The winter storms keep rolling into the sanctuary, but the chimpanzees aren’t complaining!
7 years bad luck
Let me begin this story by telling you that today is my birthday… This is not a plea for birthday wishes, but rather an ironic cherry on top of this latest chimp house caper… More on that later.
Today, Jamie and her group received a roll of paper. This is a standard enrichment item that they receive regularly. What wasn’t standard about today, was Jamie’s mischief she decided to create with the cardboard tube at the center of the roll of paper. Unbeknownst to her caregivers, Jamie spent her morning using the cardboard tube as a a tool to knock down a very breakable mirror that we have had mounted on the outside of the caging (for many years!). We use this mirror to spy into the loft of the playroom so we can see who’s up there from our vantage point on the ground. Today though, Jamie decided it had to go.
To truly tell this story, we had to watch Jamie’s antics back on our security camera footage. Unfortunately, the video quality wasn’t great so to really appreciate today’s blog, you’ll have to use some imagination. After finding her ready to use tool, Jamie spent about a half an hour working on Project: Destroy Mirror. She tried multiple angles and methods until she successfully sent the mirror crashing down to its demise.
After hearing the crash of something shattering into a million tiny pieces, I naturally responded to the incident with a broom and worked on making sure the glass pieces were safely out of chimpanzee reach… Only to be greeted by Jamie and a handful of feces flung at my head. How dare I move her sharp glass, she had worked so hard on that! Volunteer Dusty and I spent an extra hour diligently cleaning up my happy birthday mess, artfully gifted to me by my creative chimpanzee boss/overlord.
Thanks James.
Speaking of birthdays, Burrito’s big day is coming up. As Kelsi announced yesterday, in celebration of Burrito’s 41st birthday we will be having a photo contest to have our followers pick their favorite photo(s) of Burrito, we will then be selling the photo with the most votes. We will post the contest every day on the blog, so you can vote once per day and you are welcome to vote for more than one photo! The contest ends on January 8th at 6:00 p.m. PT.
2023, year in Review
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year that’s swiftly passing into our rear-view mirror. A shout out to our followers for always inspiring such good ideas for blog topics.
This year has definitely been a tough one for us at the sanctuary, most notably with the passing of our dear Jody Chimpanzee back at the end of April. Jody was such a huge part of her group and we all still feel the ripple effects of losing her. JB put together an eloquent and important blog about how her group mates mourned Jody on the night of her passing.
There was also lots of joy and excitement this year! We had two big birthdays this year. Burrito turned 40 and Negra marked her 50th birthday with a huge party!
The beginning of April was the very important heart week at the sanctuary as Terry, Lucky and Cy made trips to the clinic for cardiovascular exams.
In mid-May, Cy’s group went out on the Bray for the first time! This year we’ve seen such growth from that group of nine as they conquer the elements of their outdoor enclosure, one structure at a time. Sweet Lucky summoned the courage to journey outside just a few weeks after her group gained access. Her hanging out on the platform for the first time was one of my personal favorite moments of the year!
There have been numerous fun play sessions that we’ve blogged about this year, frequently starring Honey B!
Speaking of Honey B, who could forget that time she got the hose?
Oh do you also happen to remember that mystery Grace posted about months and months ago? Well it took far too long for us to figure out the perpetrator of this prank that kept going and going. Month after month, a new calendar would appear on the white board in the foyer. Just a couple of weeks ago, volunteer Dusty admitted that she had been making the calendars and sneaking them in the chimp house to torment us with this ongoing whodunit puzzle.
Volunteer Dusty who keeps good secrets:
Here’s looking towards 2024. For me personally, I’m focusing on hope, love and home more than ever next year. What was your most memorable moment at the sanctuary from this year?
Christmas preparations!
This afternoon as I type, volunteer Dusty is hard at work wrapping presents for Monday’s big Christmas celebration, Jenna is going through box after box of fresh gifts and Kelsi is ordering the produce for the menu. Throwing a Christmas party for chimpanzees is definitely a team effort!
We’re continuing our thank you series from our Comfort and Joy Auction. Today we put out this sweet rainbow stuffed guy and Jamie incorporated it into her nest right next to her Boot Barn catalogue.
Thanks to Dori R. for purchasing this item for the chimps!
Speaking of nests, this troll blanket was donated during the auction by former staff member Sofia and she conveniently got one for herself as part of “Quid Pro Throw.” 
Just 4 more sleeps till Christmas!
Wood Wool!
Today the chimps received a package of wood wool to investigate! Wood wool is made from log slivers and is often used as a packaging material. Apparently, it also makes an excellent novel chimp enrichment. Watch the video above to see who made a wood wool nest!
P.S. if anyone has a lead on how to get recycled wood wool in large quantities, we are all ears!
Thank you to Pamela N. for purchasing the wood wool during our Comfort and Joy Auction.
Also, thank you to Kathy S. who donated this cuddly avocado cow that went out in today’s enrichment:
New Appliances!
Yesterday we welcomed two gifts that we received from the combined efforts of many donors during our Comfort and Joy Auction… A new dryer and a frost-free freezer! This is a thrilling gift for the staff and volunteers and makes our work that much easier! Stay tuned this month as we will be continuing to highlight our Comfort and Joy donors and the items they generously purchased for the sanctuary.
Volunteer Dusty models our newest appliances:
Clean and dry blankets bring so much comfort to the chimps!
Negra:
Dora:
Ice treats are a hit, no matter the time of year!
Terry:
Annie:
Special thanks to:
Cheney C., Ellen G., Kathie J., Kathleen K., Carrie M., Aprile P., Lorna P., Jamie R., Patti S., and Karen W.
For buying the dryer!
Rosalie A., Ellen G., Carrie M. Julie O., Julia O., Aprile P. and Patti S.
For buying the Freezer!
Identifying Terry
Today is my last blog on the identifying the Lucky 6 series, and it’s time to talk about Terry! Terry is quite distinguishable as a fluffy guy with a big freckly face. He looks a fair amount like his half sister Mave. His two front teeth are a little bit in the buck tooth category and his left big toe is also unique and sticks up! After you watch the above video, what features might you use to identify Terry?
