Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Annie

Chimpy Business

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It felt like Spring today. The sun was out and there were virtually no clouds in the sky. Just like in Spring, Jamie and her group wanted onto Young’s Hill right away to finish their breakfast chow outside.

Jamie was really happy to enjoy her chow outside.

She really, really, really seemed to enjoy her chow outside.

But after her last bit of chow was finished, it was back to business. Jamie, Foxie, Annie, Missy, Jody, and Burrito patrolled their outdoor enclosure. On their way back, they were greeted by Negra, who was waiting for them on one of the platforms.

Though patrolling can be serious business, Missy and Annie chased each other all the way down.

As the others made their way back to the indoor enclosures, Foxie decided to get some alone time.

Burrito, on the other hand, was on a mission to find the last snow patch on Young’s Hill.

As they were heading inside, Missy tried to get a peek on her neighbors.

Unfortunately for Missy, her neighbors decided to be inside at the time. Honey B was grooming Willy B. It seemed like it was a sweet, tender moment between two friends. But as you know, these chimpanzees can rarely contain their shenanigans. This is demonstrated in this photo series:

Grooming

Thinking about tickling Willy B.

Commence tickling!

Personally, my favorite part of capturing this sequence of events is you can almost see the shift in Honey B’s thought process. This tickle session lasted for a couple minutes before it turned into a pretty epic game of chase.

From our family to yours, we hope you have a great day!

Chasing Happiness

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Snow one day. Warm(ish) weather the next. This has been the weather pattern this winter. When we drive up to the sanctuary on the mornings with a fresh layer of snow that accumulated over night, we usually walk in to the sounds of Burrito excitedly trying to get our attention. He usually wants the freshest of snow. On the days when the weather is warmer and the snow begins to melt (like today), there always seems to be more sense of urgency to get our attention to hurry us to bring him as much snow as he can hold.

Even when you think there is no possible way he could want any more snow, he let’s you know it is definitely not enough.

Later, when the group of seven went on Young’s Hill this morning, Missy and Jody began a game of chase.

When Jody was done playing, Annie tagged in and a pretty epic game of chase and foot grab.

On the other side of the Chimp House, Willy B was in a super playful mood. He wore out the staff and volunteers in long games of chase. I had to sneak these photos of Willy B during one of his breaks from his games.

Honey B, on the other hand, decided which enrichment she wanted to use.

In the end, she chose to bundle up in a sweater she was given this past Christmas.

Watching the chimps decide which enrichment they want to use is one of the best moments. As Honey B did today, she picked up several enrichment items, inspected them each carefully, and decided what she wanted.

But the best enrichment is a grooming session with your friend in your fort.

An Edible Landscape

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Yesterday, Diana and myself shoveled pathways onto Young’s Hill. It was still pretty cold outside, and we didn’t see any of the chimpanzees go out. After a day and some sun, the snow began to slightly melt. With some wider paths created with the melting snow, the chimpanzees decided to venture out today. Negra (of all people) was the one waiting by the door to Young’s Hill and was very eager to head out. After a few feet, she realized she was alone and reached out to Annie for some reassurance, which Annie obliged.

Once reassurance was given, Negra was okay.

Once Annie was out, she was immediately followed by Missy and Foxie.

For Negra, Foxie, and Missy, their first order of business was to sit in the sun on the platform and take in the snowy landscape.

Annie, on the other hand, went straight for Negra’s Cabin.

Annie seemed quite cozy there and stayed in Negra’s Cabin for some time. For the others though, there were was a bounty of edible landscape to be had. Foxie decided to take her bounty on the go.

And like the den mother she always is, Jody had to monitor those out on Young’s Hill to ensure they came back safe.

We just passed out their nighttime enrichment (Kongs) to wrap up today. Jamie grabbed her Kongs and bolted for Young’s Hill before I could close it.

She just returned and seems pleased with her last patrol of the day. The rest of the chimpanzees are already snug in their nests and I can see on our security monitors Jamie has started to grab some blankets of her own. Until next time, friends!

In special memory for Antionette

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Antoinette Bronson for her wedding anniversary and she shared this touching message about her gift:

“This is the first anniversary since my husband died and I wanted to honor his memory and the love we shared in a special way. Thank you for all you do to help the chimps in your care!”

Antoinette, thank you so much for sharing your heart, and such a special day, with the chimpanzees. We are deeply sorry for your loss and are touched that you would choose to make a difference in the chimpanzees’ lives as a way to honor your husband and your lives together. All of us here are sending you all the good thoughts and may this day bring memories of comfort, joy and ease to your heart.

Missy and Annie:

The One with all the Sun

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You guys! I don’t want to jinx anything… But the sun is out, you can feel the warmth, and there were some really happy chimps! Fingers crossed this means spring is coming early. Please enjoy all these photos of the chimps basking in the sun.

Neggie took a small stroll:

Missy and Annie were sprinting all around the Hill, all day:

Burrito really enjoyed walking around with all the ladies:

I was able to capture a group action shot of almost everyone scattering onto the Hill in the morning when it first opened:

Jamie building her nest:

And modifying her blankets:

Mave grooming herself:

Honey B :

If your heart wasn’t melting before, it will be:

Honey B was just being so silly and funny. So funny that I would actually laugh out loud. She would be eating breakfast than suddenly roll around on a barrel and burst into a full sprint out into the Chute! She put her fanny pack on and press it up to the enclosure to have you look at it. She than would take it off and offer for her caregivers to wear it. Honey B just seemed to be in a really good mood. I thought I might share 🙂

 

 

Sanctuary and Enrichment

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As many of you all know, there are many different ways to enrich a chimp’s life. And here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest we have many different forms. We provide toys that the chimps like, blankets for nesting, food puzzles, and forages. We try really hard to find the chimps favorite items such as boots/books for Jamie, dolls for Foxie, wooden blocks for Burrito, Slinkies for Willy B, and etc. We also try to have their favorite produce, but also make sure they have a variety so they do not get bored of what they eat! Most importantly, we provide an outdoor area for the chimps to go outside. To see the chimps run freely and see no bars above their heads is Sanctuary to me and I hope them too.

As you will see in the video Anthony moved a giant mirror from the Greenhouse to the Mezzanine. We knew Willy B, Honey B, and Mave liked looking at themselves through our phones and cameras, not unlike us, it is natural for us to look at ourselves while we pass a mirror. Just as we thought the three loved it! It even makes a great displaying tool! Honey B spent a lot of time looking into it, climbing on it, and swinging it around. The other section in the video is of the seven chimps walking around the perimeter outside on Saturday. Jamie and Burrito lead the walk, Missy sprints to catch up, eventually Foxie joins at the last leg of the walk, and it ends with Jamie and Foxie chasing each other down the Hill. I quietly finish the walk with Burrito. I was reflecting on that walk and I am so thankful to see the chimps exploring their outdoor area and looking so carefree. Whenever I see Burrito walking around the Hill it warms my heart that he has healed so well and all the girls will walk around with him.

Snow in the winter is another great way to enrich the chimps! Last night it dumped snow, when I went to open Young’s Hill for the seven this morning the chimps ran out to grab snow.

Negra:

Burrito:

Little Foxie:

Annie:

Happy Birthday, Pam!

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Today was sponsored by Pam Powers who shared this lovely message about her kind gift:

“Celebrating my birthday, can’t think of a better way to celebrate the staff and chimps at the sanctuary than by sponsoring a day on my special day.”

Pam, thank you so much for choosing such an inspiring and compassionate gift for yourself and the chimpanzees! We so appreciate your generous heart! Happiest of birthdays from all of us at the sanctuary and we hope you have a beautiful day!

Honey B and Mave:

Mave

Annie and Missy: