Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

caregiver

This And That

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A while back, I posted a blog that included what I called “lousy photos“.  The photos that we take throughout the day that don’t make it on the blog.  This also happens with videos.  You never know when you’ll catch a great moment, or have your phone knocked out of your hand!  Or in my case, knocked into the drain.

Today, I’ve compiled a few videos that weren’t enough, for one reason or another, to warrant their own blog post.  Willy B plays with a box, Rayne forages on the Bray, Ellen and Gordo play, and Honey B works on her nest.

 

Personal Space (lack of)

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When I was watching this trio grooming, it occurred to me that humans differ from chimpanzees in the amount of physical closeness they have with each other, and that I don’t really know what it’s like to have so little personal space.

Then Honey B asked to groom me. She was including me in this important social behavior they were sharing.

I will never stop being humbled by this job.

Foxie and Her Dolls

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On our recent “Ask the Caregiver” blog, someone asked about Foxie’s dolls.  Lynne K asked, “Where does Foxie keep her dolls?  Are they rotated by keepers or does she have access to all/many of them?

Great question Lynne K!

Foxie has an entire bin dedicated to her dolls.  You’ll get a look at the bin in the video posted today.  How many dolls do you think are in that bin?  I know the answer, but you have to guess before I tell you!

Everyday, before closing up for the evening, a caregiver or volunteer prepares enrichment for the next day.  We have a selection of all sorts of fun things to include, such as toy hammers and small wooden toys, slinkies, bouncy rubber balls, socks, headbands, scarves, books and magazines, cups and bowls, boots, and DOLLS!  We try to include a little something for everyone, and that includes a nice selection of Foxie’s favorite dolls!  She has them for the day, then when we clean the following day, we remove them and all of the other enrichment items and give them a good cleaning.  Once they’re dry, they go back into her bin until the next time they’re chosen.

Foxie spends a lot of solo time with her dolls.  But you’ll also find her incorporating her dolls into play with her chimpanzee friends, and her caregivers!

Please enjoy today’s video of Foxie and me playing doll LAUNCH!  And don’t forget to guess how many dolls are in Foxie’s doll bin!  You won’t win anything if you guess correctly, except bragging rights.  Ha!

Annual Fun

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When I first started as staff, I was told that being invited to play with Missy is a rare gift. Sometimes it only comes around once a year! In today’s blog video, watch as Missy makes sure Caregiver Ellen gets her steps in with a game of chase, with a hide-and-seek twist.

One of the biggest holidays of the year at the sanctuary is quickly approaching…Jamieween! Check out our wish list to send gifts for Jamie’s big day!

Lucky Friday the 13th and thoughts on being a caregiver

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Katelyn’s blog post yesterday perfectly previewed the month of June, which is full of celebrations!

I just happened to get a couple of blog-worthy videos of twin-birthday-chimpanzees Negra and Terry and thought I would combine them into one post (not to overlook Dora and Honey B’s special days coming up even sooner).

I have also been thinking about all that goes into caregiving lately, and how it is easy to forget the thousands of ways that we can and do contribute to the well being of those in our care. So, I asked the volunteers and staff yesterday to think about a moment in their day that stood out or an overall observation of how they helped fulfill the mission of the sanctuary and to write it down for me.

The themes that emerged were: contributing to a larger team effort, being a positive influence and presence for others (humans and chimpanzees), providing the chimps with comfort (like making sure the chimps have clean blankets), and doing something extra for an individual chimpanzee (for example, making Burrito belly laugh at breakfast or putting together special “surprise box” enrichment for George).

I loved learning what caregivers noticed about the important ways they contributed to the sanctuary in a given day.

What really got me thinking about all of this was watching Negra react to Elizabeth, as captured in the video.

At the time, Elizabeth didn’t know I was above watching (and filming) thinking to myself, “how incredibly lovely is it that Negra has friends like Elizabeth who will dance for her?!”

And how lovely it is that the sanctuary has you all reading this and watching the video?! ❤️

Quality Time with Gordo

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In today’s blog video, spend some quality time with Gordo as he provides the best kind of distraction for a caregiver in the form of light taps to get our attention, bunny hops, a sweet kiss through the glass, and other Gordo antics. He is such a joy to know and love!

The Fortunate Demise of Three Snowpersons

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For a little caregiver fun, we would like you to decide which snowperson is the best. You can base your decision on whatever subjective aspects you choose (though please do let us know how you based your decision).

All three seemed equally enjoyed by the chimpanzees. Please leave your votes and commentary in the comments!

Hat Snow Person:

 

Reclined Snow Person:

 

Lettuce-Head Snow Person:

Thanks for playing along!