chimpanzee rescue
Enjoying the winter sun
We have continued to get quite a bit of snow off and on at the sanctuary over the last week and while the chimpanzees do have access to Young’s Hill, they have understandably chosen to stay indoors and make good use of their caregivers by asking us to fetch snow for them to eat. Maybe not so much asking, as demanding. But that’s why we’re here and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They each took handfuls, mouthfuls, and “footfuls” (that could be a word…) and swung up to the upper level of the greenhouse, or the southern facing windows, to enjoy it while lounging in the sun. Smart chimps.
The sun has been out intermittently today so the chimps have spent a lot of the day napping and grooming in the warmth. Before lunch, I found Burrito (left) and Missy (right) grooming one another in the sun:
Notice Missy’s prehensile lip action while grooming Burrito.
Of course, Jamie is a busy lady and doesn’t have much time to relax. In the midst of everyone else lying about, enter Jamie, pant hooting (notice the hoot face) and pounding on her barrel:
As a result, Missy and Burrito’s grooming session came to an abrupt halt. As you can probably tell from the photo, they may have just been a little too relaxed to respond:
Jamie’s display was short lived and I think everyone else was feeling so relaxed they chose to ignore the outburst for the most part and just continue enjoying the warmth of the winter sun.
And THANK YOU to all of our amazing supporters who have not only helped us reach our Share the Chimp Love goal, but surpass it!! It’s truly because of each of you that the chimpanzees are able to enjoy their “day in the sun” so to speak. We are so grateful to all of you who have been able to contribute! We still have 8 days left so please continue to share your love for the chimps and spread the word about our fundraiser!
A Certain Point of View
One of the things I try to share whenever I write the blog is the unique experience of being here at the sanctuary. I am trying to capture and translate, as much as is possible with words, pictures, and video, the reality of being here now so that you might get the feeling of it. Today, as we were cleaning the greenhouse in the morning, I was inspired to try to capture the chimpanzees in the playroom from the vantage point of inside the greenhouse. Although it was a bit dark in there [this morning was cold, wet, and decidedly snowy] I was able to shoot a short video of Annie and Missy playing together in the loft. I love the sound of their play sessions, especially from above. If you were in the chimp house while this bout of play was going on you would hear the breathy-pants of chimpanzee laughter, the slaps of hands against each other and the floor, followed by the bounding stomping feet of chimpanzees in the midst of chase. I can not think of happier sounds than these!
Most of this video has no sound but turn up the volume at the end to see what fun it can be trying to film video when chimpanzees are involved. Enjoy!
Today is in honor of Family Day!
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Tanis Sklarchuk in honor of Family Day! Tanis sent us the following message:
“February 17, 2014, is Family Day in Ontario, Canada. This day is in honor of CSNW for creating such a wonderful family at the sanctuary, for the chimps and humans alike. Keep up the great work!”
Tanis, this is such a beautiful gift, thank you so much! We are so full of gratitude for you, and all of our wonderful supporters, who make it possible for the chimpanzees to have the family and home they deserve. Whether you live somewhere this day is recognized as a public holiday or not, it’s such a lovely thing to celebrate! Happy Family Day!
Jamie (left) receiving a brow bite/kiss from Negra (right) as she offers her a little reassurance. Just what friends and families are for.
And thank you so very much to all of you who have helped us through our Share the Chimp Love campaign this month! We have 10 days left to reach our goal and are almost there! Every single gift makes a difference and helps to ensure that we are able to provide Annie, Missy, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody and Negra with the life long care they deserve. And it helps us to build up our reserves so that in the future we may be able to offer other chimpanzees in need their long awaited sanctuary family and home.
Everything in His Arsenal
When Burrito wants a caregiver to play with him, he dips into his toolkit of irresistibly charming play initiation behaviors. Things start out innocently enough.
But as soon as he makes eye contact, you know it’s all over.
He holds your gaze while biting on the nearest object.
He might add a head tilt for good measure.
If that doesn’t get you, he’ll throw in a play bow.
And if by some miracle you’re still not won over, he pulls out the trump card: the joyful blanket fling.
Try saying no to that.
In honor of Rita and Scully
Today was sponsored by Rita Morgan for Rita Laws and Scully Dog. Rita shared the following touching message about her friends, Rita and Scully:
“Rita rescued Scully the dog over a decade ago but lost her this summer when Scully passed away. Scully was a faithful and true friend, brave and sweet, and lived to cuddle with her mama. Nothing brought her more joy than getting the invitation to tunneling under a blanket on Rita’s lap. She felt safe and warm, and all was right with the world. The chimps would appreciate her skill in creating the perfect nest. I know Rita would love to celebrate Scully’s life by helping to build a new nest for the many chimps who need our help. I chose Valentine’s Day to honor Scully because I lost my baby boy Kobe, the love of my life, on that day in 2010. Take care of our Scully, Kobe. Honeybee and Deuce too. We love you all and miss you so so much. xxxooo”
Thank you so much, Rita, for honoring your dear friends, Rita and Scully, in such a special way and thank you both, for bringing so much love into the world. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of the primates at CSNW!!
Beautiful Negra:
Venturing Out
Before the chimpanzees go out onto Young’s Hill, they’ll sometimes stand at the door and contemplate for a moment. I often wonder what they’re thinking during this pause in their busy day. Considering that they spent the first few decades of their lives in tiny cages barely bigger than their bodies, I like to think they’re taking a moment to relish two acres of possibility.
Today the ground is wet from the melting snow, so Missy’s excursions outside were brief and purposeful.
