Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimpanzee rescue

Congratulations, Joel!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lynelle Anderson, in honor of her son, Joel Feller’s, graduation! Lynelle shared this message about today:

“In celebration of Joel graduating from Central Washington University with his Bachelor of Science in Primate Behavior and Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. We’re grateful for the support he received from everyone at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and the inspiration the chimps bring to his life.”

Joel is our first, and currently one-and-only, male volunteer caregiver. Burrito, who can probably relate, is always thrilled to see Joel and really appreciates their quality “guy-time.” And Burrito isn’t the only one who makes good use of having Joel around. Watch Joel and Missy play chase here.

Lynelle, thank you so much for having the chimpanzees share in your celebration with Joel! The support you and Brian, and your family, have shown Joel and the sanctuary is wonderful and inspiring.

Joel, hoots upon hoots of congratulations to you for all that you’ve accomplished! Thanks so much for all you do for the chimpanzees! We wish you all the best in your next adventures!

Burrito:

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This is, indeed, a day of celebration! Today we also celebrate both Queen Negra’s birthday and the chimpanzees’ 7th year anniversary of coming to their sanctuary home. None of which would be remotely possible without you. Be sure to tune in later today to check out the festivities!

Come on an adventure with Missy!

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The wild greens growing on Young’s Hill are in full bloom, practically covering the chimps’ structures in certain areas. When the chimps decide to go foraging, it’s difficult to even see them in the tall growth.

Jamie and I headed out for a walk around the hill this afternoon, her following the path she’s worn down walking, and me following the path the humans have worn down accompanying her. At the last minute Missy came running out of the greenhouse after us, taking a pit stop in the shade of one of the structures. Missy often likes to wait for us to reach the top of the hill so she can (naturally) run all the way after us.

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Once Jamie and I reached the top of the hill, Missy decided to brave the heat and made a mad dash behind us to forage in the largest wild mustard patch:

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One can imagine the awe she must feel looking at all that’s available to her:

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She was beside herself after collecting her huge feast of wild greens and ran straight to the new climbing structure to enjoy them while taking in the view. I could just make out her food grunts of happiness:

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I didn’t notice until writing this, but you can just see Foxie and Mademoiselle Dora (down in the lower right corner) photo-bombing. (Yes, when I arrived this morning I found them happily reunited.) 🙂

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Happy Birthday, Donna!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Donna Dinsmore! Today is Donna’s birthday and each year she chooses to celebrate by gifting the chimpanzees with a special day to celebrate with her!

Donna, thank you so much for holding the chimpanzees in your heart today, and throughout the years. There is much to celebrate in life and we are so touched that you would celebrate your own special life by making a difference in the chimps. We hope you have the happiest birthday yet and that each year is better than possibly imagined. Just like the chimpanzees!

Gorgeous Annie:

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Happy Birthday, Karen!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Julie Olson, in honor of her sister, Karen Olson, for her birthday! Julie shared this wonderful message about Karen:

“I want to honor my sister Karen Olson on her birthday. Having a day sponsored for the chimps on her birthday was number one on her list of birthday presents! My sister is the biggest animal lover I know and she is the one who told me I had to watch the news story about the chimps arrival 7 years ago. Her devotion to animals is incredible!”

Julie and Karen, we are so touched that you have both followed the chimpanzees since the beginning of their lives in sanctuary and continue to hold them in your hearts. Julie, thank you for sponsoring this day in celebration of your sister! Karen, may your day be filled with love, serenity and all the things you find joy in. Happy Birthday from all of the primates here at CSNW!!

Beautiful Jody, always seems to find joy in her life:

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New Adventures for Negra

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The Negra we know so well is happiest when snuggled up with a pile of blankets. She likes warmth and comfort and predictability, and avoids unnecessary exertion. You would not call her adventurous. She usually looks like this:

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But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees, it’s this: Never assume you’ve got someone figured out. Seven years after arriving at the sanctuary from the research lab, these chimps are still changing, growing, and surprising us.

Over the last few days, Negra has established what looks to be a new routine for herself. After lunch, she marches confidently outside, walks all the way to the top of Young’s Hill, and stations herself in the tall grass to munch on some wild plants.

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This may not seem remarkable, but for Negra, it’s huge. She is not an outdoors person. She doesn’t like wind or rain or too much sun or too little sun. She has always been uneasy in the wide open spaces of Young’s Hill, and she prefers to stay near the bottom of the hill next to the chimp house so she can rush inside to safety at a moment’s notice. She must feel very small out there.

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It’s hard to say what accounts for Negra’s newfound serenity, but we hope it’s just the first step toward her world opening up a little more.

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Inspector Jody

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Jody often takes it upon herself to oversee the goings-on at the sanctuary. She wants everything to proceed as smoothly as possible. When we’re shifting the chimps to close off an area for cleaning, Jody sometimes hangs back in the doorway, ushering everyone through with an outstretched arm, and only going through herself when she’s confident that everyone else is accounted for. When the sanctuary is infiltrated by an unwelcome mouse or snake or squirrel, Jody is at the front lines of the war, bravely fighting for the safety of her chimp family.

While volunteer caregiver Becca was serving lunch to the chimpanzees in the greenhouse this afternoon, Jody was keeping a close eye on Young’s Hill. As soon as lunch was over, she ventured out and was on high alert. She was convinced that there was something of concern happening on the opposite side of the hill, but none of the other chimps seemed at all worried, and Jody didn’t seem to be able to work up the courage to go investigate on her own. Instead, she stood at a safe distance and monitored the situation.

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After a few minutes, she seemed reassured that no one was in immediate danger, and she retreated to the greenhouse for a well-deserved rest.

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