Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Burrito

There’s nothing to see here

by

Burrito and Foxie are great friends and spend much of their time together, usually grooming, playing, and engaging in general chimpanzee shenanigans. Although Burrito is the big, blustery male of the group, he relies heavily on his tiny cohort for comfort, reassurance, and even protection when the going gets tough with the other ladies (i.e., Burrito’s blustery drive-bys and outbursts get them riled up). But that’s what good friends do.

We spotted the two of them in the front rooms this morning just as Burrito was play-biting Foxie’s toes and naturally, had to try for some photos. In typical Burrito and Foxie (and well, chimp) fashion, they immediately stopped what they were doing, and merely offered the paparazzi blank expressions, as if to say “Keep moving, there’s nothing to see here.” I have to say I like the synchronized avoidance of the camera though.

web_burrito_foxie_sit_fr4_bench_kd_IMG_4119

web_burrito_foxie_sit_fr4_bench_II_kd_IMG_4120

web_burrito_foxie_sit_fr4_bench_kd_IMG_4121

web_burrito_foxie_sit_fr4_bench_V_kd_IMG_4122

web_burrito_foxie_sit_fr4_bench_VI_IMG_4123

web_burrito_foxie_sit_fr4_bench_VII_kd_IMG_4124

web_burrito_foxie_sit_fr4_bench_VIII_kd_IMG_4125

web_burrito_fr4_bench_kd_IMG_4131

web_foxie_fr4_bench_kd_IMG_4129

Carlene’s Tower

by

Back in February, the sanctuary received an enormous amount of love as part of our Share the Chimp Love fundraising campaign. The original goal of $12,000 was surpassed and the extra money was used to help build a new climbing structure for the chimpanzees on Young’s Hill. Construction began at the end of May and was completed a few days later, thanks to the hard work of the sanctuary’s founder Keith LaChappelle, JB and long time friends of the chimps Nick, Josh, John, Bill and Marc. The structure is located at the top of Young’s Hill and is the highest of any of the structures on Young’s Hill; consisting of two separate towers with a swinging bridge that connects them.

web_building_new_towers_yh_kd_IMG_1881

As part of February’s fundraising campaign, two generous families won the naming rights of each of the towers. The Garza family named the tower with the roof “Carlene’s Tower” in honor of Carlene Garza. And the other tower, which does not have a roof, was named “Jamie’s Lookout” by Joan and Pat Borders.

Today the Garza family visited the sanctuary to meet the chimpanzees that Carlene had grown to love and to see the new structure with their own eyes. Because it was such a beautiful day, we ended up spreading the chimps’ lunch all over Young’s Hill for them to forage. On the menu was bell peppers, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, red cabbage and primate chow. All of the chimps went out at various times throughout the afternoon to gather food and some of them enjoyed their food from the new towers.

Here is a photo of Carlene’s Tower.
web_tower_view_thunderstorm_kd_IMG_2040

Missy enjoyed some of the food she found while foraging on Young’s Hill under the shade of the roof of Carlene’s Tower.
web_Missy_sit_Carlene_tower_eat_forage_YH_kh_IMG_2341

Burrito also spent some time on Carlene’s Tower…
web_Burrito_qp_Carlene_tower_structure_YH_kh_IMG_2298

web_Burrito_sit_eat_forage_Carlene_tower_structure_YH_kh_IMG_2296

…and below the tower. (Annie is in the background, also foraging for food).
web_Burrito_bipedal_stand_tall_grass_Annie_forage_under_new_structure_YH_kh_IMG_2313

Jamie gathered some of the onions and peppers that were spread out around the hill as part of the lunch forage…
web_Jamie_gather_onions_forage_YH_kh_IMG_2306

web_Jamie_pepper_in_mouth_forage_YH_kh_IMG_2307

…and made her way to Carlene’s tower to take in the views, while Annie stayed below Jamie’s Lookout.
web_Jamie_sit_Carlene_tower_eat_Annie_sit_below_Jamies_lookout_YH_kh_IMG_2332

Annie (sitting on right) and Foxie (climbing the ladder) also spent some time in the shade below Jamie’s Lookout.
web_Annie_Foxie_sit_tower_new_structure_YH_kh_IMG_2336

Then, Foxie climbed the ladder for a higher view.
web_Foxie_sit_below_top_structure_eat_YH_kh_IMG_2343

To the Garza family, everyone here at CSNW thanks you for your generous support and continued love of this very special family. I have a feeling that Carlene has a huge smile on her face, knowing she and all of you are helping her dear friends here. Her love will continue to live on in the lives of everyone here. Thank you!

