Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Anna

Flashback Friday

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On this day in Sanctuary History: A fun look back at what was happening on all the November 2nds since 2008!

November 2, 2008:
The chimps had already started their physical transformation after spending only a few months in sanctuary. Annie was a great example.

November 2, 2009:
There were leftover photos from the Jamieween party to share.

November 2, 2010:
…There was a time when we didn’t write a blog EVERY single day. Can you believe it?

November 2, 2011:
Creative party planning at its finest!

November 2, 2012:
After all these years, we still get excited when we see the adventurous side of Negra.

November 2, 2013:
Who knew toilet paper could make for pretty fun enrichment?

November 2, 2014:
Here’s what the chimps ate all day.

November 2, 2015:
Six photos of Negra beginning her nap.

November 2, 2016:
Foxie’s version of comfort is a little bit different than most people’s.

November 2, 2017:
Jamie makes sure we get our steps in.

November 2, 2018:
Current mood: yawning under a yellow blanket. Happy Friday everyone!

The case of the missing pumpkin

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When I last saw the Great Jamieween pumpkin yesterday, Negra was gnawing on its sidewalls with abandon. Jody had dragged the monster squash into the raceway that connects Young’s Hill to the greenhouse and the chimps were all taking turns breaking off pieces of crunchy flesh. It didn’t look long for this world. When I went to close Young’s Hill yesterday evening, all that remained was a small trail of uneaten peel. Little did I know, but the pumpkin hadn’t actually been finished off!

This morning during a perimeter fence check, Elizabeth spotted about a quarter of the pumpkin sitting at the top of the hill on one of the furthest towers. Here’s a reference photo if you aren’t sure which structure I’m referring to:

We aren’t sure who carried the pumpkin remains to the top of the hill yesterday. However, we are super impressed that they managed to climb with it all the way up a 20ish foot vertical ladder. It’s a mystery who this sneaky chimp was, but Missy rises to the top of our suspect list.
We found the remaining pumpkin all the way back in the greenhouse again just before lunchtime and a crowd of chimps taking turns finishing off their Halloween treat.

Seasonal flavors

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It’s pomegranate season at last! The chimpanzees love these ruby colored fruits so much, that many will eat them rinds and all!

Jody:

If you want to help keep the chimpanzees stocked with pomegranates and other delicious fresh produce options this season, the most convenient way to contribute is by sending us gift cards to our local Safeway grocery store. As an added time-saver, we can receive these gift cards straight from our Amazon Wish list, so you can skip that trip to the post office!
Annie:

Shadows on the hill

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There is nothing better than watching the chimpanzees go out for their first exploration of the day on Young’s Hill. Each new day in their outdoor enclosure is full of potential, and you can really sense the excitement that each chilly morning brings.

This time of year the chimps almost melt into the Autumn shadows as they explore the upper reaches of their home. For a little while after breakfast, I could only spot them by a rustle of tall sand colored grass and the shake of bamboo branch.

Eventually the chimps headed back inside to build nests and take their post-meal naps.
Jody:

Missy:

Annie:

On another note, it’s hard to believe, but the painters are arriving very soon! This week we have to pick out our new exterior and interior colors for Phase 1 of our expansion! Here’s Diana looking at this monster stack of color choices.

Sun Salutation

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Occasionally we find the chimps in the most luxurious looking yoga-like poses (Happy Baby Pose is a common one for Negra)! Today I found Annie in this sort of seated Pigeon Pose as she soaked up the sunshine pouring into the playroom. I suspect that she started out by grooming her leg, but then found it reasonably comfortable to maintain the stretch for a while as she took in the view from the catwalk.