Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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A Study in Contrasts

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Ya’ll, even though it’s only May, it is summer weather out here today at the sanctuary.

Foxie was getting the most out of the airy greenhouse and lazy summer vibes by literally putting her feet up.

With a doll, of course.

Jody was doing the same, right next to Foxie.

But this is my favorite photo of the bunch. It shows Foxie, the picture of carefree relaxation, in stark contrast to Jamie, who broke herself away from a perfectly calm grooming session to take the opportunity to try the scare the living daylights out of the caregivers cleaning on the other side of the door.

To each her own, I say.

Love a Chimpanzee Day 2019

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Today is our 9th annual Love a Chimpanzee Day! This holiday was born in the imagination of one of the chimps’ longtime friends, but that doesn’t make it any less real to us.

This year we decided to celebrate by offering each of the chimpanzees something they love.

Today is for Lisa and Linda

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We began today with a double Sponsor-a-Day of sanctuary which turned into a triple Sponsor-a-Day! How amazing that these seven chimpanzees are held in the hearts of so many humans as they celebrate and honor the special times and loved ones in their lives.

Rich and Lisa Stuverud are long-time friends and supporters of the chimps and Rich sponsored today for Lisa in celebration of her birthday! He shared this touching message about his gift:

“Please accept this in honor of my beautiful wife Lisa on her birthday. She has overcome some severe medical situations this past year and has been inspired in no small way by the incredible personal saga of the furry little group on the hill. She could often be found watching CSNW videos on the YouTube channel during her recovery.”

And then without knowing about her gift to come, Lisa sponsored today in memory of her beloved sister-in-law, Linda Vizzare, in celebration of their shared birthday today. Lisa’s lovely message:

“Well, another year gone by missing my birthday buddy, Linda Vizzare…we shared this day for 36 years until her passing 4 years ago. We also shared the love and admiration for the Cle Elum Seven and all the things the sanctuary provides for them. To see Burrito do his happy dance was her favorite. Their joy with everything sanctuary provides for them continues to inspire…I only wish there was a way for her to see Jamie race the Gator down the backstretch with her joyous clap, stomp and hop take off…she would be so thrilled ! This is the best way to celebrate!”

Rich and Lisa, thank you so much for sharing this special day with the chimpanzees, for always holding them in your hearts, and for all you bring to their lives. Lisa, we hope you have a beautiful day filled with love, joy and the comfort of memories held dear. Happy Birthday, to you and Linda!

And as you said, what better way to celebrate than a replay of Jamie racing the Gator (which she did again this morning!):

An unusual day

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Today we messed with the chimpanzees’ routine. There is a tall structure in the greenhouse that needed some repair, so the chimpanzees weren’t able to get outside until J.B. and volunteer Chad finished their fix-it job.

All morning, Burrito alternated between his Tasmanian devil self and his adorable playful self.

Lest you think the change in routine or lack of outdoor access caused his Tasmanian devil self to appear, allow me to elaborate to explain that on pretty much any given day, Burrito alternates between these two extremes.

I only got a picture of the later, but you might be able to see a twinkle of mischief in those eyes.

Don’t let him fool you.

When the greenhouse (and the raceway that leads to the large outdoor habitat) was ready to be occupied by chimpanzees again, we decided to take advantage of the unusually warm weather and provide the chimps with a dinner forage outside. We spread and hid whole tomatoes, pieces of watermelon, and mini sweet peppers all over the enclosure.

Much to our delight, Queen Negra was as eager as everyone else to get outside.

Negra is not one to choose to exert much energy, but apparently the whole tomatoes were worth stretching to get:

Jamie utilized the coolest anatomical feature that separates chimpanzees from humans – opposable toes – to carry a tomato as she continued her foraging:

Jody demonstrated the large capacity of her lips by carrying three peppers stacked on top of one another other:

And now the chimpanzees are back inside, quiet as ever while making their blanket nests, to take a restful sleep and wake up tomorrow to another day of sanctuary life.

Spring Dreaming

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Winter has hit us pretty hard over the past month or so, and while the chimpanzees aren’t complaining (snow is a delicacy!), the humans are ready to move on. Spring is one of everyone’s favorite times of year at the sanctuary – the air is warm, the grass is soft and sweet, and life is good. Can you feel it? Here’s to looking forward (by looking back):