Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Burrito

Practice Makes Perfect

by

Jamie had a lot to do today. J.B was doing some work around the Chimp House so of course Jamie needed to monitor his work, but Jamie also had to get her perimeter walks in, as well as practice her tight rope walking.

Jamie started the day with making sure J.B. was doing his job (he was, as always):

Than Jamie and I surveyed the Hill (it was clear):

Once the Hill was secure, Jamie hit the logs to warm up her balance:

After Jamie was warmed up she decided to get straight to business:

Wow! She really nailed round 1, but this was practice so she had to go again:

Her technique was impeccable, so she tried again:

Wow, Jamie was flawless by round 3! Practice really does make perfect! But, with her busy schedule Jamie decided she needed to get back to work. This morning was nice and warm, so it wasn’t just Jamie out and about. Everyone made an appearance on the Hill at one point in the day, even Neggie came out to forage for some grass, or at least before the rain came.

Missy exploring on the Hill:

Annie lounging around:

Foxie was hanging out on the Hill too:

Foxie and Jody spent some time outside together:

But, Burrito was never too far behind Jody:

Negra made a nice nest and took advantage of the peace and quiet while everyone explored the Hill:

 

 

Today is for Amy Holden

by

This special day was sponsored by Brian Freyermuth in honor of his wife, Amy Holden. Brian shared this incredibly moving message about today:

“For my wife, Amy. Life is what you make of your second chances.  CSNW has given a priceless second chance to the Cle Elum Seven and I’m sure that everyone who follows the sanctuary, whether in person or online, revels in seeing the chimps take full advantage of their new start running and climbing on Young’s Hill, napping in the greenhouse or, with respect to Burrito, eating.  I’ve sponsored today in honor of my wife of nearly 23 years, Amy Holden, who in late 2011 was diagnosed with a rare Stage 4 cancer that had metastasized from her sinuses to her spine and lung.  After a scary 2012, Amy has been five years cancer free (or, in Boston-speak, “your oncologist is wicked bored with you now”).  And like Burrito and the girls, Amy has embraced her second chance at life.  Whether doting on her nieces and nephew, skiing in Maine, Montana and the Alaskan back country, kayaking Buzzards Bay, or just enjoying the quiet of her yard with a book, Amy takes full advantage of the beauty and opportunities that a new lease on life provides. Kind of like seven chimpanzees that we all know and love….”

Brian, we’re truly humbled by your gracious gift for Amy and the chimpanzees. And yes, like seven chimpanzees we all know and love, the beauty and inspiration of Amy and her story provides our hearts with so much reason for joy and gratitude.

Amy, we’re so happy and honored to celebrate with you today! The chimpanzees bring out something special in people. And when we’re lucky, when we’re paying attention, we get to see humans, like you, bring out something special in humans. Have a beautiful day, from all of us here at CSNW!

You are getting sleeeeepy

by

This time of year, the chimps spend a great deal of their day grooming and napping in the greenhouse. When they aren’t grooming with each other, they spend some quiet time grooming themselves.

Foxie sometimes sticks her tongue out when she’s focused on grooming:

There is a definite aura of relaxation, particularly as the sun gets warmer and the breeze gets gentler. In fact, I’m getting a little drowsy right now, just thinking about it.

Jody:

Luckily we have Burrito on hand to wake us up. With a block in his mouth and mischief in his eyes, he is always up for a good game of chase!

Gorgeous Day

by

Today was a gorgeous day. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and the barn doors were open! Words could not describe the day we had, but pictures can!

This photo was actually from last week but Jamie just looks so good I coudn’t resist:

Jamie and I sauntered around Young’s Hill mid morning and afternoon:

Annie made bird noises and relaxed all day in the Greenhouse:

Missy looking fierce:

Foxie enjoyed some carrots and chow:

Jamie had lunch with her boot and was skeptical about the broccoli… (However, she did like it):

Burrito:

Negra and Jody spent their day napping in the greenhouse and a little in the Playroom. While napping in the Playroom, I did preform a jig for Neggie while she laid in the sun. Too bad there is no video to show how much she enjoyed the show…

Jody napping:

Work Play Work

by

Well today was full of anticipation! By 9 am J.B. and our amazing volunteers were out building this SPECTACULAR climbing structure and yes that word does have to be in all caps because it is that stunning. The structure has a little bit of everything for every chimp and these chimps could not wait to get out on Young’s Hill and check it out! However, the chimps could not go out on the Hill until it was done. They waited so patiently and found ways to stay busy! Jamie monitored the volunteers cleaning and the volunteers helping with the structure, Neggie napped in the nice and toasty Greenhouse, Burrito played chase, and Missy, Jody, Annie, & Foxie played some wild games! Jody was half pilo all day just from all the excitement, she was so excited she was even playing like crazy with Missy today. For not being able to go on the Hill most of the day these chimps were in great moods!

Jody a little pilo:

Negra:

We really put our volunteers to work today:

Volunteer working hard:

The chimps loved the final product:

 

Life is Good

by

It’s probably safe to say that there is nothing better on this planet than spring at the sanctuary. The doors are thrown open and a warm breeze blows through the chimp house. The chimps alternate between napping in sunspots and frolicking in the bright green grass outside on Young’s Hill. Everyone’s feeling light and free.

Spring has put an extra bounce in Burrito’s step today. Each time a caregiver passes by, he stomps his foot playfully and passes them this sock for a game of tug of war. Life is good.

Day to Day

by

It’s really nice when the day to day routine can be broken up. Here at the sanctuary we have a fairly regular schedule, but there is often something going on to shake things up. Today, for example, J.B. had some work to do with the gator and the tractor. Jamie, naturally, took great interest in this. We took numerous walks to watch J.B. and make sure his work was up to par (no worries, it was). We also have several different volunteers onsite on any given day! Lizz, who is a level 3 volunteer, was here this weekend. Burrito was loving it!

Burrito:

Lizz and Burrito playing tug-of-war:

However, sometimes shaking up a “normal” day can be exhausting. The chimps were all in spots relaxing where the camera couldn’t reach (& Jamie also didn’t want anyone getting their photo taken), but I did get one of Neggie snacking on some spruce tree, wrapped up in a blanket:

And a bonus photo of Burrito:

Burrito later watched Lizz leave from Front Room 4: