Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Lisa

On Young’s Hill

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The chimpanzees’ relationship with Young’s Hill has certainly developed over the time they have had access to it. Sanctuary has provided them with the room to run physically as well as the room to expand psychologically. Not only have they grown as individuals as a result of the space provided but their relationships and sense of self appear to have evolved as well. Today, in honor of the gift that space provides, here is a visual exposition of the chimpanzees experiencing the splendor of Young’s Hill.

Annie foraging:
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Jamie walking through the grass:
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Burrito climbing over logs:
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Missy smiling while running:
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Foxie sitting up on one of the wooden climbing structures:
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Jody walking through the grass:
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Negra enjoying the sun (a repeat but one of my favorites!):
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Paparazzi

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As the weather turns from summer’s heat to winter’s chill the chimpanzees are adjusting their habits accordingly. The panels for the greenhouse walls have all been returned and the chimpanzees are finding the most pleasant spots to spend their time. The windows in the catwalk of the playroom are, of course, a reliable favorite. Recently the top wooden platform of the climbing structure in the greenhouse appears to have developed into a popular (and, most likely, the warmest) hang out during the day. While cleaning in the playroom today I realized the catwalk afforded a vantage point of this coveted spot that is pretty well hidden from view otherwise.

Here are the chimpanzees enjoying the warmth of the greenhouse at their leisure.

Missy & Jody playing together:
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Jody catches me taking pictures:
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Missy & Negra playing AND catching me with the camera:
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Community

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Chimpanzees are not primarily, by nature, solitary but rather highly social creatures. Free-living chimpanzees in Africa are part of communities, groups that can range from few individuals to many and are subject to a hierarchical social structure. Captive chimpanzees do not always exhibit behaviors identical to those of their free-living relatives, however, the characteristics of group living are shared if modified by their unique experience. The benefits of group living vary, of course, depending on the individual, the position they might occupy within the social structure of a given group, and the particular circumstances of each group but, overall, the value of community cannot be overstated.

Community provides security and safety (as Debbie pointed out recently) by giving you backup in uncertain situations:
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Community provides a structure that helps maintain equilibrium by setting limits on socially acceptable behavior:
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Community provides family and friendship, a safe and supportive environment in which to live and grow: web_Annie_groom_Missy_close_up_eyes_closed_GH_ek_IMG_4117

In a culture that values individuality so highly there is, I think, much we can learn from chimpanzee culture. By embracing community we become invested and it is possible to accomplish so much more within a strongly motivated group than alone. Community can be large or small, inclusive or exclusive but I choose to value it for the positive potential it lends. Thank you for being a part of the community that provides care to these chimpanzees, we cannot provide sanctuary alone.

I leave you today with these words of wisdom from Dr. Seuss: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Words and Pictures

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I think, perhaps, that depends on the picture. I am still learning to use the cameras to capture the chimpanzees’ lives in sanctuary. Generally, I prefer to use words to express myself especially as quite a few of my pictures turn out to be worth quite a lot less! However, I have been practicing and these two recent photos capture the dignity and serenity of the chimpanzees who are the focus of each. Even though the weather is turning, the mornings are chilly, and the wind hints at snow, the chimpanzees enjoy the opportunities of Young’s Hill to the fullest each day.

Missy keeping watch from one of the climbing structures on Young’s Hill:
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Jody pausing to look back over her shoulder during her explorations of Young’s Hill:
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Can I get a witness?

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If you are familiar with Jane Goodall then you might also be familiar with the idea that chimpanzees use tools. In fact, you may remember that just last month J.B. posted an excellent blog about this subject. (If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, you should!) This tool use, exhibited by chimpanzees across Africa, is a skill acquired by social learning. Social learning, in simple terms, refers to the idea that we can learn by observing the example of someone else and applying this model to our own behavior. There have been many studies done with varying results that indicate that chimpanzees are competent social learners. This morning I snapped a series of photos of the observation stage between Burrito and Jamie on the treat mound. I’m excited to see Burrito put his knowledge into action although sometimes social pressure can influence decisions too and, today, neither Burrito nor I appeared to think that Jamie was interested in sharing!

Jamie using bamboo stalks to fish for applesauce in the treat mound while Burrito looks on:
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and on:
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and on:
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and on:
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Until giving up and moving on:
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All Agog

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You might notice by now that I often share blog posts about the things I have learned from my chimpanzee friends. It is my personal belief that a good caregiver is someone who, among other things, pays enough attention to the needs, wants, and moods of the individuals in their care to be able to provide the stability and flexibility that, I think, are so important to healthy and lasting relationships. It’s one of the things I value so much about the care-giving philosophy of CSNW as it allows the chimpanzees the opportunity to thrive and flourish even as living in sanctuary changes who they are and how they interact with the world. As an added benefit to this, I end up learning valuable lessons almost daily that I can (and try) to apply to the rest of my life. Today is no exception. Today I experienced the joy of allowing your companions to surprise you with their behavior rather than merely seeing what you have always expected to see. It’s awesome, and, for me, always a treat to be able to leave expectations behind. I love when the chimpanzee friends I have come to know surprise me with an unexpected request or an interaction like those I have included below and am grateful beyond measure for every chance I have to experience this.

I entered the chimp house in good spirits this morning to find Jamie in a similar state. Rather than the not unusual morning crankiness Jamie and I enjoyed a rowdy game of cowboy boot chase throughout the greenhouse, front rooms, and the playroom as a morning greeting. After chase, Jody approached me in the front rooms. She sat and looked directly up at the lights (which I had forgotten to turn on, being otherwise engaged in chase) and then looked directly at me. I looked up to see that the lights were dark and laughed saying, “I’m sorry, Jody, did you want me to turn those on for you?” When I returned from that task I found Jody sitting up on a bench delightedly inspecting the lights. Later, as I gave the chimpanzees access to Young’s Hill, I thought about how dismal the day seemed, threatening rain, windy and chilly and, to my mind, more than appropriate for the first day of autumn. To my surprise, all seven of the chimpanzees headed straight out on Young’s Hill taking advantage of the cool weather to enjoy a morning stroll!

Unfortunately, I was unable to capture these moments on film this morning but I’ve found a few pictures that I think best illustrate the feel of the morning to share with you.

Jamie wearing a boot in the playroom:
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Annie and Burrito on Young’s Hill:
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Jody looking as delighted in this picture as she did with the lights this morning:
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One short day

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Today has been busy, busy, busy here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. Not unusually but, nevertheless, enough to remark upon. Cleaning, and volunteers, and visitors, oh my! Throughout it all the chimpanzees appear content. The day is sunny and warm, their bellies are full, and life is good. There is nothing quite like the serenity of a late summer afternoon to remind you to take time to enjoy this moment, even amidst the craziness that is every day life.

Thank you, Missy Chimpanzee, for sharing the quiet of the warm, sleepy greenhouse with me today!

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