It is really interesting watching the chimpanzees throughout the day. Whether it is onsite at the sanctuary, or checking in on the security cameras. After witnessing all the great moments such play and grooming, and even the bad moments like fights, there really is no other term to describe them other than “family.”
Families play. Families take care of each other. And families fight, whether with each other or side-by-side one another. Though there has been some instability in Cy’s group, which led to our reintegration plan, I still can’t help but to view them as a family unit. Though the fights can be a stress inducing event and seem like it dominates the day, that’s not necessarily the case. The good moments outweigh the bad by a landslide.
As we moved forward with the reintegration process, we have seen some magnificent moments with the chimps. Though we wish this process would eliminate all the fighting, we are realistic that it won’t stop all of the fighting. Though the real underlying hope is for the fighting to be reduced from the level it was. Personally, I think it’s working. A good chunk of fights we have seen in the past few months have mostly been just screaming and hollering at each other.
What initiated this train of thought? This photo I took a couple weeks ago:
One day, when lunch was brought out, Rayne reached toward Willy B for some reassurance, and this was the outcome. To me it looks a lot like the American Sign Language sign for “friends” if two people were to make the sign together. Here is a photo of a memorial of Washoe making that sign at Friendship Park in Ellensburg.
To me it’s kind of a reminder that there is always beauty in a chaotic world.
Here are some other old photos I found on my phone taken over the course of several months.
Willy B
Annie
Terry
Negra
Lucky
Cy
Mave
Honey B
Jamie’s Group watching TV
Firehose Cube
Sanctuary Wildlife
Barn Kitty in hunting mode
I know some of you are wondering where I have been for a while. There was always some sense of happiness anytime one of the other caregivers let me know people have been inquiring about my whereabouts. No, I didn’t quit or get fired. No, I wasn’t in a coma. No, I wasn’t off galavanting around the Cascades with Barn Kitty or any of the other wild conspiracies some of some of you had… Though I do wish one of those were the case, especially the BK scenario.
The uneventful, boring reason is I got injured while working. It happens at any workplace and no matter the safety precaution, these’s always that small chance. Hello, I am that small chance. I have been recovering for a little bit and am starting to ease back into doing full Chimp House duties. It’s been one step at a time but I am ecstatic that the trend is swinging toward the right direction. I also want to emphasize this was NOT chimp related. It was on my own.
I do want to take this time to thank literally everyone. From my amazing fellow caregivers to the co-directors, and yes, even to you, our dedicated, loving blog readers. My fellow caregivers really rose up to continue our same level of care for the chimps and cattle being down one caregiver for such a prolonged time. Hence the title of this blog. They are my beasts of burden. Plus I had happen to be listening to The Rolling Stones when this was typed. I will be forever grateful to them for their strength and determination, as well as understanding that when I did come back, I would have to ease into everything at a slow pace. Or at least it has been slow to my liking.
I am looking forward to continue caring for the chimpanzees and bovine side-by-side with my team at full capacity when it’s time. Hashtag New Year, New Me.
ONE LAST SUPER BONUS PHOTO
Remember that time Burrito first climbed the tree and nobody was able to get footage of it until later?
I got this when it was announced on the radio that he was in the tree and I was serving lunch to Negra. This is the only known footage of that day!
*Sorry if some of the images maybe repeats or similar to others in the past few months. I forgot who I gave photos to publish for the blog and what photos have been used.
Welcome back, Chad! I thought you’d traded some unpopular tasks for not having to write in the blog. I’m sorry you were injured, but very pleased you are back “more and more each day”. I really appreciate your words about beauty!!!
Chad, so sorry to hear about your injury. So happy that you are on the mend and back to the Sanctuary. You have been missed. Thank you for this lovely blog and all of these wonderful pictures.
Yes, Chad, we did Miss You! I wondered what had happened. Glad you’re making a comeback.
