Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Yesterday, Jamie spent some time in the clinic for a checkup. You will hear more on her procedure in the days to come, but rest assured that she is doing just fine!
Today, I wanted to show you what the rest of her crew has been up to since Jamie has been in isolation.
You know what they say!? When the cat’s away…
A few days ago, while cleaning the playroom on the original side of the building (where Jamie’s group lives), I heard some loud chimpanzee laughter coming from the front rooms. Of course, I was pretty sure who one of the chimps was, but who was he playing with? It was Annie! Playing in a big pile of pink raffle tickets! I really love seeing Annie able to let loose and enjoy playful interactions with her family. Being low on the social hierarchy can lead to stressful moments throughout the day, but Annie proves that she can still relax and kick up her heels with her friends once in a while.
Yesterday, you got to see Mave celebrate her 36th birthday! Did you miss it? If so, check it out here!
Today, you get to see what everyone was doing on the other side of the building! Jamie, Missy, Annie, Burrito, Foxie and Negra got to venture out onto Young’s Hill, their 2 acre outdoor habitat, to forage for all of the birthday goodies! They had coconuts, Dole Whip, baby heads of iceberg lettuce, corn and mini peppers. YUM! (No mango for this group due to Annie’s mango allergy. Bummer!)
It was quite windy outside, but most everyone braved the wind gusts to participate in the party treats! Can you guess who DID NOT brave the wind?
Today started very Fall like. This morning was a little darker, a little drizzly and a little bit chilly. The chimpanzees are really enjoying the cooler temperatures, and Jamie’s group of 6 headed right out onto Young’s Hill for their morning patrol. Even Negra ventured out, with a doll tucked into her pelvic pocket!
Come breakfast time, everyone meandered in from the Hill at their own pace. And surprisingly, Annie was the last one in, making Burrito pretty impatient for his breakfast! But then, Burrito doesn’t like to sit still for anything.
Come have breakfast with the chimps!
Today, Foxie and her twin baby doll friends went for a stroll around Young’s Hill. It’s unusual to find Foxie out and about without at least one of her “babies”.
Since her recent birthday, Foxie has been toting around one or more of her brand new dolls everywhere she goes. She takes them to meals, she naps with them, she plays games with them, and she goes on long walks with them.
Foxie LOVES her dolls! She carries them in her mouth, on her back, or in her pelvic pocket. She kisses them, tosses them, asks caregivers to babysit them, and she even disciplines them when needed.
Dolls are Foxie’s absolute favorite form of enrichment!
My favorite form of enrichment is a good book, especially a thriller! I’m currently reading The Only One Left by Riley Sager.
What’s your favorite form of enrichment?
Speaking of enrichment…our wish lists are chock-full of enrichment items and other staples that can be donated to keep our chimps as happy and healthy as can be! Thank you for checking it out!
Often times, while cleaning, we hear the joyful sound of chimpanzee laughter. How are we to continue when, nearby, chimpanzees are tickling, biting, poking, kissing, wrestling and pinching each other into hysterics!?
Today was one of those days!
Spend some time with Annie and Burrito and you’ll be sure to have a smile on your face!
Pineapple juice pool, floating gatorade ice treats, and a giant chunk of frozen pureed watermelon. A beautiful late spring, practically summer day. All of your friends together in a spacious greenhouse, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, admiring the stunning view.
What a perfectly delightful afternoon!
At least it WAS perfect. Until Rayne tried moving in on MY prized possession, that giant chunk of frozen pureed watermelon.
Sincerely,
Terry
