Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
After a summer full of heatwaves in Cle Elum, we’re greeting this week’s cooler temperatures (and even rain!) with open arms. Today the chimpanzees have been making the most of the break from the heat and spending lots of time outside on Young’s Hill. While adventure is great, it’s important to mix in some quiet time here and there. Here are my favorite portraits of the day.
Negra:
Missy:
Jody:
Jamie:
Foxie:
Burrito:
Annie:
Today’s forecast called for rain and cooler temperatures, so we thought about what sorts of rainy day activities we could set up for the chimpanzees. The enrichment theme for the day was Fort Day, which seemed more than appropriate, so staff and volunteer caregiver Lizz set about building forts in the Greenhouse and Playroom with blankets.
Jody is usually the one to take the forts apart in order to gather blankets for her nest, which is exactly what she did.
Jamie took it upon herself to find the perfect rainy day activity in one of the Front Rooms. Notice the boot and magazines within her nest.
Grooming is another perfect rainy day activity.
Jody
But, it didn’t take long before the weather changed. Instead of more rain, the skies cleared up and the sun came out. So much for rainy day activities; the chimps moved on to foraging and spending time on Young’s Hill instead.
Burrito
Foxie
Jamie
Don’t forget to check out the Summer Biddin’ online auction, which ends on September 1st. Bid on your favorite items and donate to help us exceed our fundraising goal!!
This afternoon I went in to shoot some photos of Burrito in the greenhouse. Instead of relaxing on a platform while I snapped a few photos, he immediately sauntered up to the caging (with a blue cup in his mouth) and initiated a game of tug with a plastic tube.
This presented a challenge in photography as it can be difficult to decently capture up-close images of a wily chimpanzee. I did my best though. My first impression of Burrito? Charming!
On a side note, this is a photo of Jody wearing a rainbow sock. Enjoy!
It’s hard to believe that youthful, exuberant, energizer-bunny Missy is turning 40 today. She might be in the running for World’s Most Sprightly 40 Year Old Chimpanzee. Missy makes us smile everyday with her enthusiasm for life, her legs that never stop running, and her complete devotion to her chimp family. Today, we celebrate her.
Volunteer caregiver Patti put together an 80s-themed party for Missy’s big day. Naturally this included leg warmers, socks, and sweatbands in neon colors (including a few for caregivers to wear), and homemade Rubik’s Cube pinatas. We firmly believe a party is not a party without streamers, so we decked out the greenhouse with those too. Fruit smoothie “shots” in Dixie cups, apples, plums, tomatoes (Missy’s favorite), and primate chow rounded out the celebration.
Missy:
Negra:
Annie:
Jody:
Jamie:
Foxie:
Burrito:
For Missy, no day is complete without some serious adventure, so we scattered a lunch forage on Young’s Hill. And adventure she did:
To everyone who contributed to Missy’s party, sponsored today, or just sent happy thoughts to the birthday girl, thank you!
Our caregivers make a valiant effort to juggle all of the chimpanzees’ needs, personalities, and moods. Some days it goes better than others.
When I was in kindergarten I “failed” nap time. After lunch we would all be instructed to get our personal mats out of our cupboards and lie down for a little quiet time. I clearly remember laying down my little rug and scootching up next to my friend at which point we would proceed to whisper and giggle, despite cues from our teacher asking us to close our eyes and rest. But of course, that’s what 5 year olds do, right?
Between a hot summer afternoon and full bellies from lunch, the chimp house has been still and quiet, all of us lulled by the warm breeze. Everyone grabbed some blankets after lunch and tucked away in a corner to nest and take a nap.
Here’s Burrito:
Well, almost everyone lied down to nap…Foxie and I were lying down next to each other whispering and giggling. I guess some things never change.
If you missed it earlier in the week, the chimpanzees received the beautiful gift of a week of sanctuary, sponsored by Michael for Arlene in celebration of her birthday! Arlene, as today is your actual birthday, we want to send lots of birthday pant hoots, squeaks, and grunts your way. We hope your day is filled with all that you most love and if you need any ideas of how to spend your time, here are some suggestions from the chimpanzees:
Enjoy a peaceful walk, like Annie:
Burrito might suggest doing anything as long as it involves food:
Enjoying the company of good friends like Foxie (right), Jamie (left), Doras and trolls:
Jamie likes to spend quality time admiring her beautiful boots:
A relaxing day of yoga, Jody-style:
Missy might choose anything involving an adventure:
And Negra…well, it’s pretty safe to say Negra thinks every day should be celebrated with relaxing in a cozy nest in a sunny spot:
Arlene, however you choose to spend your special day, we hope it’s filled with the hope, love, home and sanctuary that you and Michael so graciously help ensure for the chimpanzees. Happy Birthday!!
