The chimpanzees have been making the most of the paths we made through the snow this weekend. As soon as the door to Young’s Hill was opened this morning, Foxie, Annie, Missy, and Jody set out to explore.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
There’s more than one way to remove snow
Cold Feet
Burr… The chimps could not wait to get outside, or well most of them! Jody and Foxie rushed through the raceway onto Young’s Hill followed by Missy and Annie. Jody quickly decided it was cold and turned around, as did Annie and Missy. However, Foxie explored a little bit longer before turning around. Jody like the kind friend she is waited for everyone including Foxie to make it back safe inside!
All the ladies rushing the door:

Foxie and Dora going for a brisk walk:




Jody waiting for everyone to come inside:

And eating a snow snack:


Jamie also grabbing a quick snow snack:



Jamie warmed herself up by grabbing a great read (the boot magazine from yesterday) while laying on a barrel watching volunteers clean:




After the Storm
The days after a snowstorm (or series of snowstorms) are so wonderful, aren’t they? It’s like reawakening to a changed world.
J.B., with the help of volunteer Jonathan, made some pathways in the snow for the chimpanzees today. The chimps watched the work being done for them from the greenhouse. When everything was ready for them, they went outside to stretch their legs a bit, take in the landscape, and get some snow to snack on.
Burrito following Annie:
Jody:
Jody and Missy:
Foxie:
You may have already guessed that Negra wasn’t with the first expedition of the morning, but instead stayed inside until afternoon:
Jamie, meanwhile, was preoccupied with a couple of magazines. In fact, she’s more preoccupied with photos of boots than with boots themselves lately.
She did take the time to go outside to grab a big chuck of snow after lunch before returning to a magazine:
Valentine’s Day Party 2019!
Happy LOVE Day everyone!
Today is for Arlene
Michael sponsored this special, lovely day of sanctuary in honor of his wife, Arlene, to wish her Happy Valentine’s Day!
Michael and Arlene, thank you so much for always holding the chimpanzees in your hearts and for celebrating, and contributing to, the myriad of ways love is present in each of their lives. We’re so very fortunate to have you as part of our chimp family. Have a beautiful day!
Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:
Jody and Missy:
Jamie:
Annie and Missy:
Burrito and Negra:
Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:
Burrito smooches:
Mischief
Today we got a break from Snowpocalypse 2019 with some lovely blue sky and sunshine at the sanctuary. When it starts to warm up around here, the snow comes cascading off the roof of the building in big sheets to keep us busy digging out our sidewalks. We are on just the edge of this weather, with the snow just starting to creep over the eaves in a menacing fashion. The main part of the building gets an amazing build up of delicious icicles:

The chimps have been playful since early this morning, running around and engaging their caregivers and each other in games of chase. It’s always a delight to start your day with everyone around you in a cheerful mood.
This morning I opened the door to Young’s Hill. As I walked down the greenhouse steps that lead back toward the main chimp house building, Burrito playfully kicked the plastic covered caging next to me. He likes to start games of chase this way. Having the element of surprise (the plastic makes it hard see him coming) must be pretty satisfying.
As an added bonus to this morning’s game, I also got covered in a waterfall of fresh powdery snow. The force of Burrito’s strong kick managed to knock a stream of (fortunately) soft snow loose off the greenhouse roof. The snow shower may have been an unintended consequence of his game, but either way, well played Mr. B!






























