Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimpanzee retirement

Mr. B.

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Our coaxing and encouragement to get Burrito to spend time in the greenhouse (largely based on Burrito’s favorite activity – eating) has been really successful. Here are a couple of photos of Mr B. in the greenhouse from the cabbage wrap dinner the other night.

Snow – no joke

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Today’s weather seems like an April Fool’s Day joke! See photo:

It’s been snowing all day.  It’s the first time the greenhouse has been tested with a snowstorm. The chimps have been out there all day, despite the complete lack of sun. J.B. just came by and reported that it is 66 degrees out there! And Burrito went out and played chase with him.

This morning, volunteer Denice made sure the chimps had plenty of snow to eat. Annie was appreciative.

Negra enjoyed an afternoon nesting / vine chewing session.

while Jamie used a vine to work on some project of her own making (with a boot by her side)

April Fools’ Day

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We decided it would be fun to celebrate April Fools’ Day with the chimps today. While we didn’t throw a full-fledged party, we did try to switch things up and do some wacky, unpredictable stuff. To start, we served dinner for breakfast. (Their traditional breakfast of smoothie and fresh fruit will be served for dinner, of course.) Negra, especially, loved the rice with apple puree in flour tortillas, and everyone was beside themselves when we brought out night bags at the end of the meal! Later, we thought we’d take a midmorning nap with the chimps. While Burrito thought playing was a much better idea, Jamie came over right away and enjoyed some quiet time with us.

As I write this, Jackie and volunteer Pam are preparing a dinner (or breakfast?) of banana smoothie, pears, oranges, and peanut butter waffles, and the chimps are keeping an eager eye on the process through the kitchen window. The Cle Elum Seven’s first (celebrated) April Fools’ Day seems to have been a success!

Peace and earthquakes

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A little while ago I was out in the greenhouse and snapped this picture of Jamie sleeping. I love seeing the chimps asleep – they look so peaceful. And it’s especially great to see Jamie looking peaceful since she’s always so serious and busy!

jamie sleeps

About 10 minutes later, I was sitting at my computer and the chimp house shook dramatically. Earthquake! Jackie and I looked at each other at the same time that the chimps all started alarm calling. We went to make sure everyone was ok (and the building as well) and to give the chimps some reassurance.  Everyone’s fine! But the chimps were rattled and I don’t think Jamie will be taking another nap this afternoon!