Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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chimp sanctuary

A pot of gold

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When we arrived at the sanctuary this morning we had sun showers and a full rainbow over the sanctuary property. You know, those crazy sprinkles coming from a seemingly cloudless sky? And when volunteer, Ruth, arrived a few moments later, she said the chimp house appeared to literally be sitting at the bottom of the rainbow. It does so often feel that this special place is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The chimps have been soaking up every ounce of autumn sun as the rains are starting to make their way here. They all ran out with gusto this morning after breakfast, together, but then each spreading out in their own direction, their own ray of sun.

Jody watching over her family on Young’s Hill:

Burrito wearing his puffy coat in the cool morning air:

Missy:

Missy on the go:

Annie may have been avoiding snake territory:

Foxie, Dora and Strawberry Shortcake decided to join Annie:

Burrito:

Jody:

Negra was bundled up in the greenhouse enjoying the remainder of her breakfast. 🙂

Meanwhile, Jamie busied herself today building one of her beloved kitchenette forts for herself and her new pair of boots:

A time for lounging and a time for adventure

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If we were to do a poll of the caregivers, or you all reading this (if you’ve been following a long for a bit), I would be willing to put good money down that Negra would be chosen as the chimpanzee at CSNW most likely to be found nesting.

Who do you think would be the second runner up?

I’m going to go with Jody. Is that what you thought?

There is no question that Negra and Jody know how to truly relax. Here are two of my favorite photos of them demonstrating their lounging prowess.

Negra:

Jody:

This morning was another GORGEOUS fall day, and most of the chimpanzees headed right outside, literally disappearing into the hill:

You will probably be able to guess who remained under her blanket, though (thanks to Earth Rated for donating these green lovely blankets to the chimps!):

If you guessed Negra, you would be correct.

Jody, despite her love of leisure, does like a morning adventure, so she went out, then back to the greenhouse, then out again, until she finally came back with a procured bamboo snack:

She stopped at the raceway to keep an eye on the other adventurers:

By the time lunch rolled around, Negra too was ready to emerge from her cocoon and soak up the fall air:

The addition of baked pumpkin to the lunch forage may have played a motivating factor:

It’s so satisfying to be able to see the chimpanzees making choices about how they spend their time. I’m glad that everyone got outside and enjoyed this beautiful day and also fit in a little quiet time for napping too.

Foxie moments

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We are privileged to witness so many moments in the chimps’ lives. Moments of courage, contentment, moxie, joy, adventure, anger, fear, curiosity, love…the list goes on. And many, many moments of endearment. They’re fleeting and it brings to mind things like incredible sunsets that happen every day whether or not we’re paying attention, but for a few indescribable seconds they make your heart soar and your eyes pop if you happen to turn your head that way.

I’m notorious for lamenting, feeling utterly blue over the thought of how many beautiful seconds in nature I miss. But I can’t help but feel just as grateful for the moments seen in the chimps’ lives as for those gone unseen. Why? Because it makes me happy to think we don’t know everything their days entail, every special moment they might have with one another or on their own. It gives me hope that they feel a sense of autonomy, some sense of agency over their lives without the humans being privy to it all.

And those moments we do get to share in, even when they’re a blur…so grateful.

Foxie kissing her doll:

Blankets

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It’s the time of year when everyone just wants to curl up with a blanket or ten, chimps included. Earlier today, I posted this photo of Negra to our Facebook page:

This gave me the idea to go through some of our older photos and collect some of the chimps cuddling up. Negra is the biggest blanket enthusiast, but the others enjoy getting comfy too.

Negra:

Jamie:

Jody:

Missy:

In memory of Donald and Shirley Freyermuth

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Today was sponsored by Brian Freyermuth in memory of his parents, Donald and Shirley, on their anniversary. Brian shared this beautiful message about today:

“I am sponsoring today in honor of the memory of my parents, Donald and Shirley Freyermuth, on what would have been their 62d anniversary and my dad’s 83d birthday. While both have passed in recent years, their impact on my life and my wife’s life has been and continues to be immense.   While the values they instilled in me are too numerous to count, the most important one is that opportunity should be available to all no matter the circumstances to which they are born.   While we normally think of opportunity in terms of people, I think it also holds true for the other creatures with which we share this planet, especially our closest brethren the chimpanzees.  I know that they would have loved CSNW and the opportunity to thrive that it gives (and will give!) its current and future residents.  Thanks Mom and Dad!”

Brian, thank you so much for the opportunities you’ve made possible for the chimpanzees (as well as those to come) and the lasting difference you’ve made in their lives. Your parents sound like special people and clearly their legacy is living on through you. All of us at CSNW are wishing you a day filled with joyful and comforting memories.

Jody and her faithful companion, Burrito:

Best of friends, Missy and Annie:

Jody and Missy: