Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimp sanctuary

Happy Birthday, Jody!

by

Today was sponsored by Chad DeBree, one of our wonderful student interns, in honor of his mother, Jody Sanchez, on her birthday! Chad shared this pretty amusing message:

“February 5th is my mother’s (Jody Sanchez) birthday. When I was first just thinking about interning/volunteering at CSNW, she went straight to the internet to learn more. Through her research into the sanctuary, she learned there was a chimpanzee named Jody, as well. From then on, she refers to Jody as my second mom, and scolds me if I refer to Jody by her name or Jo. If I tell her any story about Jody, I have refer to her as “Mama.” So now I have a Mommy and a Mama, which, personality-wise, they’re not that far off from each other.”

Chad, thank you for sharing your mother’s special day with the chimpanzees! We really appreciate all you do for the chimps. Your hard work makes a lasting difference in their day to day lives and helps provide a safe, comfortable and enriching home in which they can thrive and that means the world.

Happy Birthday, Jody! Jody Chimpanzee would probably have a lot of suggestions on how you should spent the day, but whatever you do we hope it’s a day full of joy, celebration and a full heart!

jody smelling rose

In memory of Bessie Venema

by

This gift of a day of sanctuary was generously given to the chimpanzees by Jennifer Wallace in memory of her grandmother, Bessie Venema. Jennifer shared this touching message about Bessie:

“Today is in memory of my Granny Bess. She was a very influential person in my life and someone I think of a lot. My Granny was such a kind person and never had anything bad to say about anyone. She always made my French toast exactly how I liked it with a lake of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. She would play Scrabble with me for hours, letting me win with all the triple letter and double word scores. She sang silly songs to me and always let me lick the batter from the cookie bowl…although she would gently slap my hand and say I was going to get Salmonella. Granny taught me to sew and brought me hot tea when I was sick. I always felt loved around Granny. I miss her dearly and hope she knew how much I loved her with all my heart.”

Jennifer, thank you so much for wanting to do something for the chimpanzees as you honor your Granny Bess and how much she means to you. We are touched to be included in your celebration of her and happy to honor her here today. We wish you a day of comfort, peace and joy as you remember her. And we so appreciate you helping to ensure all those things for the chimps.

Negra may not be significantly older than some of the other chimps, but she seems to be considered the granny of the group, and most definitely the Queen:

Is it Winter?

by

The chimps and I are still in disbelief that it is 42 degrees in January! Jamie and I have been going on nice leisurely walks (Missy did joined us but after a while she would sprint off). Missy has been out all day running everywhere, climbing on all the outdoor structures, and balancing on ropes. Annie and Missy enjoyed sometime together on the Hill playing follow the leader and wrestling in the Playroom. Foxie took her dolls outside and soaked in the warmer weather. Foxie and Jody later went far out on the Hill and explored together. I couldn’t catch Burrito in any photos but he also had been out and about on the Hill and of course played chase in the Green House! And Neggie made some very cozy nests today and laid near the Playroom windows to feel the warm sun shining in.

Missy running on Young’s Hill:

Missy:

Annie staring out towards the Hill:

Annie:

Jamie also running on the Hill with Missy:

Jamie:

Negra:

 

Happy Birthday, Don and Dor!

by

Today we’re thrilled to celebrate the birthdays of two of the chimps’ and humans’ long-time friends and supporters (and twin sisters!), Donna and Doreen Hughes, who chose to honor their special day by sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimps!

“Doreen and I would LOVE to Sponsor A Day in honor of our birthday celebration! There is nothing more important than sharing this day with beings that matter to us! We were so lucky to visit the Cle Elum 7 this year and the wonderful people who work with them ..our birthday celebration just wouldn’t be the same without helping the chimps! Yes, we sponsor Foxie every year, but we love each and every one of the chimps! Cannot wait to see them again in 2018! While we are celebrating in the Big Apple on this day, we will also be thinking about the Cle Elum 7! Happy Birthday to us!”

Don and Dor! Happiest of days to you in the Big Apple from Foxie and all her friends (we count ourselves in that lucky mix) here in the country! We’re just so happy you were born and that we get to celebrate your special day with you both. Thank you, from our hearts, for all you do to make the world a more magical and compassionate place just by being yourselves. May your year ahead be filled with all that enchants, inspires, brings joy, and delights your hearts!

Girl Gang

by

Today was for the ladies. I found Negra, Jamie, Jody, Foxie, & Missy all grooming each other while we cleaned the playroom (Annie was off doing her own thing), it could not have be a better time than to sit in a line and groom each other for an hour or so. Grooming is a very important aspect in chimp behavior and these ladies made sure to get their fill today!

Negra being groomed by Jamie:

Negra and Jamie noticed my presence and stared at me while I snapped some photos:

Jamie later had Missy tell me to get lost:

Negra, Jamie, Jody, & Foxie (Missy left shortly before this):

Well, of course Burrito wasn’t to far away:

 

Fashion Show

by

Jamie loves to watch her caregivers model boots for her. Sometimes this process lasts ten or fifteen minutes. Jamie is by no means a passive audience – she lets us know which boot she wants us to put on which foot, and she makes sure we keep the fashion show moving at a steady clip.