The chimpanzees continue to enjoy the spoils of winter.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
It’s still snowing
February appears to be making up for lost winter time. Our relatively mild season so far has suddenly found us in the midst of weeks of below freezing days and nights and inches upon inches of snow. The chimpanzees still have access to their outdoor habitat during the day if they choose to, but they all seemed more than content to stay within the warmth of the chimp house playroom and front rooms. That doesn’t mean they have been busy all day though and really, they like to do most of the same things we humans do on snow days. Eating, having a little fun with snow, staying cozy and taking naps, hanging out with friends, drinking warm tea, creative projects, playing, reading…
Jody enjoyed several blankets warm from the dryer to take an after breakfast snooze while we cleaned the playroom:
We continued the snow snack sculptures which the chimps visited throughout the day.
Jody:
And in between all of her folio projects, Jamie took some time to enjoy her current favorite read, “Dwell” magazine:
Shoveling Snow!
Everyone seemed to enjoy Anna’s snow sculpture yesterday, so I tried to replicate it! We hid some nuts in the snow sandbox & in buckets and topped it all off with icicles! Jamie also had volunteers pack her a bag of folios, magazines, and anything that would get you through a snow day. Jamie also didn’t mind jumping in to shovel the raceway!
The enrichment for the Playroom:
Jamie seemed to be a fan of it again:
Jamie took the responsibility snow shoveling the raceway, I mean someone had to do it:
She shoveled a few times and decided to take a snow break:
Snowpocalypse 2019
As the state of Washington braces for more snow, the chimpanzees spent the day thoroughly enjoying the first day of Snowpocalypse / Snowmageddon / Snowzilla WA 2019.
We really just got a few inches here, which is pretty normal this time of year. Anna did do a pretty good job of hyping the drama of the storm with her snow and ice sculpture for the chimps:
Missy did her best to carefully remove an icicle so she could abscond with it to the loft:
Jody decided to eat hers in situ:
Foxie kept a close eye on the snow as she consumed it (as is her way):
Jamie received a bonus treat today! After reading Anna’s post from the other day, donors must have immediately started gathering things to send, because we have already received some special Jamie enrichment.
We thought Snowmaggedon was a good time to give Jamie a donated folio full of interesting things.
She carefully pulled out and sorted through each item. When she came across a piece of paper that had photos of boots, she put it aside. After closely examining each card and envelope, she picked up the paper with the boot photos and went upstairs with some leftover lunch for some private Jamie-time. This chimpanzee knows what she likes:
In memory of Susan
This day of sanctuary is sponsored annually by Jen and James Douglas in memory of their beloved friend, Susan von Beck Turner, and the legacy of compassion, care and strength she gave those who knew her. “Susan touched the lives of many dogs and humans and made them better.” Learn more about Susan’s life here.
Jen and James, thank you so much for not only holding space for Susan’s memory, but for the love and inspiration she brought to the world. We so appreciate your including the chimpanzees in the beautiful ripple effect of Susan’s life.
Jody:
Throwback Thursday!
Today, while searching for blog topics,I found this short little video in my Desktop file. Coincidentally, it was from this day in 2017! I’m not sure if I’ve shared it before, so that also might make it a bonus, never before seen moment. Of course, I’ve been known to be wrong, so I leave it up to you to decide. Any avid followers out there recognize this little clip?
Today is in Memory of Margaret Elizabeth Sharp
Sandra chose to sponsor today with this lovely message about her mother:
My beloved mother passed away last August, and in honor of what would have been her birthday, I send love to both the sanctuary and its precious residents. My mom was shy, endlessly loving, kind beyond measure, non-judgemental, vulnerable . . . I think she would very much recognize the chimps as kindred spirits and cheer on their resilience, autonomy, and place in this world.
Thank you so, so much for the message and for remembering your mother by supporting the sanctuary, Sandra!
