Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Burrito

Play is in Session

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The chimps are always having these amazing play sessions in the front rooms while we clean their playroom. Yesterday was a particularly silly day as you can see from the video and photos. It’s always a good day when you see boss lady Jamie letting her hair down to play with her friends, Burrito and Foxie. The day continued to be goofy with this guy! There is nothing better than an upside-down Burrito and hearing him laugh.

It snowed quite a bit last night. So today was all about snow, napping, and yelling at the neighbors.

Jody melting our hearts since 1975 <3.

Negra with her snow snacks.

out of the shadow

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In the past, we’ve described Burrito as being tentative and unsure about things.

It took a while for him to join Jamie on her perimeter walks of Young’s Hill. In July of 2013, about ten months after the 2-acre enclosure was complete, J.B. writes that Missy, Annie, and Jody were often seen taking part in Jamie’s adventures at the top of the hill and all around the perimeter, while Burrito, Foxie, and Negra tended to stick to the lower half of the enclosure.

By October of that same year, Burrito was occasionally joining Jamie on her perimeter walks, On these walks, he was always the follower.

In March of 2015, Katelyn describes how Burrito was joining more perimeter patrols, and even relaxing a bit. A few days later, Burrito started to invite caregivers to go on walks without Jamie, which J.B. excitedly wrote about (read to the end for one reason he was excited).

Jamie’s walks still far eclipsed Burrito’s in quantity, and most of Burrito’s were with other chimpanzees with him following behind.

Burrito would often appear to be hesitant when Jamie veered off the usual pathway. Katelyn described Burrito gingerly following Jamie as she effortless climbed the Twister structure in September of 2016.

Today Burrito took twice as many walks / runs as Jamie around the perimeter. Some with just him and me and some with a chimpanzee group.

He was the occasional leader, sometimes even waiting for Jamie to catch up.

He and Jamie appeared to decide at the same time to climb up Twister.

But Burrito was the only one to go to the very top.

Before going back inside, on his own, he took a path less traveled to explore a different part of the hill.

Choices, opportunities, and space that allow for gradual gains in confidence and incremental steps towards discovery – this really is what sanctuary is about.

Don’t Mess with Honey B

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I wanted to write a light-hearted blog because, well I think we all need it. But this morning Honey B, Willy B, and Mave had a big fight at breakfast. Don’t worry everyone is fine, but it was an intense one! It was mostly Honey B and Willy B fighting, because Willy B tried to steal her chow. Chow is no joke. Each chimp really looks forward to getting their bags of chow. In general, the three seem to be less physical with each other. They have their occasional fight, but a lot of the time it’s just screaming. This morning, Honey B was not having it. Honey B has always been described as fun and silly, which she is, but I would NOT want to be on her bad side. Honey B can be, let’s go with feisty, but another word could be ruthless. Surprisingly, Honey B tends to avoid any drama that doesn’t have anything to do with her. If Mave and Willy B are worked up she will leave the area, but she also tends to be the person who will strike first if she thinks something is going to happen to her. I won’t lie, I think it works. During the fight, Honey B quite literally beat Willy B with a scooter. Again everyone is fine, but Willy B’s pride might be hurting just a little. Mid-morning we found Willy B grooming Honey B, so I think everything is all good now, but I don’t think he will try taking her chow for quite some time.

On a lighter note, Jamie received a late Christmas present. I am sure many of you are familiar with the Bodies Exhibit. We found the book version and it seemed pretty on brand with Jamie so we put it on the wish list. It finally came today! Jamie was in a very cozy nest upstairs when caregiver Anna went to go give it to her. Instead of coming down right away, Jamie had Anna flip through the pages for her. Later, after lunch Jamie took the book and began skimming it.

This is the page Jamie left her book on.

I think we should get some bonus photos!

Willy B taking a nap.

Yesterday Mave, Willy B, and Honey B watched the chimps from Chimp Haven on Disney+. Mave settled in to watch her soaps.

Jamie was on patrol after hearing the fight this morning. She went straight out onto the Hill to get a better view of the other side.

Burrito <3.

Missy sprinted out onto the Hill and had Burrito and I joined her on a mid-day run! She is seriously so fast! I took a video but I was embarrassed by how heavy I was breathing.

Honey B making a nest with toys this morning.

Watch out for this one, she doesn’t take crap from anyone!

Happy 38th Birthday Burrito!

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Today we celebrated Burrito’s 38th birthday! The fact that Burrito has a birthday today fills my heart with more joy than words can express, and I am sure I am not alone. It is fun to watch Burrito get back to his old self, but also to see him grow more as well. For example, Burrito going for walks/runs around the Hill on his own or Jamie letting him join too. Don’t quote me on this because it may not last forever, he does do big displays, but overall he seems more relaxed. Every day with Burrito is a blessing. Burrito is loved by many all over the country. Burrito has the most infectious laugh and smile, he is sweet, he is funny, he is also wild at times, and he is that bright light we all need. I think Chad said it best yesterday! If you are like, “What did Chad say yesterday”? You must read yesterday’s blog and then come back to this video!

