Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Burrito

Burrito’s Birthday Bash?

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Shelly Campbell emailed earlier today with a great notion – if everyone who regularly reads the blog gave a few bucks towards Burrito’s birthday, we could throw him one heck of a party. There’s not much time – his birthday is January 6th. Shelly’s already mailed a check for $10. If anyone’s interested in contributing toward the Burrito Birthday fund, you can donate online or by mail (PO Box 952, Cle Elum, WA 98922). If you want, you can respond to this post and let us know you’re sending some celebratory funds this way. We will, of course, share the party with you. Burrito cannot contain his excitement, and we’re sure to get some great footage of the birthday boy in action.

I know Burrito has a big fan club out there – he’s a pretty loveable guy. Even his chimpanzee friends would agree (below is a photo from today of Missy grooming him, with Annie looking on).

and don’t forget you can get note cards with Burrito’s handsome face (see below) in our store

Let it snow!

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Yesterday began Cle Elum’s first snow storm of the year. And, to be honest, the chimpanzees did not react to the first flakes. I was thinking, “oh no, what are we going to tell the blog readers! Everyone is anxious to know what the chimps think of snow and they have no reaction!” It snowed more overnight and of course we had the outdoor area closed off to keep it toasty warm in the building. I opened the door to the outdoor area about 11:00 this morning and to my delight and surprise there was food grunting – and lots of it, especially from Jody. Everyone except Burrito took a turn sitting in the doorway and gathering up snow to eat. Burrito hung back and watched – I’m not sure if he was apprehensive or if he just didn’t get what the fuss was about.

Anyway, here are some photos and a video of the Cle Elum Seven ladies’ first experience of snow. What a way to celebrate 6 months in sanctuary!

Another New Lens!

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We received a new telephoto camera lens from a wonderful supporter and friend of the chimps. We’re still trying to get the hang of it (it’s heavy!), but we managed to snap a few photos today as the chimps enjoyed a break in the gloomy weather we’ve been having lately. We are so grateful for donations like these that help us share the chimps’ stories with the rest of the world. Thank you Kathy!

Feeling Better

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Burrito has been under the weather lately. Chimps are susceptible to most of the same bugs that make us sick, and its not uncommon for them to come down with colds or even a bad flu. And while we always consult our veterinarians and will often run lab tests just be to safe, all the chimps usually require is rest while the illness runs it’s course. And of course some saltines and ginger ale.

Thankfully, Burrito is feeling better now. Quite a relief, though I’m sure the girls enjoyed the temporary reprieve from his obnoxiousness. Now he’s banging, spitting, and causing fights again – our Burrito is back!

More on Nest-Making

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Foxie has been using a lot of enrichment lately, but she still hasn’t begun making nests with sheets and blankets like the other chimps do. Its her choice though, so if she feels more comfortable without a nest, more power to her. But I must say that I am looking forward to the day that she discovers the comfort and security that the other chimps find in nest-making.

Jody, on the other hand, is a master nest-maker, second only to Missy. When she’s done making an elaborate nest and she lays on her back with a foot in the air, she looks like she doesn’t have a care in the world.

Someone recently asked whether or not Burrito makes nests. He often lays down with a single sheet over himself, sometimes just covering his middle (not out of modesty I can assure you). But he can’t resist stealing someone else’s nest – why do all the work when Jody can do it for you?