Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Jennifer

These are a few of my favorite things…

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On my drive to the sanctuary this morning I heard the holiday song, “These are a few of my favorite things.” With the help of a little holiday cheer and some inspiration from Annie, Missy, Foxie, Burrito, Jody, Negra, and Jamie, I decided to make a list of my own (the videos are oldies, but goodies).

These are a few of MY favorite things…

Food squeaks – The chimpanzees (especially Burrito) are blissful during mealtime.

 

Brachiating – It takes my breath away to witness the chimps brachiate. I’m grateful that the sanctuary provides them with the space to roam and climb.

 

Pant hoots – How can I not get excited when I hear a pant hoot?!

 

Like the Seven, I hope you too can find some holiday cheer amidst this busy and hectic season! Thank you for loving them and helping us care for them!

 

 

Do you have a favorite?

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People often ask me, “Who is your favorite chimp?” I typically give a diplomatic answer, sounding like a parent who refuses to choose a favorite. For me, it’s just so hard to choose! However, I see how many of you are drawn to a particular chimpanzee because of their interests and personality. For instance,

If you are a leader and like to be bossy, you may choose Jamie as your favorite.

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If your friends are worried about your obsession with troll dolls, you are probably a Foxie fan.

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If you keep a bag of potato chips by your bedside, Burrito is your man.

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If you and your best friend are inseparable, you probably admire Annie and Missy’s unbreakable bond.

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If you would rather spend the day in your pj’s while watching a movie, Negra is most likely the Queen of your heart.

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If you are introspective and wise, then you and Jody are most likely pals.

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Regardless who you choose as your favorite, each of them have won a special place in our hearts. We are grateful that you love them as deeply as you do. In honor of our favorite chimpanzees, this November we are kicking off a contest to see what chimp can get the most Chimpanzee Pals. Sign up today to sponsor your favorite chimp! The contest ends December 31, 2013. Let the games begin!

It Takes a Team

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I work with a great bunch of people. From preparing meals to planning fundraising events, the CSNW team, volunteers, board members, and supporters spend countless hours helping the Cle Elum Seven. I am deeply humbled to see how many and how much people care. In particular, I am honored to work with Diana, J.B, Debbie, Elizabeth, Katelyn and Lisa. These dedicated and compassionate individuals sacrifice their holidays and weekends to care for the chimps (the chimps still need to be cared for when the rest of the world takes a break). They call in on their days off to check on the chimps. They drive out of their way to pick up donated items and juggle the responsibilities of several staff members when someone is out of the office. The work is demanding, but very rewarding and they all do it with a smile on their faces. I am truly thankful to be working with such an amazing team.

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Katelyn serving Foxie

 

web diana foxie troll greenhouse

 

Diana playing with Foxie

 

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Debbie preparing smoothies for the chimps

 

Negra & J.B. looking at each other with mirrors

 

J.B. teaching Negra how to use a mirror

 

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Lisa bonding with Jamie

 

Elizabeth and Annie

Elizabeth giving juice to Annie

 

Jamie’s New Shoes

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Over the past few months, Jamie has been admiring a specific pair of shoes I have been wearing. The other day I decided to gift her with my shoes. As as soon as I gave them to her, she held them to her chest and hugged them. One of our caregivers, Debbie, asked Jamie if she thought the shoes would fit on her feet. Jamie immediately put the shoes on her feet. They didn’t quite fit, so she modified them by stretching the fabric. She then put them on her hands and made swooshing sounds with the shoes as she moved them across the floor. Jamie is so bright and is a source of amazement to us all!

web Jamie nest with boot on foot up in the air room 3 FR

(While these are not the shoes I gave her, I thought you’d appreciate a few photos of Jamie with her boots.)

Jamie hugging boot 4

I’d also like to thank you for donating items from our Christmas in July wish list. We were overwhelmed with the positive responses. In less than two days, YOU donated all of the items on our list! We are currently reorganizing our office, but we will be sure to post pictures of our office makeover shortly. Also, we apologize if you encountered problems shipping supplies to us. We have resolved the issue with Amazon.

CSNW featured in the NY Times

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Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is featured on the front page of the New York Times this morning as part of an article about the changing views of using chimpanzees in biomedical research. NYT journalist, James Gorman, has been reporting on this issue for several years and we are so grateful that he has shared the stories of the chimpanzees with the public. Today’s article highlights Jody from CSNW and the online version of the article includes a video about the sanctuary and an interview with Executive Director, Jennifer Whitaker.

We are thrilled to be on the brink of historical change for captive chimpanzees in the United States. With your help, we will continue to fight for all apes in need. Please donate today in honor Jody!

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Freedom

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Imagine not having the freedom of choice or not being able to choose how to spend your day. Imagine not knowing what it feels like to walk in grass or have the breeze blow on your skin. Imagine living alone in a 5 x 7 cage for most of your life without another to keep you company. For most of us, this is hard to imagine; however, many chimpanzees have been stripped of their freedoms and forced into the medical, pet and entertainment industries.

This week I am reminded how precious freedom is. At Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, we strive to give the Cle Elum Seven as much freedom as possible. And while a sanctuary does not provide the complete freedom that chimps would find in the wild, we do give them the second best alternative. I am pleased to know that many more will be given the opportunity to experience freedom now that the National Institutes of Health has announced their plan to retire hundreds of chimpanzees. I hope that other chimpanzees will get to experience the freedoms that the Cle Elum Seven have.

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Foxie has the freedom to choose what doll she wants to play with.

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Jody is free to spend her day making nests out of bamboo.

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Burrito has the freedom to choose what he wants to eat during his forage.

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Negra is able to spend her day in a cozy nest of blankets.

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Missy and Annie have the freedom to form a special bond with each other.

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Jamie is able to spend the day outside, running and playing.

Thank you for supporting us and providing the Cle Elum Seven with the freedoms they deserve. I wish you and your family a Happy Fourth of July!

Because of you…

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We have raised $14,725 – almost half of our $35,000 summer fundraising goal! Thank you! Your generous contributions will help us to continue to provide quality care for Foxie, Jamie, Burrito, Missy, Annie, Jody, and Queen Negra.

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Negra definitely enjoyed her royal treatment yesterday. Today she is still basking in the joy of having special treats and gifts bestowed upon her!

 

There is still time to give! Click here to make a donation in honor of our five-year anniversary. If you missed it, also check out yesterday’s blog to watch the moving video documenting the chimps’ transformation at the sanctuary.