Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

Today is for Jack, Sue, and Zach!

by

A day of sanctuary was sponsored today all the way from Australia by Kim Williams for Jack and Sue Dignum! Today is Jack and Sue’s grandson, Zach’s, birthday and Kim expressed that they wanted to be able to share this day with Jack and Sue by sponsoring a day for their favorite chimps. Kim expressed that Jack and Sue “are extremely kind and generous and we love them to bits! We hope the chimps have a lovely day!”

Kim, thank you so much for thinking of the chimpanzees today! Jack and Sue do so much to support the sanctuary and we are honored that the chimpanzees are included in such a special day for your family. And from all of the primates here at CSNW, Happy Birthday, Zach!!

Burrito knows a thing or two about parties!

web Burrito lie on back bite fish toy enrichment look at camera greenhouse GH IMG_7204

Foxie and the power outage

by

It was a bit of a weird day at the chimp house today. For the past few days the area has been surrounded in freezing fog and the frost line can be seen just above where the sanctuary sits. The tree line above Young’s Hill is completely covered in hoar frost and it really looks magical. But even though it’s very cold outside, that hasn’t stopped the chimpanzees from venturing onto Young’s Hill for quick trips before returning to the warmth of the chimp house. Before going out this afternoon, I caught Foxie sitting in front of the door to Young’s Hill with her troll, seemingly debating if she felt like braving the cold with the other chimpanzees.

web_foxie_sit_door_y_with_troll_look_out_kd_IMG_7333

Foxie and her troll seemed to have a brief consultation over the situation.

web_foxie_sit_door_y_look_at_troll_kd_IMG_7335

I guess they came to an agreement and then Foxie tossed the troll on her back and off they went.

web_foxie_backside_troll_on_back_walk_up_yh_kd_IMG_7316

Foxie on a platform with the icy tree line behind her.

web_foxie_platform_yh_frosty_trees_kd_IMG_7308

Other than the cold temperatures, the freezing fog hasn’t seemed to affect things too much down here. Until today. In the middle of the afternoon we suddenly lost power. This isn’t a common occurrence, and when it does happen, it usually doesn’t last long. Again, until today. It seems the ice had weighed down the power lines. When it became apparent that it might be awhile before our power was restored we ushered the chimpanzees inside and began our emergency protocol to get the generator running and make sure the chimp house stayed warm.

Here’s Jody bringing in her prized chunk of ice she found in one of the tire swings on the hill.

web_jody_yh_ice_in_mouth_kd_IMG_7336

Of course, the chimpanzees knew something was going on but handled it all with ease. Thankfully the power company arrived quickly and went to work on the problem. Not without the supervision of Foxie (and her troll), who watched from the window, where she kindly allowed me to snap a photo of her beautiful face.

web_foxie_fr_power_outage_kd_IMG_7885

Perhaps thanks to Foxie and her troll’s supervision, the power company had everything up and running again just in time for dinner. One thing’s for sure, there is never a dull moment at the chimp house.

In loving memory of Dr. Mel

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Pam and Steve Powers in memory of Dr. Mel Richardson. Pam and Steve shared the following beautiful sentiments:

“In loving memory of Dr. Mel. We are in awe of the special things he did for all the animals. His sense of humor and wonderful smile made us love to be in the same room with him. We love you Mel and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Steve and Pam Powers.”

Dr. Mel was a truly special person who made such a difference in the lives of all those he met, humans and non-humans alike. He is greatly missed. Pam and Steve, thank you so much for sponsoring a day for the chimpanzees in honor of Dr. Mel. What a kind and generous way to honor his life and memory.

