Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Winter evokes a variety of emotions, thoughts and interests in each of us. Some of us love nothing more than bundling up in a cozy nest wishing to hibernate until spring, and some of us love the adventure that cold weather and snow bring. I definitely fall somewhere in the middle.
I think it’s safe to guess where Negra falls:
And while Jody is definitely a lover of a extravagant nest and a leisurely day, she always seems to enjoy the adventures each season brings:
Picking up where we left off on yesterday’s blog, you’ll know that Annie’s heart was full of adventure yesterday as she raced out on a solo trip to a snow-covered Young’s Hill. After making it up the snowy path which caregivers had shoveled for the chimps earlier in the week, Annie made a beeline for the first structure and climbed up to enjoy the view.
Annie seems to particularly relish such cold, sunny days and the solitude she finds by venturing onto the hill on her own. When we call to her she’ll often simply turn her back to us, content to stay where she’s at. And who can blame her? So yesterday, when Jody became excited at seeing Annie out there and made her way toward her, Annie wasn’t in the mood for company apparently and quickly made her way back down the structure before Jody could reach her.
I thought she must be heading back inside, but she stopped and gazed out over the expanse of the hill. And then much to my surprise headed out across the sparkling field before her to see what she could see.
I could not love this one (or Annie) more!
Cold feet!
Curiosity satisfied, Annie finally decided to head back to the chimp house where she asked me to grab her some snow snacks to enjoy (she was too busy adventuring in the snow to grab any herself) while she warmed up those fabulous chimpanzee feet on the heated floor.
It’s hard to reconcile the Annie from merely a couple of years ago with the Annie we see new sides of each day now. I have a very vivid and heart-wrenching memory of her sitting in the raceway to Young’s Hill rocking with anxiety as she watched her best friend, Missy, ripping and running across the green fields. She was visibly distressed being separated from her beloved friend whose side she rarely left, but was too uncertain and fearful to follow her. It makes my heart sing to see the Annie we know today, courageous, curious, joyful, more comfortable, and full to the brim with moxie and spirit in every step she takes. But I think this was always Annie. Your support of her and her family gave them something even more powerful than their lives in sanctuary. You gave them a path back to themselves. And for that we are eternally grateful.
We are all so thrilled to be experiencing a dry spell with beautiful blue skies and bright sun and snowy fields that look like diamond dust was sprinkled over them. The chimps have really been enjoying taking quick trips out onto Young’s Hill (the chimps’ 2 acre outdoor habitat) to forage for snow to bring back to the sun-filled chimp house. But this morning Annie was literally stomping her feet at the door to the hill waiting for me to open it. You see, Annie had adventure on her mind.
The second I began opening the door to the hill Annie squeezed through – no time to waste – and immediately made her way outside to take in all that light and wintertime beauty surrounding her home.
And then she set off for the first leg of her adventure, in classic elegant, endearing (and bipedal) Annie style:
Having reached the first platform she sat to take in the view for a moment. As soon as the other chimps saw her a few of them decided to head her way and join her. But Annie, being full of moxie, soul and sass, had it mind to enjoy this particular adventure in solitude. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for Part II of Annie’s adventure!
Today we are celebrating the birthday of a dear friend of the primates at CSNW, Doreen Hughes! This fabulous day of sanctuary and celebration was sponsored by her twin sister, Donna, (who is obviously celebrating her own birthday as well!). Donna shared this special message for Doreen:
“Happy Birthday Doreen, the Best Sister Ever! I know how happy you will be to know that your birthday gift has helped Foxie and her friends!!! Your love, devotion and support to all animals speaks for itself! I know what a great year 2017 will be for you, we are so hopeful to meet Foxie and her friends – ape and human – in 2017! Eye on the prize, Doreen! xo xo Donna”
Doreen and Donna, HaPpY BiRtHdAy to you both from all of the primates here at CSNW!! May your day be bursting with love, laughter, and all that makes your heart do Foxie-style backflips, pirouettes and spins! We could not be happier to celebrate with you. We’re so happy you are in the world!
Don, thank you so much for sponsoring this special day as a gift for the chimps and for all you both do to make the lives of so many others better.
From your pal, Foxie, a tribute to twins:
This morning Jamie spent about 30 minutes intensely focused on this Sunset Magazine.
Neggie:
(Photos courtesy of Keri 🙂 )
Today one of the chimpanzees’ new friends, Peggy Burke, is remembering her husband, Thomas, and celebrating their life together by sponsoring a day of sanctuary in his memory. Peggy shared, “January 8th was my husband’s birthday and we used to spend a lot of time in the Cle Elum area. What better way to remember him than by helping the Cle Elum Seven.”
Peggy, thank you so much for contributing to the chimpanzees’ lives and home, providing them the space so heal, grow, transform and to rejoice in what life brings their way each day. Cle Elum is such a beautiful area and it’s wonderful that you have such fond memories of the time you spent here together. We are so touched that you would include the chimpanzees in your life and on such a special day. We’re honored to remember Thomas here today and are sending you all the good thoughts, hoping this day brings you comfort, joy and love as you have helped provide the chimpanzees.
Burrito and Foxie:
It’s often still surprising for people when they learn the chimpanzees are living here. We are so grateful to all our supporters and give special thanks to our local friends and neighbors who have welcomed the chimps with open arms and continue to support and protect them as members of their community. The Cle Elum City Council even awarded the chimps honorary citizens status shortly before their first anniversary here!
Jamie:
Jody, Missy, and Annie:
Annie and Missy:
Foxie and France Dora:
Burrito and Negra:
