Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Ready for my closeup

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Foxie decided this morning she wanted some photos taken. I asked her if I could snap a few photos and Foxie didn’t seem to mind. Once I felt like I had gotten a few photos I thanked Foxie and was going to turn around to leave. I heard Foxie make her raspberry vocalization, which is usually used for catching someone’s attention. I turned around and asked if she wanted to look at the photos. Foxie came over to look and then sat back on the platform and stared at me. I asked Foxie if she wanted me to take some more and she looked at me with intent. Whether that meant yes or no, I am not sure, but I took a few more and she looked pleased!

Here is Foxie’s photo shoot:

Bonus!

Annie:

Jody food grunting at the sight of oranges and chow this morning:

A time for lounging and a time for adventure

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If we were to do a poll of the caregivers, or you all reading this (if you’ve been following a long for a bit), I would be willing to put good money down that Negra would be chosen as the chimpanzee at CSNW most likely to be found nesting.

Who do you think would be the second runner up?

I’m going to go with Jody. Is that what you thought?

There is no question that Negra and Jody know how to truly relax. Here are two of my favorite photos of them demonstrating their lounging prowess.

Negra:

Jody:

This morning was another GORGEOUS fall day, and most of the chimpanzees headed right outside, literally disappearing into the hill:

You will probably be able to guess who remained under her blanket, though (thanks to Earth Rated for donating these green lovely blankets to the chimps!):

If you guessed Negra, you would be correct.

Jody, despite her love of leisure, does like a morning adventure, so she went out, then back to the greenhouse, then out again, until she finally came back with a procured bamboo snack:

She stopped at the raceway to keep an eye on the other adventurers:

By the time lunch rolled around, Negra too was ready to emerge from her cocoon and soak up the fall air:

The addition of baked pumpkin to the lunch forage may have played a motivating factor:

It’s so satisfying to be able to see the chimpanzees making choices about how they spend their time. I’m glad that everyone got outside and enjoyed this beautiful day and also fit in a little quiet time for napping too.

Seasonal flavors

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It’s pomegranate season at last! The chimpanzees love these ruby colored fruits so much, that many will eat them rinds and all!

Jody:

If you want to help keep the chimpanzees stocked with pomegranates and other delicious fresh produce options this season, the most convenient way to contribute is by sending us gift cards to our local Safeway grocery store. As an added time-saver, we can receive these gift cards straight from our Amazon Wish list, so you can skip that trip to the post office!
Annie:

Shadows on the hill

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There is nothing better than watching the chimpanzees go out for their first exploration of the day on Young’s Hill. Each new day in their outdoor enclosure is full of potential, and you can really sense the excitement that each chilly morning brings.

This time of year the chimps almost melt into the Autumn shadows as they explore the upper reaches of their home. For a little while after breakfast, I could only spot them by a rustle of tall sand colored grass and the shake of bamboo branch.

Eventually the chimps headed back inside to build nests and take their post-meal naps.
Jody:

Missy:

Annie:

On another note, it’s hard to believe, but the painters are arriving very soon! This week we have to pick out our new exterior and interior colors for Phase 1 of our expansion! Here’s Diana looking at this monster stack of color choices.

Business and pleasure

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As those of you who have been following the chimps for awhile are well aware, Jamie takes her self-appointed duties as boss very seriously.

What we most love is how over the years Jamie also takes her pleasure more and more seriously:

And a bonus Burrito photo who has been wavering between tough guy and adorable man-child chimp all day. This is his you better get out of here with that camera look which was immediately followed by a laugh and foot stomp indicating we should play chase: