Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Anna

Thanksgiving at the Sanctuary

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During this time of deep uncertainty in the world, there is nothing better than to stop and reflect on the things that we are thankful for at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. Today the chimpanzees had a lunch celebration in the greenhouse, and of course there are numerous photos to share with you all shortly. But first we give thanks.

The first thanks we give is to the chimpanzees’ healthcare…
This past year we have needed to perform several medical procedures on Burrito for a cracked canine tooth, and one procedure on Jamie for an abscess on her swelling. During each procedure we had an amazing veterinary team that was able to provide the highest level of care for Burrito and Jamie from start to recovery. This year was also a time for us to start Positive Reinforcement Training with the chimpanzees. As the chimpanzees learn more, we have hopes that Cle Elum 7 can participate in their own healthcare for years to come.

The second thanks we give is to the volunteers of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest…
This outstanding team of volunteers is what keeps this sanctuary moving. Whether it be washing produce for the fridge, scrubbing enclosures, or walking alongside Jamie around Young’s Hill, each volunteer is a valuable asset that brings their dedication with them every time they come to the sanctuary.

The third thanks we give is to the supporters of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest…
Your donations carry the sanctuary and help us grow as we look towards a bright future. A future where we hope to expand and provide sanctuary to more chimpanzees that can forage for Thanksgiving treats alongside Jamie, Negra, Burrito, Jody, Missy, Foxie, and Annie.

And now what you’ve all been waiting for, the photos from today’s feast:

The menu: Vegan Field Roast Celebration Loaf, cranberry sauce, green beans, dinner rolls, and sparkling pear cider. Thanks to volunteer Patti for all her party planning work!
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Missy LOVED the field roast!
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Burrito got a little of everything..
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And ate every last crumb!
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Pear cider was a big hit..

Jamie:
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Foxie:
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And the dinner rolls were light and fluffy..

Jody:
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Negra:
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Annie found the hidden Brussels sprout stalk and had the whole thing to herself!
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From all of us at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, have a very happy Thanksgiving! Stay tuned tomorrow for a video of today’s festivities!

Nest building with Jamie Chimpanzee

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When the cold November wind is blowing over the hills of Central Washington and the caregivers of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest are hard at work scrubbing the front rooms, it’s up to the boss of the sanctuary to keep herself occupied.

This may come in the form of examining the photos in a magazine..
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But it may also be a great time to build a fresh nest with that magazine, a sheet, a troll scarf, and a bunch of blankets.
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Fake Jamie?

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In the past, we’ve talked about how we occasionally mistake one chimpanzee for another at first glance. A great example of this is when we catch Missy doing a “fake Neggie.”

The other night I snapped a couple photos of Negra in her evening nest. The camera angle and Negra’s posture reminded me a little of a facial expression I’ve seen a lot with Jamie. Maybe if you squint and cross your eyes a bit, you too can see the similarities. I’m sure the more seasoned blog readers won’t be fooled one bit.

Negra:
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Jamie in a similar pose:
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Lunch with Missy

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Today Missy waited for lunch in bed.
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As soon as Katelyn brought a selection of vegetables and chow out on a tray, she was up and food grunting.
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And out the door to the greenhouse (the usual lunch service area).
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She ate well..
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And considered taking an after lunch walk with Jamie..
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Instead of walking in the wind, she ate her bag of chow in the playroom and went back to bed. Missy is anything but lazy, but she still likes to be cozy on a breezy November afternoon.
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Unseen photos from Halloween

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Diana made this pretty spectacular video blog post last Saturday for Jamieween. In addition to the video, I thought everyone might enjoy these photos of Burrito doing what he does best at a Halloween party, eating! Volunteer Patti hollowed out small pumpkins and filled them with a lettuce, grape, and clementine salad. It’s always exciting when you get to eat your bowl!

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Food in different forms

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One of the easiest ways to enrich the lives of chimpanzees is through food. We try and provide the Cle Elum 7 with as many different kinds of produce as possible in an effort to keep things exciting for them. Caregivers do their best to make sure the chimpanzees don’t have repeated fruits or vegetables when they prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not only do we look for variety in food, but we also try and change up the ways in which we serve an item. For some meals we might roast a food like pumpkin, while other days we might choose to serve it raw. Each day the chimpanzees enjoy fresh fruit for breakfast, frozen fruit in their smoothie, and a couple pieces of dried fruit in their evening night bags, all to help increase food diversity!

Yesterday, volunteer caregiver Stephanie brought Brussel sprouts to contribute to the chimpanzees’ dinner. Instead of coming in the more traditional bag of “mini cabbages,” these Brussels sprouts were in their original stalk form. There were lots of food grunts and squeaks as Katelyn scattered the stalks around the playroom. Burrito and Jody were exceptionally successful foragers, but Negra was the easiest photography subject. She decided to eat her stalk in front room 4 (also known as the portrait studio).

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Identification

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Before we enter any chimpanzee enclosure, all staff and volunteers that are participating in cleaning must positively identify all seven chimpanzees and make sure the appropriate doors are closed and locked. This is part of our safety protocol so there is no chance that a chimpanzee shares the same enclosure as a human. When new trainees come in, they must learn to identify each chimpanzee by their physical characteristics. It is important that they not rely on circumstantial evidence (such as knowing that Foxie often holds a doll or Negra sleeps with a blanket over her head), because other chimpanzees have been known to behave in a similar fashion and this could lead to a mistaken identification.

Today while walking around the hill with Jamie, I heard rustling in the bamboo grove. I couldn’t immediately identify the chimpanzee, but I could tell they were getting a snack. It reminded me of how challenging it can sometimes be to identify the chimpanzees, especially for a new volunteer or a first time blog reader. I chose a couple photos from my walk that give hints to the identity of this bamboo forager.
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The first clue is a circumstantial hint (not a strict rule for identifying this chimpanzee). This chimpanzee is an avid runner and athlete. She (or he?) is often seen sprinting and climbing around Young’s hill. In the climbing photo you may catch a glimpse of a freckled chin…
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The second clue is a physical characteristic of this chimpanzee. She (or he?) has a “square” stature and we often say it looks like she (or he?) has “no neck” because of the way it looks like her head sits directly on her shoulders.
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And the identity is…..

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Missy!