Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Today is for Negra

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Kim Williams sponsored a special day of sanctuary for the Queen herself, Negra. Kim sent this sweet message about her gift:

“I wish to dedicate this sponsorship to the beautiful Negra. She’s such a gorgeous old soul.”

Kim, thank you so much for honoring Negra! We have been marveling daily over the fact that even after ten years in sanctuary, Negra seems to be showing us new sides of herself almost daily this summer.  A little extra adventurous, more playful with her chimp and human friends alike, a little more silly, a little less serious…as most of us tend to be with summertime. It is indeed the summer of Neggie. And we couldn’t be more thrilled.

Summer Negra

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It might be just our imaginations, but we think we’ve seen a subtly more energetic Negra this summer! It seems like she’s spent more time outdoors, been more playful and shown more interest in different enrichment items recently. Don’t get me wrong, she still enjoys an extra amount of down time, but we are always thrilled to see the Queen of the sanctuary up and about!

In honor of Robert Ruggeri

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Today was sponsored by the chimpanzees’ good friend, Rachel Ruggeri, in memory of her father, Robert Ruggeri. Rachel shared this special message about today:

“This day is in honor of my father, Robert Ruggeri, who passed away five years ago on this date. While he is no longer with us, his memory and legacy continue to burn bright in the lives of his family, friends, and the of course the gang of seven who show us each and every day the pleasure of living each day to its fullest. May we all seize the day ahead!” 

Rachel, thank you so much for the incredible support you show the chimpanzees, for always holding them in your heart, and for the lasting and profound difference you help make in their lives. We so touched to share in honoring your father and his legacy and appreciate you including the chimps. They are indeed shining examples of embracing each day with arms and hearts wide open. We are all sending you all the good thoughts for memories filled with love, comfort and joy as you you celebrate your father today.

Missy is the epitomy of how to live one’s life with gusto and gumption:

Cubby Holes

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Way back in 2010, we replaced a bunch of caged windows with chimp-proof glass. On the greenhouse (what we used to call the outdoor area) side of things, this created deep window sills that the chimpanzees appreciated right away.

Below is a flashback video from when the windows were first installed in 2010. You can see that the chimps were still working on getting the hang of navigating the space using the hanging fire hose.

 

Today, Burrito and Missy were each in their own cubby. The frames are tall enough for chimpanzees to sit in them:

 

Missy can even sit upright in the smallest of the windows that looks into the playroom loft:

 

Missy was using her private cubby time to sift through some nut and seed shells:

 

While Burrito decided to get REALLY comfortable in his sill:

 

In memory of Kevin Clark

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Shelley Winfrey sponsors this day each year in memory of her brother, Kevin Clark with these sentiments: “For my brother, who passed away…he would have loved the chimps.”

Shelley and her mother, Patty, are such good friends to the chimpanzees and we’re so thrilled to have them as part of our chimp family. We’re touched to be able to celebrate Kevin’s memory with them today.

Thank you, Shelley, for always holding the chimps in your heart and for all you do for them. We are all thinking of you and your family today and sending all good thoughts for comfort, peace and joyful memories.

Burrito: