Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Ever wonder why we don’t go in with the chimps? There are many reasons, but here’s one you might not have thought about: Chimps play rough. Even when they aren’t being aggressive, chimpanzees have the ability to inflict serious damage on us humans. We just aren’t built for their style of play (I get a headache just watching them).
Make sure you have your volume turned up when you view this clip so you can hear all of the slaps and punches (and laughter!)…
We received a new telephoto camera lens from a wonderful supporter and friend of the chimps. We’re still trying to get the hang of it (it’s heavy!), but we managed to snap a few photos today as the chimps enjoyed a break in the gloomy weather we’ve been having lately. We are so grateful for donations like these that help us share the chimps’ stories with the rest of the world. Thank you Kathy!
Foxie is an excellent goalie, but Diana manages to get one by her.
At CSNW, we have a lot to be thankful for this year. To everyone who has supported us and spread the word about the amazing Cle Elum Seven, we cannot thank you enough. You have literally given these seven chimpanzees a second chance at life.
And to the chimpanzees who have allowed us the priveledge of becoming your friends, we are eternally grateful.
To all of our blog readers, we wish you could all be here to celebrate this day with the chimps, but I guess you’ll have to settle for some photos.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Raisin logs are a fun treat, especially for Jamie who gets to exercise her tool-using ability. We drill holes in logs and then stuff raisins into the holes so the chimps have to work to get them out. Jamie also gets to exercise her hoarding tendencies – check out the pile that she gathered by her feet.
Chimps are famous for their ability to use tools, but its not just a means to an end for them – most chimps truly enjoy the process.
Burrito has been under the weather lately. Chimps are susceptible to most of the same bugs that make us sick, and its not uncommon for them to come down with colds or even a bad flu. And while we always consult our veterinarians and will often run lab tests just be to safe, all the chimps usually require is rest while the illness runs it’s course. And of course some saltines and ginger ale.
Thankfully, Burrito is feeling better now. Quite a relief, though I’m sure the girls enjoyed the temporary reprieve from his obnoxiousness. Now he’s banging, spitting, and causing fights again – our Burrito is back!
Foxie has been using a lot of enrichment lately, but she still hasn’t begun making nests with sheets and blankets like the other chimps do. Its her choice though, so if she feels more comfortable without a nest, more power to her. But I must say that I am looking forward to the day that she discovers the comfort and security that the other chimps find in nest-making.
Jody, on the other hand, is a master nest-maker, second only to Missy. When she’s done making an elaborate nest and she lays on her back with a foot in the air, she looks like she doesn’t have a care in the world.
Someone recently asked whether or not Burrito makes nests. He often lays down with a single sheet over himself, sometimes just covering his middle (not out of modesty I can assure you). But he can’t resist stealing someone else’s nest – why do all the work when Jody can do it for you?
