Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

Happy Birthday, Nancy and Darrell!

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This day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees was sponsored by Krissy Brasfield, one of our amazing chimp house volunteers, in honor of her parents, Nancy and Darrell Brasfield! Krissy shared this lovely note about her gift:

“I’m sponsoring this day in honor of my folks’ 75th birthdays! Mom’s is today, the 27th, dad’s was on the 25th. My folks are both very compassionate animal lovers, and passed that love on to me. Now, they are living vicariously through my volunteer experience at CSNW – reading the blog, watching the videos, and listening to me yammer on incessantly about every little detail about my new chimpanzee friends! I hope that they get the opportunity to visit the sanctuary some day! I love you, mom and dad! Happy Birthday!”

Krissy, you so clearly hold the chimpanzees in your heart and consistently think of ways to contribute to their lives. From our hearts, thank you for all you do.

Nancy and Darrell, happiest of birthdays to you both from all of the primates here at CSNW! We’re so glad to be able to celebrate your special days with you!

The boss of Krissy (and us all), beautiful Jamie:

On one occasion this winter when we were running low on snow at the sanctuary, Krissy made a special snow delivery for Burrito from the next town over!

Annie, Missy and Foxie:

The Sun King

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Despite having a bit of a sideways blowing snowstorm yesterday, we found most of it melted today. (Don’t worry, Burrito has eaten his weight in snow so far today as the shady spots still hold plenty for snacking). The sun is in full bloom, but we have a freezing prequel to the infamous spring winds of the area that have been thundering through the sanctuary like a freight train all day. Even though everyone has access to their outdoor areas, the wind is just too much for any of the chimpanzees to tolerate being outside in it seems, so everyone has been melted into their individual sun puddles on both sides of the chimp house.

Behold, Willy B, the Sun King:

Happy Birthday, Jan!

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Today was sponsored by Linda and Jody Shuger for Jan Carroll! Linda and Jody shared this message about their gift:

“CSNW is Jan’s #1 charity and Burrito is her #1 favorite chimp! Sending some gifts to Burrito so he can celebrate with Janet since his birthday was not too long ago! Happy Birthday Janet and Happy Belated Birthday Burrito!! Love, Linda and Jody”

Linda and Jody, thanks so much for including us in your celebration of Jan and her love for the chimps AND for giving us another opportunity to celebrate our guy, Burrito (whose birthday was on January 6th)! We so appreciate your heartfelt generosity and the joy you’ve helped bring to these lives.

Happy Birthday, Jan! We hope this is the best one yet and just like the chimps’, may your each year ahead be better than the last. Thank you so much for loving these special chimp people.

Burrito:

Today is for Dr. Jessica Mayhew!

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Today was sponsored by Alexandra Sacco in honor of Dr. Jessica Mayhew! Jessica (colloquially known around here at least, as “Mayhew” 🙂 ) is currently an Assistant Professor in Anthropology at Central Washington University where she also serves as Director of the Primate Behavior and Ecology Program. Not only is Jessica a dedicated advocate and mentor for so many students, many of whom serve as volunteers and interns here at the sanctuary, but she serves as a volunteer caregiver as well as a member of the sanctuary’s Board of Directors.

Alexandra shared this note about her gift today: “To an all around amazing person. Thank you for everything you do for all primates, including all the graduate students that are lucky enough to work with you!”

Alexandra, thanks so much for honoring Jessica today and making a difference in the chimps’ lives, just as she does!

Jessica, we’re incredibly lucky to have you as part of our chimp family and happy to get to celebrate you and your wonderfulness today!

Cutie Burrito:

Beautiful Annie:

Sweet Jody:

Amazing Honey B:

After the storm

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We left last night to a forecast of maybe an inch of snow. Within hours there was a complete snowstorm! Because the snow was blowing sideways at home, I decided to check the camera to see what was happening here at the sanctuary which typically receives more snow and saw much the same, just taken up a level:

But we woke to stunning blue skies and a breathtaking winter landscape and after a particularly dicey drive to work we arrived to J.B. busy on the plow and the front gate of the chimp house:

But it was so beautiful today:

When we walked into the chimp house, Chad and I immediately looked at the cameras and sweet Burrito was front in center, listening for us, ready to put in his snow order. I cannot tell you how much snow the chimps ate today! They couldn’t get enough!

And even Honey B may be on her way to becoming a Pacific Northwest mountain chimp! Chad captured her EATING SNOW this morning!!

The hair <3:

And in fact, Chad came to the rescue in the midst of our super busy day and captured all of these photos of the beautiful chimps today. Here’s sweet Mave:

Jamie decided the table full of snow, wagon full of snow, and bucket full of snow were ALL hers. Every time someone stopped to enjoy themselves at the table, she pulled it away from them! But we account for the boss lady’s ways and there’s always enough for everyone:

Jamie was soooo excited. We’d put a forage of pumpkin seeds, raisins (a favorite of hers) and fresh longan fruit from a dear friend in the snow:

Queen Negra even enjoyed herself immensely today (Burrito, Jamie, and Annie background):

I just passed out a final round of snow that the chimps took to their night nests and they’re all are tucked in to cozy, warm beds. And I’m headed home before it’s dark and icy. Have a beautiful evening everyone!

In special memory for Antionette

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Antoinette Bronson for her wedding anniversary and she shared this touching message about her gift:

“This is the first anniversary since my husband died and I wanted to honor his memory and the love we shared in a special way. Thank you for all you do to help the chimps in your care!”

Antoinette, thank you so much for sharing your heart, and such a special day, with the chimpanzees. We are deeply sorry for your loss and are touched that you would choose to make a difference in the chimpanzees’ lives as a way to honor your husband and your lives together. All of us here are sending you all the good thoughts and may this day bring memories of comfort, joy and ease to your heart.

Missy and Annie:

Happy Valentine’s Day, Matt!

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This lovely day of sanctuary was sponsored by Sharon Langone for her husband, Matt Langone!

“Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband, Matt! We both love the work the team does at the sanctuary on Valentine’s Day and all year round- so it seemed fitting!”

Sharon and Matt, thank you so much for your support of the chimpanzees and cattle who call Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest home! We so appreciate your love for them and all of us here wish you a beautiful day filled with all, and who, you most love.

Chimpanzees “hug” and “kiss” all the time. And while it’s nearly impossible for us humans not to equate these gestures with our own human equivalents, in chimp lingo they are typically gestures of greeting and reassurance. But I don’t believe there is any less heart behind them. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! (Naturally, be sure to tune in later for the chimps’ party 🙂 ).

Annie and Missy:

Jody and Missy:

Jody and Missy:

An oldie, but goodie of Foxie and her troll doll:

Burrito: