There’s something about rainy days that make contemplation, napping and relaxing seem like the perfect things to do.
When She’s Not Constantly Moving….
When one’s mission in life is to stay in motion, to go from point A to point B, running as fast as one can, climbing everything in sight, exploring new structures and tightrope walking (well, in this case it’s fire hose walking), it can be hard to get good closeup pictures. Do you know which chimpanzee I am describing? I’ll give you a hint, she was one of the chimps featured in yesterday’s blog.
If you guessed Missy, then you are right!!
Be sure to stay tuned for the Jamieween celebration (Jamie’s birthday and Halloween combined) happening tomorrow!
True Altruism
“True altruism is caring for places you will never visit, people you will never meet and a future you will never see.” – Author unknown –
I was looking at Jane Goodall’s Facebook page the other day and came across the above quote. As I read the words, I couldn’t help thinking of all of the people who have and will continue to advocate for chimpanzees across Africa who have suffered as the result of deforestation, the pet trade and the bush meat trade. Many of these people are fighting for animals in places they will never have the chance to visit.
And then I read the quote again and couldn’t help but think of all of the Cle Elum Seven supporters around the world. Many supporters will never be able to meet these chimps, yet, they continue to love and support them.
Reading the quote one more time, I thought about the countless number of people fighting for a future they were not sure they’d ever see; an end to biomedical research on chimpanzees in the United States. I think Diana did a great job of describing how our society has shifted toward “greater understanding and compassion” It takes a lot of people and a lot of time, but change does happen and a future we dreamed about is happening now.
Thank you to all those who care about and advocate for, the places, the people and the future you may never see.
Foxie (look close to see Annie’s head poking out in the background)
The Chimps and Young’s Hill
When I think of the chimp that spends the most time in the chimps’ 2 acre outdoor enclosure, I think of Jamie. On any given day, she’s busy walking, watching, inspecting, patrolling and sometimes even just taking in the views, all from Young’s Hill. And when the weather is right, she stays out late until the last bit of sunlight fades into darkness. So, it seems appropriate that I associate her with Young’s Hill.
Here’s a picture taken of Jamie last week on her solo trip around the hill.
But, as I walked out to meet Jamie for her first perimeter walk around Young’s Hill this morning (I, safely on the outside of the electric fences and her on the inside) almost all of the other chimps were already on the hill. Annie, Foxie and Burrito were already climbing to the top of Jamie’s Lookout at the uppermost part of the hill. Missy was busy running around and Jody was on the lookout for plants to forage.
When I saw the other chimps already on the hill this morning, it really dawned on me how much each of the chimpanzees at CSNW have changed throughout the past eight years. Each and every one of the chimps is growing more confident and adventurous as they choose to spend more and more time exploring their open air, outdoor enclosure.
And now, when I think about Young’s Hill, I think about Negra staying out late to forage on the wild plants on top of Young’s Hill. I think about Burrito climbing to the top of the highest structures and Annie and Foxie spending more and more time exploring on their own. I think of Missy’s acrobatic moves off of any and everything she can find and Jody’s never-ending search for wild plants to forage upon. Of course, I’ll continue to think about Jamie and her perimeter patrols, but I’m so glad to think of Young’s Hill and every one of the chimps now.
Annie on top of Jamie’s Lookout.
Foxie joined Annie on top of the tower.
After looking around, the chimps started making their way back down the structure and back toward the building.
Once the girls made their way down the ladder, Burrito quickly followed.
Missy was a blur most of the time she was on the hill this morning, but I was able to catch her as she sat for a minute (more like a couple of seconds) on top of one of the structures.
Jody grabbed a bite from the spruce tree that JB planted on the hill (it was used as a Christmas tree a few years ago.)
What Does Burrito Love?
Burrito loves food, but he also loves to play, like Jamie loves boots and Foxie loves dolls. He incorporates various enrichment objects that we give to the chimps each day to initiate play (usually it’s a wooden or plastic toy, but sometimes a slinky is involved). He does this by biting on the object, followed by a quick head nod and foot stomp oriented toward his human caregivers. With an invitation like this, it’s hard to pass up.
First, it was this yellow toy….
…and then it was both of them together. He had a couple of great play sessions with volunteer caregiver Holly and these two pieces of enrichment.
I caught him in a quiet moment this afternoon with this wooden toy in his mouth. But, it didn’t take long before we were playing another game of chase.
Stuffed Socks With Raffia
Every day at the sanctuary has an enrichment theme. This enables staff and volunteers to mix up the various enrichment given to the chimps and how it is given. This way, each day is different. Some examples of these themes include “Fort Day” or “Troll Scarves Day” or “Giant Pile Day” to name a few.
We also rotate the enrichment that is given to the chimps each evening. The evening enrichment given is in the form of food puzzles. It’s not that we need to give the chimps more food at the end of the day, it’s more to give them something to work on, while staff and volunteers are busy finishing the checklist of things to do before leaving each day. Pine cones, drink buckets, KONGS and hanging puzzles are some examples of the types of puzzles given throughout the month.
Here is the calendar of evening enrichment for last month.
Stuffed socks is another type of puzzle for the chimps. Volunteers stuff long socks with paper and other clothing items, and add a small handful of nuts, seeds and dried fruit within. This way the chimps have to search through the sock to find the hidden treats. The socks can be hidden throughout the enclosure or tied to various caging and railings (using raffia).
Here are photos from “Stuffed Socks with Raffia” puzzle given to the chimps last month.
Annie took her socks and sat on the ledge to open them.
Jamie preferred to gather some of the socks and sit on the floor to open them.
Taking In The View, Together
What could possibly be better than taking in a view like this on such a beautiful fall day?
…sharing the view with your best friend (Annie on the left, Missy on the right).
These two chimpanzees are the best of friends. They’re constantly playing together and are often in close proximity to one another. They also build blanket nests side-by-side. It’s no wonder, they would also choose to share some quiet time together.