Though you might want to consider staying on the Californians’ side of the house until you’re fully ready to go. You Can’t Be Seen on the OG side bc your BFF Mr B might not understand why you’re not racing up the hill next to him! And he does not seem to understand that You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
Don’t Be A Stranger, now.
Thank you for the update on your absence, Chad. Glad to hear you are on the mend. Now how do i get the Stones out of my head for the rest of the day. Don’t Start Me Up.
Glad to see you, Chad, and sorry you were injured. Great photos, as always from you.
I have been wondering where you disappeared to. I’m glad you are back, part time at least. I love your pictures, especially the one with Willy B and Rayne.
your pics are Fabulous! :star:?. you take darn good ones. love them all. (. but could not see any thing in last pic. it me , not your pic). thank you for All You Do. ?????:feet::feet:
There is a black blob on the treetrunk just under the green…..thát is Burrito.
Ah Chad you were missed. Glad you’re better.
Chad,
So good to have you back. Indeed, I was beginning to speculate if Barn Kitty had enticed you away for a mountain adventure (so good to see BK after a long absence as well).
The pictures are great. I am heartened to see my pal Neggie devouring the latest issue of Peanut Butter News & World Report.
Best wishes for your continued recovery Chad. I am fascinated by Rayne making nests for her firehose cube ‘friend’!
It’s good to read one of your blogs again! I’m sorry to hear about your injury, please take it slow and continue healing up. I’m sure Bubba is eagerly awaiting a good, long game of chase once you’re back up to 100%!
The photo of Rayne and Willy B’s fingers intertwined is just beautiful. Freinds. It’s so good to see Willy B has a good friend.
Hey Chad….I was happily surprized to read your name as writer of this blog.
I, and many others have missed you!
And isn’t it a great job where you can slowly but surely come back to be your old self again with the support of your wonderful colleagues.
Welcome back and I wish you good energy. ( I’ll send you some!).
Good to hear from you, again, Chad. Hope you are soon back to full strength. Sure you were missed by all-Burrito awaiting his friend, especially. Thanks for the great photos-my favorite-all of them , of course!!!!!
Welcome Back, Chad! It goes without saying that your perspective and sense of humor has been missed out here in the land of blog readers. Since there was no mention of your departure, and knowing CSNW is always open and transparent with the comings and goings of everyone, I assumed you were happily ensconced in the chimp house diligently working away to keep Burrito & Co. safe, secure, and well entertained. And I’m not surprised to learn that everyone stepped up and stepped in (even barn kitty?) to fill your space while you recovered because that’s what friends and family do for each other. We are not just here for the chimps and cows, we support you caregivers too. The residents of the sanctuary wouldn’t live these rich lives if it weren’t for all of you. They need and want you to be well. (None more than Bubs!)
Like everyone, I am so sorry to hear you injured yourself in a way that was serious enough to put you out of commission for some time. (Good grief, what did Burrito do without you?!!) I hope your healing progression continues without interruption. I will be sending you healing vibes everyday. Be well.
All these incredible photos! Thank you, Chad. Willy B and Rayne’s linked fingers! This! This says everything. It’s beautiful. Who knew Rayne makes a nest for her beloved firehose cube?! That’s simply the best! And I want to thank you for the link about Washoe’s statue. I visited Ellensburg on two separate occasions and didn’t know about the park nor did I stumble upon the statue. I see I need to make another trip to pay my respects to one of my favorite chimp people. In a roundabout way, it was Washoe (and Nim) who brought me to CSNW. Proving the link of friendship we see in the ASL sign, we are all connected.
“……. there is always beauty in a chaotic world.”
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Chad, for being a part of this beauty.
Chad!!! I missed you! Boy I bet whoever took over the kitchen for you was prayin and prayin for your recovery. You have some very large boots for someone to fill!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the finger hook photo. That’s precious. A keeper. what a great collection of photos. Thank you so much!
Welcome Back!
Welcome back Chad. I am glad that you are doing better. What great pictures.