:
All guests – elk included – learn that if the chimps grow upset with anyone’s presence, the visit will be cut short. The chimps’ well being is always the top priority. The chimps normally ignore visitors and go about their business, but Jamie draws the line at elk:
We, too, had to draw the line when she asked to come in the house. Sorry, elk:
As it turns out, this elk was separated from her family some time ago, and she has been living in the neighbor’s pasture, eating grass and hay with the horses and cattle and doing great under the circumstances. She’s still a wild animal and she’s free to come and go as she pleases, but without a family, she’s chosen to stay where the food is. Yesterday, she decided to stretch her legs and check out the neighborhood. At the end of the day, she headed back to her pasture, but I’m sure she’ll be back. She obviously likes to watch the chimps. Will Jamie ever accept her presence? I guess we’ll find out.
what a fantastic video! so cool to see how the chimps react to new things, you go, Jamie!
and a belated THANK YOU for the visit we had last week with you all! amazing experience, so uplifting seeing the cle elum seven and all of your hard work, seeing the great volunteers and wonderful home you’ve made for the chimps in such a beautiful part of our state.
blessings to you all! (and bundle up for winter – hope the early snow on the pass this morning didn’t chill you out !)
i look for her everyday on my commute!
I was lucky enough to be one of the visitors. The elk was an added bonus. I think the second time Jamie took charge, the elk realized she was behind a fence. The elk didn’t run as fast or as far from the fence.
Thanks for the visit, it was wonderful. It is really awesome to see in person.
It is wonderful that CSNW opened its doors to its supporters,. appears its been a worthwhile experience for all, Glad that the chimps did not oppose it. I would of loved to attend, but living in Toronto,Canada is a long ways away,
Such a lovely Elk, such a lovely view of JAMIE being Jamie, THE BOSS!!
smart elk. Tom Steinstra (SF Chron/outdoor columnist) has been writing for severe winter weather this coming season. He noted changes in behavior of bears in August and even fish, which to him is a predictor of a hard winter.
Looked like it was more than just Jamie getting in on the action to drive away the Elk! If she does come back they might all become friends like some of the other unlikely friends around the world.
I totally get how exciting it can be to get close to a wild animal — but just like the chimps, the elk *is* a wild animal. Getting habituated to humans can be dangerous for both the elk and for humans. Hunting season is coming soon and an elk not wary of humans is in grave danger of being shot. AND any human close to the hooves, teeth and general body mass of an elk that is startled or feels treatened is in grave danger of being injured.
In keeping with the clear ‘safety first’ philosophy of the sanctuary, I would highly recommend that the humans join in with Jamie in telling the elk to head back to the forest!
Hi Anna – Great to hear from you. You make great points and we should be careful not to give anyone the wrong impression. We totally agree that wild animals should remain wild, but I think that her “wildness” is almost as complicated as that of the chimps. She grew up on the neighbor’s farm and became habituated to humans long ago. While this lack of fear may put her at risk, it’s also probably the one thing that kept her alive after she was separated from her herd. We are quite a ways from the forest, so there’s not really any place to shoo her back to, other than another neighbor’s property. She has avoided hunters so far by staying on a private farm amidst horses and cattle.
Thanks for the additional information, J.B. And ok – she’s chosen her place and so be whatever comes of that.
But a few words of caution to the humans: I have worked a lot with llamas, who are very aware of the presence of humans in their midst, and generally very cautious about not bumping or stepping on said humans. They’re far more delicate about it than horses or cattle. But a human in their midst does *not* want to be between a spooked llama and the door or gate they want to go through – because the llama will walk right over the top of a human in their way. Frankly, I had to learn that the hard way.
It’s the pictures of the elk *in* the barn and nuzzling the humans that make me nervous. To me, she looks far too assertive about sharing human space. A grown elk will weigh between 600 and a thousand pounds, and in a shoving match the human will lose. Also be aware that a frightened elk will strike out with its front feet, reaching up to six feet when it tries.
Despite the strong bonds between chimps and caregivers, you follow a strict protocol for interacting with them that keeps both the chimps and the human safe. I encourage the sanctuary to develop an elk-appropriate safety protocol if this one is going to continue being a visitor.