Burrito - January calendar photo

The Annie bird

by

This afternoon has been warm enough that most of the chimpanzees have spent their time relaxing in the greenhouse. But I caught Annie inside the play room enjoying a peaceful nesting spot next to the window, in the sun.

web_annie_lie_on_back_nest_catwalk_kd_IMG_7709

It’s always a joy to see Annie (and all of the chimpanzees) so relaxed and content.

web_annie_lie_upside_down_look_at_camera_closeup_kd_IMG_7719

And this is usually the time when we see (and hear) her endearing “Annie-isms” such as clapping her feet together and making her patented “bird noises.” She makes these sounds by blowing against her hands (seen below) in a manner that is similar to what humans do to whistle. Hearing the elusive “Annie bird” always brings a smile to our faces because we know it means she is happy and relaxed.

web_annie_make_bird_noises_look_at_camera_kd_IMG_7715

But then the warmth of the winter sun just felt too good…

web_annie_lie_down_look_at_camera_closeup_kd_IMG_7733

web_annie_lie_on_catwalk_look_at_camera_kd_IMG_7726

web_annie_lie_on_catwalk_snoozy_kd_IMG_7722

web_annie_sleep_on_catwalk_kd_IMG_7725

web_annie_sleeping_in_sun_pr_kd_IMG_7730

Today is for human Annie!

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Elizabeth Cromer in honor of Annie Norris! Elizabeth shared this lovely message for Annie:

“We would like to sponsor this day to you, Annie. You are so very special to us and God knew we needed you in our lives. Thanks for loving us. We know you are a blessing to all the chimps and everyone you come in contact with. Love, the Cromer clan and your Daddy-O.”

Annie is not only a dedicated chimp house volunteer, but she helps us out in countless other ways, including playing an instrumental role in the planning, coordination, and success of our events. Annie has a beautiful, big heart and we humans and chimpanzees are all so fortunate to have her as part of the CSNW family. Elizabeth, thank you so much for sponsoring today for the chimpanzees in Annie’s honor!

Human Annie’s Pals, Missy and Annie Chimpanzee, sharing a relaxing moment together:

web Missy Annie on deck greenhouse GH IMG_4076

Today is in memory of Dr. Mel

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Dr. Mel Richardson by Laura Handzel. Laura shared: “I’ll miss Dr. Mel and his smile. I’m grateful for everything I learned from him and for all he did for the animals, especially those at CSNW.”

As many of you are aware, the animals of the world (human and otherwise) lost a dear friend in Dr. Mel recently. While our loss is immeasurable, so is his legacy. Dr. Mel’s was a life well lived and a model of how to walk in the world as a human. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and all of us here wouldn’t be the same without being so fortunate to have been a part of his extraordinary life.

Laura, thank you so much for honoring Dr. Mel in such a thoughtful way.

Here is another fan of living life to the fullest, Dr. Mel’s Pal, Jody:

Jody weed in mouth

Today is for Burrito Chimpanzee!

by

Today was sponsored for Burrito Chimpanzee in honor of his 31st birthday, by his Pal, Tracy Headley! There is probably not a day that goes by that Burrito doesn’t melt one of our hearts. Whether he’s biting on something while he plays (a toy, a fire hose, the caging, his own foot…), having a raucous game of chase or tug o’ war ending with him shyly gazing at you as he offers you a kiss or presents his belly for a knuckle rub, laughing uncontrollably when you blow in his ear, food squeaking with utter joy and abandon over his favorite (or any!) food, hugging his good friend, Foxie, becoming more courageous each day as he patrols Young’s Hill with Jamie, or just sitting there being his handsome self, his endearing qualities are countless.

As the youngest member of the Cle Elum 7, and the only male, Burrito doesn’t always have it so easy. This usually comes as the result of getting himself into trouble with the ladies due to his confusion around appropriate chimpanzee social skills. Having been born in a lab and denied the nurturing care of his mother or the role modeling of an adult male chimpanzee, it makes sense. But one thing is certain above anything else. Burrito is dearly loved by his family and friends, chimpanzee and human alike.

Party preparations are underway and as no party for Mr. B would be complete without plenty of food, you can bet he is going to be happy so check back later today to see the celebration! And while you are waiting, you can learn more about Burrito here.

Thank you so much for sponsoring today for this special guy, Tracy!! Happy Birthday, Burrito, we love you!!!

web_burrito_relaxed_face_hold_streamer_play_cute_seahawks_party_GH_dg_MG_6014