Burrito is a man of action. Most of his days are spent playing chase or tug of war with caregivers, displaying, or bouncing up and down in anticipation of his next meal. But once in a while you just have to sit quietly and bite on stuff.
chimp enrichment
Bliss in a nest
For Jody, comfort reigns supreme. We placed 30 blankets in a big pile in the play room after cleaning today and she was the first to make her way to it. The chimps will usually each take an armful when we do this and be on their way, but today Jody decided to take advantage of a “pre-made” nest. The only adjustment she made was pushing the pile into the sun and then she promptly rolled into, snuggled and stretched to her heart’s content. Just as it should be.
Cooling Off
It’s been a hot summer in Cle Elum, with heatwave after heatwave. Recently, volunteer caregiver Patti helped Jamie cool down.
Jody adopts a friend for the day
Jamie and Foxie are well known for their longtime obsessions with boots and troll dolls, respectively. But occasionally one of the other chimps will develop a fleeting infatuation with a particular piece of enrichment.
Today, Jody has not let this Dora the Explorer doll out of her sight. She was carrying it when I greeted her first thing this morning:
And she still had it when she came in from a lunch forage on Young’s Hill.
At one point, she accidentally left Dora in the front rooms when she went out to the greenhouse, and when she realized, she ran back inside to rescue her. This afternoon she settled down with Dora to watch the happenings on Young’s Hill.
Happy Birthday, Erin!
We are so fortunate to have two of our amazing supporters sponsoring today’s day of sanctuary! This day was also sponsored by Erin McKenna, who has been part of the chimps lives for several years. Today happens to be Erin’s birthday and she is choosing to celebrate her special day by enriching the lives of the chimpanzees!
Erin, we hope you have a day fit for a Queen (Queen Negra, that is!). Thank you so much for all you do for the chimpanzees and for helping to ensure that all of Negra’s days are fit for the special person she is. We hope you know that you make a difference in all of the chimps’ lives and how much we (and they!) appreciate your support. Whether your celebration today includes a party, enjoying a peaceful summer day, or relaxing in a cozy nest (or all three), all of us here at the sanctuary wish you the happiest of days!
Enjoying ice on a hot day
Volunteer caregiver Sandra came up with the idea to fill small water balloons with water (with a few blueberries) and then freeze them as enrichment for the chimpanzees. After they were frozen, we removed the balloon portion, leaving behind balls of ice with frozen berries inside. Ice provides a lot of enrichment for the chimps. And ice with frozen blueberries inside seems to be even more enjoyable when temperatures exceed 100 degrees like they did today.
I can’t decide which part I love more; Jamie’s use of a tool or Foxie rubbing her toes together…which is your favorite?
Happy Birthday, Diane!
This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Diane Koosed who shared this lovely note: “Celebrating my birthday by feeling a bit connected to CSNW!”
Diane, thank you so much for your generous gift to the chimpanzees on your own special day! We are continually amazed at all of the connections these seven special beings draw not only to their lives, but to all our lives. Thank you for helping to ensure that all their days are filled with hope, love, home and sanctuary. May your day be filled with the same in return. From all of us here at CSNW, we wish you the happiest of birthdays!
Jamie:
