Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Burrito

Strengthening bonds

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Burrito rarely goes a day without causing concentrated chaos in the mornings. It’s as though his displays are a necessary part of his a.m. routine, almost as important as breakfast. Some mornings he starts off being incredibly playful with the other chimps and his caregivers, then eats part of his breakfast, and just like clockwork ends breakfast smoothie service with a raucous display. Other mornings it’s display first, then a peaceful breakfast. We sometimes talk about how Burrito lacks some necessary social skills he needs to be the dominant figurehead in the group. He doesn’t properly respond to the girls’ submissive gestures (often closing his eyes and pretending it’s not happening) and lacks the confidence he needs to truly be “top chimp.” Despite being a bit socially awkward, Burrito is still a good grooming partner. This comes in handy when he has to make up for his wild behavior.

Burrito grooming Foxie this morning:

Sun’s Out Chimps Out

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The chimps were on the move today! Jody was running around the Hill with her gals, Missy was ripping up and down all the structures, Jamie was walking and exploring with everyone, and Foxie was pushing herself to the limits. While Jamie and I were out on a walk Missy, Annie, Jody, and Foxie we not far behind. Annie and Missy made it to the Twister and climbed all the way to the top. Jody got to the top and decided to come down; however, Foxie was cautious and went up part way only to climb back down, but that did not stop her from trying again! Once all the other girls left Foxie even climbed up the Twister on her own and got most of the way up, that girl is brave! After, Foxie met Missy up on the suspension bridge structure, Missy was feeling silly and sneakily and took Foxie’s doll and ran away (trying to instigate chase). Foxie slowly followed after her (don’t worry eventually Miss did give the doll back). All in all it was a fun and silly day at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest!

Missy and Annie on top of the Twister:

Foxie (with doll), Missy (middle), Annie (front) walking towards the next structure to explore:

Foxie climbing the Twister alone and was getting pretty high, maybe the highest she has ever gone:

Foxie carefully climbing down after a big accomplishment:

Foxie and Missy hanging out/playing on one of the climbing structures (about when Missy steals that little doll):

After a slow fun game of chase, Missy gives the doll back to Foxie (Foxie behind the tree):

Jamie exploring:

Jamie and the squad (Annie and Missy):

Handsome Burrito (he didn’t stay long outside):

After climbing all morning Annie laid down to relax and make some bird noises:

Jamie using a tool to get the big nuts out of the Playroom windows:

Missy also used a tool to get some big nuts:

Missy:

Negra enjoying some sun:

Happy Birthday, Brendan!

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Michele McLaughlin sponsored this day of sanctuary for Brendan Sommers on his 11th birthday because he loves the chimpanzees here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest!

Michele, what a wonderful gift for Brendan and the chimpanzees! Thank you for bringing compassion and generosity  to all their lives.

Brendan! 11, wow!! Thank you for caring about the chimps and sharing your special day with them! They are lucky to have you as a friend. All of the great apes here at CSNW, humans and chimps alike, hope you have the happiest of birthdays!

Good friends, Burrito and Foxie, forever young at heart:

In memory of Simba

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Today was sponsored by Lynda Bell in memory of her beloved cat, Simba. Lynda shared this lovely message about Simba with us:

“This is in memory of Simba, my 18-yr. old cat who passed away in January. Today was his birthday. I got him 17 years ago from the Oregon Humane Society. He was the most gentle cat ever. He loved people and other animals and got along well with all. I love the idea of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and am very happy to sponsor a day for the chimps. I hope to come visit the sanctuary when it is possible in the summer! Thank you for all that you do for these wonderful chimps!”

Lynda, we are so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and family member, Simba. It sounds as though you gained an immeasurable amount of love and life from your time together. Thank you so much for choosing to rescue one of so many who need their forever homes and sharing all that a rescue animal can bring to our lives. We’re so glad you found each other. We are grateful to you for sharing Simba’s life and your compassion with us and the chimps.

Annie:

Jamie:

Burrito:

Blustery Day

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Jamie was very disappointed about this snow storm today… So much so that she wouldn’t let anyone else have any fun…

What it looked like outside (two bald eagles in the background):

Volunteer Lizz trying to play with Burrito:

Jamie moved her nest from Room 3 to the Playroom to let Lizz know to stop playing with Burrito:

Jamie laid on the barrel with her boots on her belly:

Jamie holding her boots:

Lady J:

Don’t worry though! The day was still full of grooming and (quiet) silly play among the chimps, just not with humans. Jamie received new boots later in the day and was very pleased to say the least!

 

The Jody Olympics

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Jody is not the most athletic of chimpanzees. During her first years at the sanctuary she wasn’t always interested in traversing the great outdoors unless it was to forage for wild greens to bring back to her nest and she typically preferred to spend her days lounging with abandon, taking it easy. When she did decide to ramp up her activity a bit, our hearts swelled watching her endearing, but awkward attempts at climbing, running, and even brachiating. All run of the mill stuff for chimpanzees. But understandably, after decades spent in a space the size of a bathroom stall, she needed time to rest, recover and heal before the rebuilding could begin.

With the exception of Negra, Jody is also the most cold aversive of the group, so when she ran outside into the lower 20 degree morning today, clearly with her own agenda to explore every place she possibly could, it made my heart sing. While she still may not be the most agile or sure-footed of chimps, her adventurous and courageous spirit more than make up for it and she continues to grow stronger and more confident every day.

There isn’t much snow left on the ground, but with the temperatures staying below freezing what snow there is has pretty much turned to ice. But even that didn’t deter Jody this morning. Not to be outshone by resident athlete, Missy, Jody seemed to have decided to run her own Olympics course, in classic Jo Jo style.

Heading up the icy hill, she opted to utilize the firehose to hang onto as she bravely ventured onto the tundra:

Back down the hill she stopped to see if she could chip off an ice snack:

Her hair is pilo-erect (hair standing on end) due to both the cold and her excitement (notice that happy droopy lip!):

Nice lunge, Jo!

From here she quickly made her way up to the climbing structures to cross the swinging bridges:

I think this was my favorite moment! The structures were covered in ice and as she cautiously made her way across, she started to slide backward here, but she didn’t give up:

She made it! Looking pretty pleased with herself, as she should be:

No time to waste, she cautiously headed back across:

Here is a glimpse of Jody’s self-appointed coach/spotter/stalker, Burrito, who bravely, but reluctantly, followed her into the freezing temps every step of the way:

Making her way back down the hill toward the greenhouse Jody found a huge chunk of ice. A gold medal by her standards: