Bray

Drama and Dora on the Bray

October 27, 2024 by Diana

I mentioned this incident in a comment on my blog post from last week. There was some interest from blog readers to see the footage of this fight in which Dora is interested enough to go onto the Bray, but apparently only wanted to watch, not participate, as she made a break for it when the intensity increased.

Dora can be a force when she does get involved in conflicts, so it’s just as well that she chose to stay out of it this time.

While fights are not uncommon, even in groups like Cy’s that fight more than the average, the amount of time they spend in conflict is minuscule compared the amount of time they spend in friendship.

Most of their days are filled with comfort and joy… which is why we are holding the third annual Comfort and Joy Quid Pro Throw online auction from October 31 – Nov 20. We will be adding items throughout, so check in daily.

*New this year* – if you register for the Comfort and Joy online auction, you’ll be a guest (virtually) at Lucky’s birthday on November 6th! So, don’t delay, register today.

Rayne: Supportive Queen

October 18, 2024 by Sabrina

We have talked quite a bit about issues that arise when shifting the chimps around in their areas, but recently I had to delay shifting because Honey B was busy entertaining herself out on the Bray, what unfolded over the 30 or so minutes that followed very much made the delay worth it. You can check it out in today’s video!

Adventures with Honey B

September 16, 2024 by Ellen Brady-McGaughey

In today’s video, watch as Honey B explores her group’s outdoor habitat, the Bray! She seems to be gaining confidence in exploring this large outdoor space every day, and it is wonderful to watch.

Below are some lovely photos shared with us by a supporter, Christiane Leibrandt, who captured these beautiful images of Honey B during a recent visit to the sanctuary.

Thank you for these gorgeous photos, Christiane!

Man about Town

July 28, 2024 by Diana

Willy B used to be very avoidant of the grass and dirt outside. Remember? Watch this video from May 8, 2020.

And look at these photos of him today!

Mave is also getting more and more adventurous outside. Today, she followed Gordo out and convinced him to give her two of the three whole red peppers he had found in the forage.

I didn’t get good photos of it, but Willy B was actually the last one on the Bray. He was out there for so long that Mave eventually came outside and waited for him to come back inside – it reminded me of Jody doing the same for her friends when she thought it was time for them to return.

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent in gifts from out wish lists for Christmas in July. There are still items to purchase for the sanctuary, mostly on our Jerrols wish list, which you can find here. Buying from the Jerrol’s list also supports a family business that is local to the sanctuary!

We are very excited about all of the items we have received and you’re sure to see them popping up on the blog in the next few weeks. Thank you again!!

The Top of the Bray Club

May 27, 2024 by J.B.

Looking for Cy, Lucky, Terry, Gordo, and Rayne? Better lace up your hiking boots and prepare for a workout because they’ve been spending their afternoons at the top of the Bray.

PNW Chimp Activities

May 26, 2024 by Grace

No two days are quite the same here in the chimp house and that’s part of the fun! At first, my plan for the blog today was to give you the above video I was lucky enough to catch of Jamie and Missy in a quiet grooming session after breakfast from the other day. Kelsi and I were cleaning the playroom and when I looked over to the window, I was excited to see them spending quality time together!

And then today happened. Today has been a bit busier and the chimps are off doing their own thing. We decided to do forages for both groups today since it was cool, cloudy, and not too windy. A light sprinkle of rain came not too long after when us humans were off eating lunch, so when I went over to check on Cy’s side after lunch I was surprised to see Lucky, Terry, Cy, and Gordo all out on the very top of the Bray! Lucky and Gordo spent a lot of time exploring the new structure that was put in last weekend. It was amazing to see them so confident in themselves as they climbed to the top and walked across the firehose!

There must have been something about today, because then I looked over and saw Burrito and Foxie meandering around Young’s Hill. These PNW chimps didn’t let a bit of rain get in the way of their afternoon adventures! 🙂 So today’s blog has become a video of two friends grooming + photos from today, because I couldn’t choose just one!

Negra wrapped up in her blanket after foraging on Young’s Hill.

Negra foraging on Young’s Hill. 🙂

Jamie with some serious side-eye during today’s lunch forage.

Foxie went back out later in the afternoon and scored some sweet potatoes that had been missed earlier!

Annie taking a moment during the lunch forage to see what everyone else was up to.

This afternoon, Burrito decided to take an enrichment item (a stack-able cup) up to the top of a structure on Young’s Hill to enjoy!

I mean, does it get any better than this?

Terry during today’s lunch forage. Look at that beautiful green spring grass!

Sweet Lucky

Lucky and Gordo exploring the new structure on the Bray!

Go, Gordo, go!

Cy opted to bring his reading material out with him. 🙂

New Things Outside!

May 19, 2024 by Diana

As Sabrina mentioned yesterday, we’ve had a crew of folks out yesterday and part of today making some wonderful enhancements to the outdoor habitats on both sides – Young’s Hill for the original group and The Bray for the group of nine from Wildlife Waystation.

The motivated crew was led by none other than the founder of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Keith LaChappelle! Huge thanks go to Keith and everyone who accompanied him for all the work they got done!

Enhancements included planting trees along newly-installed irrigation lines, finishing and adding cool fire hose “roofs” to the new climbing platforms, and creating more resting areas. They had the opportunity to see the chimpanzees enjoy the new additions when we set out a forage for both groups.