Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimpanzee retirement

Naps vs. Exercise

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As caregivers, we love to see the chimpanzees doing an activity. We try and provide them with enriching toys, food, and other things to bring something new and exciting into their lives. Like Elizabeth said yesterday, Jamie is always looking for something to do and we do our best to satisfy her. The rest of the Cle Elum 7 aren’t quite as restless as Jamie. They spend a great deal of their day napping, rather than traveling and foraging like they might do in the wild.

While it is lovely to see a photo like this of Annie lounging on a comfy blanket in the playroom…
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It is even more exciting for us to see her out on Young’s Hill, foraging, climbing, and taking in nature…
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But part of being in a sanctuary, is that the chimpanzees get to choose how and where they spend their day. And today, Annie gets to take naps, pick bamboo, and be with other chimpanzees.
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In Need of Nothing

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Jamie is a restless soul. She’s rarely at ease. That isn’t to say she isn’t happy; she just requires near constant attention and enrichment. We could probably use an entire extra caregiving staff just to fulfill Jamie’s complex social needs.

But once in awhile the stars align and we find Jamie in a moment of peace, wanting nothing from us. During a break in cleaning this morning, I took the camera out to the greenhouse. I found everyone except for Jamie on the wooden platform, resting or grooming. I didn’t see Jamie anywhere. After a few minutes I walked around to the other side of the greenhouse and spotted Jamie lying silently and contentedly in this hammock, cradling one of her beloved boots.

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In memory of Ron and Betty

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Ron and Betty Kreuscher on their anniversary by their daughter, Ronalyn Huenergard, on behalf of Ron and Betty’s great-grandchildren, “Aaron, Meghan, Jacob, Cody, Austin, Morgan, Kennedy, Lucas, Addison, Nolan, Weston, Calvin, and also Calvin’s brother, Charlie, who was born in 2014, but is now only in our hearts.”

Ronalyn, many thanks to you for all you do for the chimpanzees, and to your family for honoring Ron and Betty in such a generous and compassionate way. We hope in celebrating Ron and Betty today you are all able to enjoy the love and comfort of family that you help make possible for the chimpanzees.

Burrito and Jody:

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Happy Birthday, Amy!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Julia Simpson in honor of her mom, Amy Simpson, on her 85th birthday! Amy, Julia wishes you “the happiest birthday!”

Julia, you do so much to make a difference in the lives of the chimpanzees and we are touched that you would include them as you honor your mom today. Thank you for thinking of them in this way!

And Amy, thank you for sharing your celebration with the chimps! We hope you have a beautiful day full of love, comfort and all that brings you joy. Happy Birthday from all of us here at CSNW!

Jamie and her good friend, Foxie, are good at finding the joy in life:

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Today is for Bruce!

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Charlie Neath in honor of Bruce Wagman! Bruce and his wife, Deb, have been compassionate and committed advocates for the chimpanzees and volunteer their time with the sanctuary in countless ways. Bruce serves as a member of our Board of Directors helping to ensure the chimpanzees’ are provided with the quality lives and security they deserve. He works tirelessly to improve the lives of so many of the special animals we share our lives with and we couldn’t be more honored to have he and Deb as part of our sanctuary family.

In knowing Bruce, Charlie’s message about sponsoring this day in his honor is simple yet apropos: “Bruce Wagman: ’nuff said.” And we would throw in lots of loud and raucous pant-hoots to go along with that!

Charlie, thanks so much for honoring Bruce today while making a difference in the lives of the chimps he does so much for.

And Bruce, we could never thank you enough for all you do to make this world a better place for the amazing animals (and humans!) who we share it with. Have the best of days!

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It takes a village…

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The Cle Elum Seven are lucky to have an army of humans at their disposal who all contribute directly to their well-being. Chimp house volunteers make sure the chimps always have good, healthy food, interesting enrichment, plenty of blankets, and a clean and safe place to live.

A few dedicated volunteers are chosen to continue on to the highest available level of training, and become direct caregivers to the chimpanzees. These are the volunteers who develop personal relationships with the chimps, serve their meals, play and groom with them, and get to know each individual intimately to ensure everyone’s needs are being met.

These volunteer caregivers become such a regular and seamless part of the chimps’ lives that it’s hard for everyone to say goodbye when the time comes. Volunteer Connie has been a constant presence in the chimp house for over six years, but this is her last week as a caregiver to the Cle Elum Seven since she is moving on to new adventures in another state. We haven’t yet figured out a legally sound way to require lifetime service from our volunteers, so we are forced to let her go. 🙂

In all seriousness, we will miss Connie’s smile, energy, and enthusiasm. She has been a wonderful friend to the chimps and humans at CSNW, and will always be a part of the family.

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Thank you to Connie and to all of our volunteers for helping these chimps live as happily and freely as possible.

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In memory of Carlene

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Carlene Olson-Garza by her husband, Tony, and their family who send this special message:

“Today would of have been Carlene’s 58th birthday. She was an advocate for the great work CSNW is doing and an avid follower of the blog. We, her family, mark this day in memory of her by our continued support of the seven.”

As you may recall, as a result of our wonderfully successful Share the Chimp Love fundraiser in February we were able to build the chimpanzees a new climbing structure on Young’s Hill. As part of the campaign two generous families, one of which was the Garza family, won naming rights to the two towers. The tower with the roof was named Carlene’s Tower and the open-air tower was named Jamie’s Lookout by Joan and Pat Borders. And let me tell you the chimps have been loving this structure!!

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We here at the sanctuary, are honored by Carlene’s presence every day. When we walk around Young’s Hill with Jamie, we pass Carlene’s memorial stone along our new Memorial Walkway. Just in the distance of the walkway, is Carlene’s Tower. The chimpanzees sometimes take a detour during walks around the perimeter to climb up one of the towers and often sit quietly to take in the view before crossing over and down the other side to resume the walk. The only person we haven’t seen climb this amazing structure (yet!) is Negra. But she has ventured up to check things out and enjoy the abundance of wild mustard that grows below it in the spring.

To Carlene’s family, our hearts go out to you as you navigate your lives without this special woman whom you all clearly love so much. We are continually touched and inspired by all that you do to ensure her love of the chimpanzees continues. As we all celebrate Carlene’s life today, please know that not only you, but Carlene as well, make a difference in their lives every day. And we are so fortunate to have you all as part of our sanctuary family.

Missy taking in the view from Carlene’s Tower:

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Annie:

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Burrito:

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Boss lady, Jamie:

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Foxie, taking in the view from Jamie’s Lookout on the opposite side:

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Jamie:

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