Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Oh, Happy Day

by Elizabeth

Today was a happy, happy day at the sanctuary. There was snow on the ground, the sun was shining, and we all celebrated the life and memory of Dr. Mel Richardson. (Thanks again to Lynn, Connie, and Sue and Dawn and Jo for sponsoring today in celebration of what would have been Dr. Mel’s 64th birthday.)

The chimpanzees celebrated in style. The hit of the party was definitely the snow in plastic shot glasses. The chimps have been waiting all winter for snow to eat, and the last couple of days finally delivered.

Jamie:

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Burrito:

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Annie:

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Missy:

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Foxie with snow in mouth and troll in hand:

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After the party everyone found a sunny spot to rest. BFFs Annie and Missy groomed each other in the playroom:

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Negra headed to her favorite spot on the catwalk:

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The day was extra special for Jamie. Bill Jackson, who has done some work for us at the sanctuary in the past, stopped by with a pair of boots. Last time he was here, he noticed that Jamie admired the boots he was wearing, so he came back today to hand them over. The chimps really do attract the best people.

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As we wrap up the day here in the chimp house, we’re thinking of Dr. Mel, and all the good people of the world, and smiling.

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Comments

  1. Alberta says

    is their fur warm enough for cold weather? their native environment, what is the weather like there? And I assume their house is heated especially on those bone chilling rainy/snow days.

    • Elizabeth says

      Hi Alberta! Chimps are native to warm equatorial Africa, so they’re not necessarily built for cold climates. Their hair is a bit thicker and coarser than ours, but it doesn’t keep them very warm in frigid temperatures. The Cle Elum Seven have spent their lives in the United States, and until they came to the sanctuary in 2008, they hadn’t been outside much at all, if ever. For the first few years at the sanctuary, they were pretty sensitive to temperature, and would choose to stay inside the heated chimp house if it was cold or windy. Nowadays, though, the chimps often spend time outside even in the middle of winter.