Today is for Hope, Love, Home and Sanctuary

by

This day of sanctuary was also sponsored by our good friend, Kathleen Corby, in honor of two very special occasions. Today we celebrate both the honorary 42nd birthday of sanctuary royalty, Queen Negra, and the chimpanzees’ 7th year anniversary in sanctuary! Kathleen shared her beautiful and heartfelt sentiments about today’s celebrations:

“I would like to make two donations for the same day. One donation goes to NEGRA on her 42nd BIRTHDAY. Let me state that I do not have a “favorite” chimpanzee. I admire, respect, and care for each individual equally — quirks and all. But there is something about Negra. Negra instantly captured my heart and I never saw it coming. When I see a photo of Negra or read about her on your blog I often find myself with a catch in the back of my throat, a slight pang in my heart, (sometimes a tear in my eye!) and I experience this fuzzy little feeling. Ah Negra!

This year I want to thank Negra for giving me such pleasure and for teaching me that it is okay to take your time as you embark on a new path. She has shown me that trust, in others and in ourselves, should be afforded the time and nurturing it needs to blossom. Trust is very precious and the offering or earning of trust needs to be handled delicately.

Negra also taught me that you can never count an old gal out! This year she rallied with the best of them, finding new comforts in Foxies trolls and now in her “France Dora” doll. Negra has proven her bravery by venturing out onto Young’s Hill to forage, enjoying time alone in the tall grasses while eating and relaxing in the warm sunshine. I feel so very lucky to be able to witness Negra’s progress into her brave new world and I am grateful that at this stage in her life she has CSNW to allow her these experiences and freedoms. Happy birthday dear Negra. May this entire year unfold before you day by day offering new delights with the passing of time. XOXOXO.

My second donation is in CELEBRATION of the 7 years of SANCTUARY for 7 amazing CHIMPANZEES (and all the care givers, past and current, who make sanctuary happen)! Happy Anniversary to all. I look forward to the future plans of CSNW becoming a reality. On this day I celebrate your passion and compassion. Thank you for educating, inspiring, and connecting us all into one community of people who want to improve the quality of life for chimpanzees. CSNW truly is HOPE. LOVE. HOME. SANCTUARY. Much love always, Kathleen Corby.”

Kathleen, you have embraced each of the chimpanzees and welcomed them into your heart in countless ways. Though it may be from afar, your support and engagement in their lives, and in each step they take toward becoming more fully themselves, is inspiring. We are immensely grateful to have you as part of our chimp family and thank you so much for sponsoring such a special day full of celebration!

Happy Birthday, Negra! We love you!!

Negra close-up

And Happy 7th Anniversary Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy and Negra! May all your days continue to be filled with love, respect, joy and comfort. And may you live each day knowing you are home. We could not possibly love each of you more.

Annie:

web_Annie_lie_down_bench_portrait_studio_look_at_camera_FR4_ek_IMG_2898

Burrito:

web_burrito_handsome_up-close_gh_dm_IMG_3014

Foxie:

web_foxie_rest_closeup_gh_kd_IMG_1376

Jamie:

2013 Jamie

Jody:

Jody

Missy:

web_missy_closeup_sun_look_up_kd_IMG_1431

Congratulations, Joel!

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lynelle Anderson, in honor of her son, Joel Feller’s, graduation! Lynelle shared this message about today:

“In celebration of Joel graduating from Central Washington University with his Bachelor of Science in Primate Behavior and Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. We’re grateful for the support he received from everyone at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and the inspiration the chimps bring to his life.”

Joel is our first, and currently one-and-only, male volunteer caregiver. Burrito, who can probably relate, is always thrilled to see Joel and really appreciates their quality “guy-time.” And Burrito isn’t the only one who makes good use of having Joel around. Watch Joel and Missy play chase here.

