Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Jenna

Burrito’s Beanbag

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If you follow our sanctuary, you probably are already familiar with Burrito’s zest for life! Today’s blog is another example of this. While cleaning Playroom 1, I looked out the window and saw Burrito using a giant Squishmallow as a bean bag. He even leaned back so he could prop his feet up and enjoy the “view”. Gordo and Terry were out exploring The Bray while Burrito was doing this, so he was watching them, but his view was obstructed by the Greenhouse panels (which keep the Greenhouse insulated until it warms up) and it didn’t seem to bother Burrito one bit.

Burrito’s mentality totally seems to be “glass half full” vs. “glass half empty”. He truly lives life to the fullest and acts like every day is the best day of his life. What a guy!

 

Bonus photos of Dora lounging in the Greenhouse:

And some artistic photos of Terry due to my high exposure shots:

Aunt Neggie

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You may know Foxie as the Mother of all Troll dolls, Strawberry Shortcake dolls, Disney Princess dolls, and Dora the Explorer dolls.

But what you don’t know is that some of Foxie’s dolls get to go off on a little vacation and spend time with their fun Aunt…

Aunt Neggie.

Negra carries dolls and stuffed animals with her on/off. While she doesn’t play with the dolls like Foxie does, she does keep them warm in her pelvic pocket and takes them with her every time she is on the go. I have compiled photos from staff’s phones from the past couple years for this blog!

Negra carries the dolls infrequent enough that I still whip out my phone and try to capture a picture each time. I think it’s just so sweet.

Negra with twin dolls:

Negra with corn and a Strawberry Shortcake doll:

Negra with a Strawberry Shortcake doll in her pelvic pocket:

Negra with an Eeyore stuffed animal:

Negra with a doll in her pelvic pocket (check out the legs sticking out):

Negra with a sock and a Troll doll:

Negra with twin dolls in her mouth:

Negra offering a kiss while holding a doll:

Negra offering another kiss while holding a doll:

Negra with a Princess doll in her right hand:

Negra with a doll in her mouth:

Negra with a stuffed Eeyore in her pocket:

Negra offering a kiss with a Raggedy Ann doll in her hand:

Negra with a Troll doll stuffed in her pelvic pocket:

Negra and Dora doll:

Negra and Dora the Explorer doll out on Young’s Hill:

And a very old photo… Negra and a Troll doll:

negra with troll doll

We are low on some of our essential cleaning items! Please check out our Amazon Wishlist!

Around The Bray

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The weather has been so nice in Washington state recently! We’ve seen temperatures up in to the high fifties – which has been amazing! Today, the sun was out and there was not a cloud in the sky. As soon as we did checks to allow the chimps to go out to their outdoor enclosures, many of them went outside before breakfast!

After human lunch, I went to see where Terry was and he was out at the top of The Bray! He had a paper ball in his mouth and seemed quite content absorbing up some sunshine and taking in the views. Today’s video includes clips from Terry around The Bray! Check it out above or the link will be here. Enjoy!

A Box Full of Honey

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Who is in the box?!

The other day, I walked by the Front Rooms and I saw a spinning cardboard box. The moments to follow were so hilarious, I am so glad I got it on camera! I’ve showed just about every staff member this video and they find it hilarious, so I hope you do too! Caregiver Sabrina even said this is her favorite CSNW video of all time. High praise! Thanks for being hilarious, Honey B!

New Veterinary Laser

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We recently received our own veterinary laser, thanks to our amazing donors!

Previously, we have been using a laser from Dr. Erin, to help treat inflammation, wounds, and/or help with pain management. However, we didn’t have one that was ours until now! We are so thankful for the donors who made this happen. It will be so helpful to have this technology in the clinic on a day-to-day basis and always having access to it.

Check out today’s blog (starring the new laser) here!

Thank you!

PRT with Rayne and Dora

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Rayne and Dora are due for an exam in 2025 so we have started to focus on their injection training during Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT). Both of the girls have their “arm” behavior down already (despite what Dora showed in the video) so they already are comfortable presenting for a practice injection. However, we will need to continue working on hold times with both of them so they don’t pull away as soon as the needle touches their skin.

As you will see in today’s video, Dora was not interested in participating today. She was interested in the reinforcements I brought (some juice and craisins), but didn’t want to present much for the behaviors I was asking for. We want her to want to participate – so it’s totally okay! We will continue training with her so she has plenty of opportunities to practice.

Mirror, Mirror with Dora

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Dora is a very silly, quirky gal. Whether it’s spinning in two circles before she walks somewhere or shaking her head back and forth to tell her caregivers that she doesn’t want something, Dora is truly one-of-a-kind. Today, I showed Dora a mirror as she loves to look at her reflection. Little did I know, I’d end with a 8+ minute video of jam-packed Dora footage.

You may be wondering… does Dora know she is looking at herself? Yes! There have been several studies on self-recognition concluding that chimpanzees can in-fact recognize themselves. As you will see in today’s video, Dora wanted to watch herself do everythingggggg while looking in the mirror, even poke an empty raisin board, just for fun.