Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Elizabeth

April Fools’ Day

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We decided it would be fun to celebrate April Fools’ Day with the chimps today. While we didn’t throw a full-fledged party, we did try to switch things up and do some wacky, unpredictable stuff. To start, we served dinner for breakfast. (Their traditional breakfast of smoothie and fresh fruit will be served for dinner, of course.) Negra, especially, loved the rice with apple puree in flour tortillas, and everyone was beside themselves when we brought out night bags at the end of the meal! Later, we thought we’d take a midmorning nap with the chimps. While Burrito thought playing was a much better idea, Jamie came over right away and enjoyed some quiet time with us.

As I write this, Jackie and volunteer Pam are preparing a dinner (or breakfast?) of banana smoothie, pears, oranges, and peanut butter waffles, and the chimps are keeping an eager eye on the process through the kitchen window. The Cle Elum Seven’s first (celebrated) April Fools’ Day seems to have been a success!

Burrito in the greenhouse

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Although the girls have been spending the majority of the daylight hours playing, grooming, nesting, and resting in the greenhouse since it was completed, Burrito has been much more hesitant to go out. He usually has the indoors to himself during the day while everyone else enjoys the 75 degree weather outside. Even the lure of food hasn’t been enough to tempt him outside for more than a couple of very nervous minutes (and everybody knows how much Burrito loves food!).

He’s making remarkable progress, though. In the last few days, he has begun to come out into the greenhouse for a few minutes at a time (even with no food incentive). This morning, he spent about 20 minutes in the sun grooming Jody and playing with his human friends. I don’t think I can express how happy we all are to see him gaining so much confidence!

[Read more…] about Burrito in the greenhouse

St. Patrick’s Day Party

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As promised, here is some video of the chimpanzees’ fun and festive party yesterday. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed and made the party possible. You truly made the chimps’ day!

Missy’s Day of Play

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Missy has been especially playful today (even by Missy standards). Jody and Annie have been good about humoring her (as you’ll see in the video), but even during those moments when no one else is up to a game, Missy has found a way to entertain herself. At various times today, we’ve caught her taking a flying leap from the deck outside wearing a huge playface or playing chase with an invisible partner.

Another day in the greenhouse…

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The chimpanzees cannot get enough of their new greenhouse. Since it was completed a few days ago, they have spent most of the daylight hours outside playing, grooming, nesting, and generally reveling in the warmth. I don’t think we can overstate what a joy it has been to see them spend so much time in the sun.