Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

In memory of Carlene

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Joseph Garza in memory of his beautiful late wife, Carlene. Joseph shared this lovely message about Carlene:

“Today would have been Carlene’s 62nd birthday and she would have been overjoyed to have this as a gift. Carlene K. Olsen-Garza, a lover of all things wild and beloved follower of the Seven. She would be overjoyed to hear of the reunion of Missy and Honey B, just as I when I heard the news. I’ve not been able to attend HOOT these past few years, but the Seven are never far from my thoughts and wells wishes. My late wife Carlene would be thrilled with all that’s been done for these magnificent creatures and the hope that the Board of Directors, Staff and supporters have shown through their hard work and generous contributions. BRING THEM HOME!”

Joseph, thank you for continuing to hold the chimpanzees in your heart and allowing us to celebrate Carlene and her loving heart and legacy with you. Her legacy continues to grow here, now making a difference in the lives of Honey B, Willy B and Mave, as well as all who may follow them here to this sanctuary home. We think of you both always and are wishing you and your family a day filled with comfort, love and treasured memories.

Annie and Missy enjoying “Carlene’s Tower”, the structure which Carlene’s family won the naming rights to in an auction:

Jamie:

A thunderous display

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It’s been a thunderous day, literally and figuratively. The chimpanzees have spent much of yesterday and today in a wild call and response of displays with one another. Hoots, hollers, kicks to the windows and “howdy” door and all manner of vocalizations, some of which we’ve never heard the likes of before, have been ringing throughout the chimp house.

Both groups were served lunch just about the time a thunderstorm rolled over the sanctuary which seemed to amplify their echoing expressions and emotions. Sweet Mave ran in from her nest in the new Phase I chute which leads outside and spent a long time sitting in the doorway alarm calling. She should be familiar with the occasional rainstorm at her former home, but who knows how she felt about them or why she found them alarming today exactly. Sometimes even familiar things sound different in new surroundings. After several minutes of continued calling, I wondered if Mave had perhaps seen a snake or something so I grabbed a blanket for cover and ran outside of the Phase I windows to check for “intruders,” but the coast appeared clear, to these human eyes at least. Honey B greeted me with her face pressed against the windows and breathy pants of reassurance and the three seemed to come to the conclusion that if I was okay running around out there, they must be okay running around inside.

And finally, exhausted from a stormy day of emotions and weather, and bellies full from lunch, the chimp house grew quiet and still. Everyone curled up, heavy eyes occasionally cast skyward at the sound of rain on the rooftops, they all fell asleep.

Beautiful Honey B:

Handsome Willy B, listening to the storm:

The enchantment of a summer afternoon

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The chimp house was a flurry of happenings this morning. With two groups of chimpanzees currently living in separate areas while Mave, Willy B and Honey B complete their quarantine, we’ve had to get a little creative in dividing everyone up to care for the chimps and their respective homes. Add in visits with old friends and new, and construction as our good friend, Gary McInnis of Sage Mechanical, and his wonderful colleagues, work hard to wrap up completion of the new tunnel which leads outside from Phase I and will allow Mave, Willy B and Honey B to venture into the fresh air and sunshine while they await the end of their quarantine and their chance to enjoy Young’s Hill. The chimp house was a hive of activity.

So this afternoon when things suddenly grew still and quiet after lunch it was as if a spell had been cast. An enchantment had fallen over the chimp house.

I went out to the greenhouse and Missy quietly came over and asked me to groom her and a few minutes later Burrito decided to join us. It’s always a gift when the chimpanzees invite us to interact with them, but when other chimpanzees approach we will typically disengage so they can spend their time bonding with one another. Their relationships with one another are always the priority in our minds. But this afternoon, Burrito and Missy seemed happy to include me in their grooming session and as we three sat huddled closely together in one shady corner of the greenhouse, everyone else relaxed and dozed around us in the summer breeze filled afternoon. It was so quiet. So still.

Negra:

Burrito grooming Missy’s brow:

Annie rested nearby:

Jody fell sound asleep. I watched her for some time, in awe really. Her tiny feet clasped together, the breeze ruffling her hair and the leaves of the bamboo. She took a deep sigh, her body twitching in some dream only she will know:

Sweet Foxie, her eyes growing heavy:

To hear the chimpanzees sigh in ease and contentment, to watch their hair blow in the warmth of a breeze as they doze and dream in this home, their home, that you make possible for them…in that enchanted space my heart just swelled with thankfulness for it all.

The chimp days of summer

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Even though the days are warm, autumn’s in the air earlier this year than we’ve been accustomed to. Shadows are lengthening, nights grow chilly and homes are just that little bit darker, that little bit sooner. But for now, everyone is soaking in these late summer days of ease. The days are buzzing with bees and nights humming with frogs and crickets.

I realize some folks may not appreciate seeing this lovely, harmless orb weaver, but I’m always thrilled at the first sighting as they are a sure sign of autumn. We don’t usually see them here until October. And this one is perfectly camouflaged in the tomato patch:

Foxie:

The pollinators are finally out in swarms:

When I went to check on the seven this afternoon I was so delighted to see them all melted together in a big group grooming session. Jamie isn’t always one to groom with her chimp friends and when she does she will often disengage upon sight of the humans. When she saw me she started to head my way and then she paused, ultimately choosing to stick with her friend Foxie. As much as we love spending time with the chimps, it fills our hearts to see them bonding with one another.

Foxie and Jody:

Foxie and Jamie:

Annie:

Burrito and Missy:

Negra:

I didn’t get a chance to get photos of Honey B, Mave and Willy B’s summer happenings today, but they’ve been busy enjoying sun-filled views and lots of play with their caregivers today.

On the hunt for wild greens

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The chimpanzees made a group dash for Young’s Hill this morning after breakfast, everyone filing up the hill along the perimeter together. Then to our delight, they all decided to hang on the upper structures, Jamie’s Tower and Carlene’s Tower together. But Ms. Jody was on the lookout for something exciting to eat. And being “Farmer Jo,” as we endearingly call her, naturally, she came back with a prize.

Jody and Burrito:

This technique 🙂

And two bonus Negra and troll photos:

Our newest family members, Honey B, Willy B, and Mave continue to loosen up and settle in more with each passing day. I arrived this morning to find Honey B racing and ripping and flailing around playfully, much like Foxie does, instigating a game of chase. I wasn’t able to capture any photos today, but they all enjoyed an afternoon of selfies and checking out some recent videos. I showed the video from Missy’s birthday bash last Friday which they all wanted to watch a few times. They seemed to really enjoy the jazzy music so I also showed this older one of Foxie and her belly button and troll doll which appeared to be a personal favorite of Willy B’s. Every time it ended he’d bounce up and down frantically which I took for “Play it again!” So of course, I did. I even noticed him rubbing his toes together while he watched it. 😉

Happiest day to you, Arlene!

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Our dear supporters, Michael and Arlene, are celebrating Arlene’s birthday today and Michael sponsored a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in her honor. These two humans have the biggest hearts and we’re so grateful to have them as part of our chimp (growing!) family.

Michael and Arlene, thank you so very much for always holding the chimps in your thoughts and your hearts and for the lasting difference you’ve made in their lives.

Arlene, we hope you’ve had the best of birthdays and that your heart is full. Happiest of days from all of us here!

Negra:

Annie and Missy:

Foxie and Burrito:

And hoots from Mave, Willy B and Honey B, too!