Lynelle, thank you so much for having the chimpanzees share in your celebration with Joel! The support you and Brian, and your family, have shown Joel and the sanctuary is wonderful and inspiring.

Joel, hoots upon hoots of congratulations to you for all that you’ve accomplished! Thanks so much for all you do for the chimpanzees! We wish you all the best in your next adventures!

Burrito:

web_Burrito_play_bow_playface_deck_GH_ek_IMG_4666

This is, indeed, a day of celebration! Today we also celebrate both Queen Negra’s birthday and the chimpanzees’ 7th year anniversary of coming to their sanctuary home. None of which would be remotely possible without you. Be sure to tune in later today to check out the festivities!

Night bags

by

Chimpanzees can be loud. When they’re calm, they’re silent, but as soon as there’s any excitement in the group, you’ll hear a chorus of pant hoots or food grunts or screams.

Nothing says excitement at the sanctuary like meal time. In addition to the usual food grunts and food squeaks, you might hear attention-getting sounds like Foxie blowing raspberries, Burrito banging the caging, or Negra clapping her hands imperiously to tell the meal server to kindly hurry up.

But the after-dinner night bags we serve each evening have a way of bringing peace and quiet to the scene. As soon as everyone has their night bag, silence descends, and the only thing you hear is the crunching of the nuts and seeds. This is my favorite time of day.

Captured Moments

by

It’s the day after the 2015 HOOT! Gala fundraising event and we couldn’t be more thrilled! The event was such a huge success and we cannot possibly begin to thank all of you enough for your continued support for the Cle Elum Seven!! It is truly a blessing to know there are so many people that make up this sanctuary family! It’s clear that people near and far have fallen in love with these seven chimpanzees! I’ll leave the details of the event for Diana to write about on the blog later this week. Be sure to tune in for highlights from the big event!

Here are some moments we captured of each of the chimps from today.

Negra sat on the bridge in the Playroom looking toward the window that overlooks the neighbor’s farm.

web_Negra_profile_look_out_sit_catwalk_PR_kh_IMG_3334

Jamie photo bombed this picture of Negra, as she made her way down the railing to where I was standing taking photos (I didn’t notice she had done that until reviewing the pictures).

web_Jamie_photobomb_Negra_catwalk_PR_kh_IMG_3335

Jamie on her way down the railing.

web_Jamie_slide_down_railing_PR_kh_IMG_3336

Jamie checked out her surroundings on Young’s Hill.

web_Jamie_sit_hold_pole_structure_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2080

Annie spent some time grooming her leg while in the Greenhouse this afternoon before walking in the tall grass on Young’s Hill.

web_Annie_groom_self_leg_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3354

web_Annie_walk_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2059

Missy enjoyed a cup of water…

web_Missy_hold_cup_water_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3359

…and then groomed herself.

web_Missy_sit_groom_self_leg_Annie_groom_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3368

Jody took full advantage of the quite afternoon and warm temperature to rest before going back out on Young’s Hill.

web_Jody_rest_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3327

web_Jody_closeup_face_sleep_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3326

Foxie lounged with one of her troll dolls on her belly before making her way up to the new climbing structure on Young’s Hill.

web_Foxie_closeup_eyes_lie_down_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3364

web_Foxie_hang_climbing_structure_YH_kh_IMG_2056

Burrito made his way back toward the Greenhouse from the newest climbing structure by walking bipedal in the tall grass.

web_Burrito_walk_bipedal_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2058

web_Burrito_walk_bipedal_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2060

Happy Birthday, Carrie!

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Sylvia Gandolfo “in honor of Carrie Miller’s birthday and her lifelong, unwavering efforts to advocate for the rights of chimps and all species that share this planet with us.”

Sylvia and Carrie, thank you so much for being such good friends and pals to the chimpanzees and always keeping them in your hearts. It means the world to us, and the chimpanzees, that you choose to make their lives better when celebrating each of your own.

Carrie, we hope you have a beautiful day filled with all the things that mean sanctuary to you! Happy Birthday pant-hoots from all of us at CSNW!

The ever-charming Burrito:

web_Burrito_cute_bite_fire_hose_lay_gh_dg_IMG_0269