Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Burrito

Distracted

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As Kelsi mentioned yesterday, the Cle Elum 7 got their first real look at their new neighbors on Tuesday afternoon, and Mave, Willy B, and Honey B got to explore their new outdoor chute. We don’t have the video of their first reactions ready for you just yet (sorry for all the suspense), but I think I can safely tell you that there has been no one more preoccupied with the sight of new chimpanzees than Burrito.

We were all pleasantly surprised with how interested (and almost calm) he seemed to take their first reveal. I might have been expecting his reaction to be something more like total panic and fear (or maybe even pretend that he cannot see them), but instead he seemed to take it all in stride and has now moved on to complete (high arousal) fascination. He has been spending his days moving from the Playroom windows to the Greenhouse, trying to get a peek at anyone sitting outside in their new space. Here was Mr. B on the lookout on Young’s Hill this morning (notice his erect hair and fixed gaze).

We’ve Got Ten!

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Today was a pretty busy day. We had an amazing group of volunteers from Suncadia come and help us with the new extension on the Hill which provided a lot of supervision opportunities for Jamie and the entire chimp house really! But guys… Honey B, Mave, and Willy B got to go out in their new tunnel yesterday afternoon!! The seven and the three got to see each other from afar, and to say they were excited would be an understatement. I mean, Burrito almost forgot to eat dinner! So there was a lot of hustle and bustle between the work on the new hill and getting a peak at the new guys! There will be a video soon, but I thought today I would show you a collection of photos of each one of the chimps!

And a big thank you to the volunteers who came out to help us!

Jamie supervising:


Foxie:

Jody:

Annie:

Missy:

Neggie:

Burrito:

Sweet Mave with beet lips:



Willy B:

Honey B cleaning the Mezzanine after we had cleaned, it was not up to her standards:

The Boys!

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Let’s talk about Burrito and Willy B! Though these handsome guys have not met yet, it is exciting to know Burrito is not the only male anymore! We hope that these two perfect gentlemen will get along well and have a blast together. They are both so silly and share a love for slinkys and chase, I mean what more could you ask for! Now, of course that doesn’t mean there won’t be drama, because well, they are chimps and it happens. We just hope Willy and Burrito can really let loose and have some fun with each other!

P.S. Don’t forget that the on-line auction closed at 7pm Pacific Time! We don’t want anyone to miss out on the amazing artwork, jewelry,& so much more!

I mean look at these hams…

Burrito:

Willy B:

Door Drama

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The seven resident chimps have something new to occupy their time: neighbors.

With Willy B, Mave and Honey B settling in next door, Burrito and the gang were busy trying to peer through the cracks above and below the Howdy Door. Last week, we locked a metal insert into place so that the door is a solid barrier while the new arrivals are quarantined. This additional surface restricts their ability to interact and see each other, but chimpanzees from the two groups can still hear each other. This is especially noticeable whenever a chimp displays or hoots and the individuals in the adjacent area react accordingly.

As seen in the above video, Foxie was particularly nervous about the door today. She kept returning to it and listening until something happened to make her retreat. Burrito was also inspecting it periodically, usually with his hair piloerect.

On the other side, Willy B seemed interested in the door and occasionally drummed a response. Mave has a habit of politely knocking on the door with her knuckles. So far, only Honey B seems more invested in watching the human caregivers and exploring her new surroundings.

As the days go by and the quarantine period progresses, the prospect of beginning the introduction process grows closer. It’s difficult to determine how each individual will fare when allowed to meet a complete stranger. The Howdy Door and adjacent enclosures will help the integration of the two groups to be a gradual and controlled procedure, enabling us to cater the environment to each chimpanzee’s needs and preferences. This way, when the doors finally open and the groups merge, none of them will be strangers anymore.

In memory of Patin Crowley

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Shauna and Jake Holliday sponsored this day of sanctuary with this lovely message:

“Patin was our beloved English Bulldog who left us a few years ago at almost 11 years old. He never had a day where he wasn’t pampered and loved like a little prince. We would like to remember his birthday by sharing with the chimpanzees. He would have been so curious to meet them! Jake and Shauna”

Shauna and Jake, thank you so much for including the chimpanzees in your celebration of dear Patin! We love hearing how loved he is and what a wonderful life he must have had with you. We hope your hearts are full of comfort and happy memories of Patin today.

The incomparable Burrito:

Today is for Kevin Clark

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Long-time friend of the sanctuary, Shelley Winfrey, sponsored a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees today in memory of Kevin Clark:

“For my brother, who passed away…he would have loved the chimps!”

Shelley, thank you so much for the lasting difference you make in the chimpanzees’ lives in honor of your brother, Kevin. We’re always touched to share in this special day with you. All of us are sending all the good thoughts for a day of comfort and joy as you think of Kevin.

Good friends, Foxie and Burrito: