Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Anna

Brave Lucky!

by

I had a different blog all typed and ready to go… But then we opened the Bray for Cy’s group… AND LUCKY DECIDED TO GO OUTSIDE!! Up until today, Lucky has been hesitant but curious about the big outdoor space. She hasn’t really committed to taking more than a step outside, until this afternoon. This afternoon was her time to take the plunge into the great outdoors.

Lucky made it to the first walkway on the Bray:

A sweet face of wonderment:

Then she started to climb!

Next she started to explore more:

Relax…

And take it all in…

She even relaxed enough to groom with her friend Gordo:

Brave Lucky at the top of the platform ♥️

 

R&R

by

After our busy “Heart Week,” today feels like we all get to take a big sigh of relief. We’re so thankful for our veterinary and staff team that made it possible… But also, thank goodness that’s over.

Since Terry was the last to have his exam yesterday, he is also the last one recovering from his anesthesia in the front rooms. Here he receives a check in with Dr. Erin who gave him the all clear to rejoin the group.

The spring sun and wind is going strong today. This makes the sheltered greenhouses the most ideal hangout spaces.

Dora transitions into nap mode:

Honey B:

Jody:

One thing I saw today, but was unable to photograph at the time, it seems that “grass season” has also begun. I caught Negra and Annie having a pre-breakfast grass snack on Young’s Hill this morning and it warmed my heart.

Here’s a throwback photo from a few years ago to remind us all of what the grass will soon look like out there:

First Looks

by

One of my favorite parts of the morning routine is when we first open the door that leads to Young’s Hill. Some chimps like Burrito will run out into the enclosure with gusto, while others will take a moment to scan the horizon before setting out on an adventure.

Here Foxie, Annie and Jody take it all in.

Annie:

Foxie (and friends):

Serious Jody in Black and White:

Scenes from the Vault

by

Today was a busy day at the sanctuary. Days like today mean it’s time to reach into our “vaults” of unseen photos and share a few of these moments.

Kelsi took this photo of Mave and Dora working to get the peanuts out of their boomer balls. Mave was simultaneously receiving some grooming care from Honey B.

Last week I found Honey B holding Rayne’s foot. These half sisters make a really sweet pair sometimes.

Speaking of Rayne, Kelsi caught her draping this lavender sheet over her shoulders during a meal a few days ago. She carried it around for quite some time.

 

Popular

by

I captured two moments of popularity at the sanctuary today that you can check out below, but first we have a fun event coming up that I wanted to highlight! We have our next virtual visit scheduled for April 15th. This visit will be focused on the chimpanzees’ medical care at the sanctuary and will feature a Q & A session with our veterinary team coming to you live from the chimp house! Please click on this link for more details on how to sign up.

The first “popular” moment was when Jamie and I went for a walk on Young’s Hill. Burrito popped out of the raceway and shadowed Jamie closely for the majority of her patrol:

Jamie stayed out a little bit longer for a peaceful moment alone:

The second moment was this grooming circle where Honey B was the center of Terry and Rayne’s attention: