Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Kelsi

Jamie’s Favorite Pages

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Jamie is well-known around here for her love of books. She definitely has her favorites—books and magazines she can’t get enough of, topics like Lucy the Bonobo, cowboy boots, mummies, and larger-bodied apes. We can’t forget her fascination with Architectural Digest and Dwell. Jamie is always open to venturing outside her usual genres to try new things, but today, I found her with one of her all-time classics: a National Geographic.

What I find so endearing about Jamie is that when she really likes something in a book or magazine, she will tear it out and put it in her pelvic pocket, you know, for safe keeping. Often, we have to check with her while we are cleaning to make sure we are not throwing away a special page that she was saving for later. Otherwise, she will make you sift through the trash for her beloved saved page later. Most of the time it is easy to spot a page Jamie will want you to save, because it has been folded many times due to being stored in her pelvic pocket. That is usually is a good sign to us that we should take it out and put it in a safe place, until we can return it to her.

As you go through this photo series and video, you will notice pages of the magazine in both pelvic pockets.

Bonus photo series of Annie in the greenhouse:

Raffle Ticket Mischief

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Last Wednesday, I put out a whole roll of raffle tickets for the chimps, but specifically Burrito. I wasn’t sure if anyone would actually play with the tickets, but if they didn’t play with them, they could be used for nesting! But, of course, Burrito being the silly, playful chimp he is, couldn’t resist getting his friend, Foxie, in on the fun. It’s no surprise—his antics are always a little contagious!

The Gentle Touch of Aunt Neggie

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I wanted to give you all a little update on our “Aunt Neggie“. Back in March, Jenna wrote a blog about Negra starting to carry dolls around with her, though at the time, it seemed a bit inconsistent. Since then, however, Neggie has continued this heartwarming habit, and it’s become a steady part of her daily routine. More and more frequently, she can be seen with a doll or stuffed animal in tow, often tucked in her pelvic pocket.

Today inspired me to share some of my Negra collection with you all. Something about her walking out onto Young’s Hill with Foxie’s troll doll really struck me. We can’t be for certain why she carries a doll around more now, but it sure is sweet to see! ❤️

Another interesting thing that happened was after Negra walked out, everyone can to greet her.

Negra with a Dora doll:

Negra with a plush new version of trolls:

Gabby Doll:

Encanto Disney doll:

Angel Cake, Strawberry close friend:

Bonus of Foxie with her new doll! Foxie hasn’t let this one out of her sights yet, but I am sure “Aunt Neggie” will get a turn to watch her soon 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be Bold, Be Brave

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Today, George had the chance to venture out onto the Bray once again. Watching him explore this new part of his world serves as a reminder of just how remarkable he truly is. He seems to be fearless—even though he’s nervous, it doesn’t seem to hold him back. Considering he’s never had a space like this before, seeing him go out on his own is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

You will notice at the end of the video, George is laying down on a structure. For me, this is a great sign of how much more at ease he’s becoming on the Bray.

When I think back to Willy B and Cy’s group during their first few outings, there was always someone there to offer reassurance and encouragement. But George? He’s learning all of this on his own, and it’s truly impressive to watch him face new experiences with such bravery. So much has changed for George, and he has grown exponentially since arriving here, but it’s his resilience and courage that allow him to embrace the unknown and stay curious every step of the way.

A Sanctuary Supper

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Let’s have dinner with Negra!

Negra enjoys the simple things in life: the feeling of warm sunshine, a good blanket nest, and a simple nightbag mix. Negra prefers to enjoy her nightbag somewhere quiet, such as her nest or a corner of the green house, where she can peacefully unwrap her bag slowly, savoring each bite with calm contentment.

Spending time with Negra is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the small, quiet joys in life. I hope you enjoy this video!

Bonus photo series of George try to groom me while I try to get a picture of him:

 

 

 

The Jamie Tax

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In the summer we have our gardens along the side of the building. Jamie’s side is filled with raspberries and currents! The moment one raspberry has grown on the bush, Jamie knows, and you have to pay the tax. Jamie’s summer tax goes something like this: You greet her in the morning, and you owe her a raspberry. You go to check the locks to let them out on Young’s Hill—currants. She has breakfast, lunch, or dinner—currants. You walk past her in the front rooms—raspberries. You play with Burrito in the greenhouse—currants—and then you’re free to continue! Nesting in the front rooms watching a movie? Raspberry. I think you get the gist!

This is just another reason I adore Jamie. She knows how to make sanctuary work for her and she knows how to hustle her caregivers!

 

 

 

Perfect Portrait

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Yesterday, I caught Foxie, Annie, and Negra each in the portrait studio (front room 4). For those who may not know, front room 4 always has exquisite lighting for taking portraits. However, the true test is if the chimps will sit there long enough for you to run and grab the camera before they leave! Luckily, all the girls stuck around long enough to snag a few pictures.

I love being able to capture portraits of the chimps because it’s a snapshot of their personality.

Foxie can be sweet, silly, and serious all in one sitting:

Negra’s series captured her excitment of chow:

And often in Annie’s photos it captures her shy but curious side:

It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky we are to witness the beauty and individuality of these chimps. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to share these moments with all of you.