This guy spent his day doing all of his favorite things. He played, non-stop! We had a snow party before lunch, he groomed with friends, ran around the Hill, played some more, and of course ate pasta! Due to popular demand, the pasta cam is back! The food squeaks in this video are unbelievable, look out for Jody’s. Burrito had a great day and we hope you did too!

 

The Eve of Burrito

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It was a normal day within all the CSNW Chimp House,

The chimps were grooming, while caregivers tidied the house.

But there was one person who just couldn’t sit still.

He wanted to play and laugh until his heart was filled.

The sounds of kicks and Bronx cheers grew ever so loud,

Should I abandon my duties? Is this even allowed?

I looked to my staff with a quizzical stare,

“I must keep cleaning, but he does not care!”

“Go! He is requesting you! But be sure you stretch! 

For he will run you tired, and an ambulance we might fetch!

He deserves everything his heart would ever desire,

But be cautious, or he will make your body retire!”

And within a flash we were off to the races,

With giggles and laughter, even play faces.

Out the gate and through the snow,

I trudged my way up my steep uphill foe.

I gathered my breath and prepared to run,

While his face seemed to scream, “This will be so much fun!”

My muscles were burning and as I was gasping,

I thought about lying down and just collapsing.

After not once, twice, but thrice around the snowy hill,

We returned to the Greenhouse to continue to play still.

I wished for a break in such long play session,

But none was granted by his absolute obsession.

“Buddy, let’s take it easy today, for there is much more in store,

Tomorrow is your big day, and we will play even more.

There will be treats and snow for the whole fam,

Why, I even heard there may even be a Pasta Cam.

“2020 was just a doozy of a year,

You survived a fight, procedures, and even a rattlesnake scare.

You pulled through, and inspired us all.

Staff, volunteers, interns, and donors big and small. 

“It was you who got us all through this pandemic,

Your joyous laughter, and foot stomps that were seismic.

We hope you have the best of days tomorrow,

Because it was you who helped us through the pandemic sorrow.”

“Happy Birthday, Burrito!” The world will all scream.

You are one of the chimpanzees of our dreams.

So have a good night, and sleep real tight,

Because tomorrow, we will celebrate you with no end in sight.

Goodbye 2020 and Good Riddance

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As the year is winding down, I think all of us are ready to say goodbye to 2020 and embark on a more hopeful 2021! To say we all want to kick 2020 to the curb would be an understatement! 2019 at CSNW  was such an exciting and scary year. The introduction of the two chimp groups is something we unintentionally do not discuss unless asked. It was, to be honest, a little traumatizing. When 2020 came around we all couldn’t wait to move on. Burrito was on the mend and we were looking forward to the future. But 2020 brought a pandemic. Sadly, due to covid, we couldn’t have our amazing volunteers come to help us. We strapped on our PPE and tried to carry on, but the hardest part I think we’ve all dealt with and are still dealing with as care staff is the stress of protecting the chimps from COVID-19. For me personally, it comes in waves. I know we have to trust in PPE, but it doesn’t make it not scary. We have all made sacrifices and have lost time with our loved ones, but their welfare is so much more important! We all seem to be managing well enough with our new normal and healing from our old wounds from 2019. Then, the rattlesnake incident happened. Burrito, as we have all said a thousand times, is truly an amazing individual! He has never let life get him down. He always survives and only gets stronger, though if you ask me, he can stop having almost near-death experiences at any time. But his spirit is inspiring! He might be what has got me through this year. Burrito has an appetite for life and has also never seemed happier! So not to dwell too much, but our year and some hasn’t been the best. BUT, through all of our adversities, we have SO much to look forward to!

We are looking forward to the future! We are so close to having the new playrooms finished! Six new chimps will come here to call CSNW home, which means there are going to be more social opportunities for Honey B, Mave, and Willy B, even though that sounds a little scary to us too :). Chimp relationships are so much more important. Though we cherish our moments with the chimps, their relationships with each other are far more important. And of course, we have Burrito!

The other thing that got us through 2020 was all of you. Our supporters and donors. When it felt like the world had lost humanity I always looked to the CSNW supporters. And we know the chimps helped you all through these difficult times through the blogs. However, you all helped us through our trying times. Your faith, support, and kindness has helped us get through 2019, 2020, and will help us through 2021 and years to come. Thank you for your support through donations, but also through your loving and kind words. You all will never know how much you kept us going during these trying times.

Okay, that is enough feelings for one day. We all know it’s been a crazy year so let’s all put 2020 behind us and watch some chimps play and look at their portraits below! Cheers to a new year!

Foxie.

Jamie.

Annie play biting Burrito.

Annie.

Neggie.