Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Elizabeth

Happy Birthday, Annie!

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Today is Annie’s honorary 38th birthday and we celebrated in style. Since we don’t have actual birth dates for Annie and some of the other chimpanzees, we asked some supporters to select meaningful days to celebrate the chimps. September 10th was selected by Margaret and Karen (two of the Cle Elum Seven’s most devoted and lovely friends) in honor of their anniversary. Additionally, Marcia Douthwaite, a longtime friend of Annie’s, sponsored today in honor of Annie’s birthday.  We’re so touched that Annie has the love and support of so many special people on her big day.

We set up Annie’s party in the greenhouse this morning with gift bags full of new toys from Robbi and Dick and amazing homemade papier mache balls from supporters Kim and Lee, which we filled with shredded paper, peanuts, and crabapples from Executive Director Sarah’s backyard tree. The chimps also foraged for tangerines, kiwis, and chow (Burrito’s favorite).

The birthday girl enjoyed handfuls of chow:

Negra liked the crabapples:

Missy checked out a gift bag:

Burrito and Jody:

Jamie loved the papier mache balls:

Jody likes to inspect new toys intimately:

This red cloth block seemed to interest several folks.

Jody:

Negra:

Jamie (also with a new boot):

We also “planted” some veggies on Young’s Hill for the chimps to harvest. The carrots are courtesy of Keith, Felicity, and friends and the onions are straight from the chimps’ garden. We’re having some strong, cool winds in Cle Elum today, so the chimps all ran out to gather the veggies as soon as the door to Young’s Hill was opened, and then quickly returned with their haul to the warmth of the greenhouse.

Annie:

Jamie:

Jody:

Negra:

Sincere thanks to everyone who made today special for Annie and the rest of the gang!

We’re so grateful!

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We want to thank a few more generous people who sponsored days for the chimpanzees in the wake of the Taylor Bridge fire: Dianne Todd, Kimber Leblicq (CSNW’s Board Secretary), Alison Chapot, Annie Norris, and Jackie Downey.  We can’t thank you all enough for helping to keep us afloat during the last few crazy weeks.  Your thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed (even if we’re a little late to acknowledge it!).

Among other things, your support has kept Annie supplied with carrots:

A present for Jamie

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Volunteer caregiver-in-training Katelyn brought Jamie a new pair of boots today. Jamie continues to be completely in love with any and all cowboy boots.

First, she brachiated around the ceiling of the greenhouse for awhile with the boots safely in her pelvic pocket:

Then she looked for a place to settle down and inspect her treasure.

Thanks, Katelyn!

Rolling with the punches

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Last Monday, about an hour before the fire broke out, I went out to the greenhouse to check on what the chimpanzees were up to. I witnessed a series of events and took some photos that I planned to share on the blog that day.

Jody and Burrito were grooming each other. This was pretty special to see because up until a few weeks ago they had very little interaction with each other. We’ve seen them grooming and playing on several occasions recently.

Jody and Burrito:

After a few minutes, Jody extended an inviting arm toward Annie, who was sitting alone nearby. When Annie arrived at CSNW, and for a long time afterward, she was much too shy to interact with anyone but her best friend Missy. But on Monday, she got up and joined Burrito and Jody’s grooming session without hesitation.

Jody and Annie:

Seeing these rare interactions between the chimps made me think about how adaptable they are. After four years at CSNW, they continue to change and grow and are always surprising us. This was made even more evident this past week, when they tolerated and even embraced countless changes in their environment. In what has been an overwhelming week, the chimps have been keeping us all sane.

Burrito, who has one of my favorite faces: