Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Happy Birthday, human Jamie!

by

Lynda Ferguson sponsored today in honor of her daughter, Jamie, for her birthday! Lynda shared this sweet message about today:

“I wanted to sponsor the chimps in honor of my daughter Jamie’s birthday. She is a very kind, caring, compassionate person, and loves animals with all her heart. I know she loves seeing the photos and videos of the Cle Elum 7 as much as I do, and she will be very happy to see a donation in her honor, going to such a wonderful organization. I hope we are able to visit the chimps one day soon. Happy Birthday Jamie!”

Thank you so much, Lynda! This is such a lovely way to celebrate Jamie’s special day and we so appreciate your love of the chimps and your compassionate contribution to their lives.

Jamie, all of us here wish you the happiest of birthdays! We hope you have a beautiful day doing whatever brings you a sense of joy, adventure and hope, just as you’ve helped bring the chimps.

Jamie Chimpanzee:

Social Primates

by

While volunteers Chelsea, Erin, and Kailie were finishing up the big clean of the playroom today, I went in search of some chimpanzees.

I found all seven of them on the “top bunk” of the structure in the greenhouse. I was able to watch them for twenty minutes or so as they rested and groomed. There were frequent switches of grooming partners, with everyone receiving and giving attention at various times and then sitting quietly grooming themselves or dozing off.

It’s incredibly heartening to witness this rag-tag bunch interacting like a true chimpanzee family group. They definitely don’t always get along (no primates do, if we’re being honest), but these times of togetherness are a big part of who they have become. Even when they were focusing on themselves, they were just inches away from one other.

 

Here are a few photos of Missy and Jamie:

 

Slow to rise

by

Negra isn’t exactly a morning person, so it’s always a surprise to see her without a blanket over her head when we first arrive at the sanctuary. This morning, half her face seemed to be still drooping with sleep and she had some serious bed head:

The sight of staff caregiver Katelyn arriving (with some fresh strawberries in tow) was just the boost she needed to start her day:

Lost and Found

by

Foxie started her Young’s Hill morning adventure with a bright pink haired doll and a red headed doll (for those who are keeping up with Foxie’s passions, these are friends of Strawberry shortcake: “Huckleberry Pie” and “Raspberry Torte”)

The next thing I knew, she had found a lost Dora doll in the grass:

Dora’s face was a bit muddy, but Foxie kept her clutched in one hand as she took her safely back to the greenhouse:

Foxie to the rescue!

Today is for Janice Clayton!

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Carole Galuska in honor of her friend, Janice Clayton! Carole shared this really lovely message about her dear friend:

“I wanted to sponsor this 1st day Spring, in honor of my very good friend, Janice Clayton. I can’t say enough about what a good person Janice is. She volunteers and sponsors all sorts of organizations and has a never ending love for animals. She is truly one the most generous people I know, always thinking about what she can do for others. Last year Janice made my childhood dreams come true by bringing me to the chimpanzee sanctuary, I was absolutely thrilled. My love for chimps had started as a small child, some children beg for a pony but I drove my parents crazy with my desire to have a chimpanzee! For a Christmas gift this year Janice is bringing me back to the sanctuary for another visit this summer! She really has no idea how special this gift is to me. So I decided what better way to thank her again but to sponsor a day in her honor. Thank you JC for all that you have done for Steph and I over the years. You are such a special person with an amazing soul and we both adore you! We will see you soon Jody, Burrito, Annie, Foxie, Missy, Negra & Jamie!!”

Carole, this is such a wonderful way to celebrate Janice and we so appreciate you thinking of the chimpanzees and being part of their special home here.

Janice, thank you so much for all the good you bring to the lives of so many and for sharing your love of the chimps! It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate someone who brings so much  hope and inspiration to others.

Happy spring hoots from the chimps to you both (and everyone the chimps are so fortunate to call their family and friends)!

In honor of your friendship I couldn’t help but think of dear friends, Annie and Missy:

Happy Birthday, Phoebe!

by

Today was sponsored by Brian Freyermuth in honor of his niece, Phoebe, on her 7th birthday! Brian shared this lovely message about his gift:

“Phoebe is my niece who is a lover of birds and all other animals and who gives me hope in the compassion and kindness of the next generation.”

Brian, thank you so much for giving us all hope in the future by sharing Phoebe’s compassionate heart with us! This is such a wonderful way to celebrate her and the chimps.

Happy Birthday, Phoebe! Thank you so much for caring about all the animals we share the earth with. It makes our hearts happy to hear of your love for them all. From all the primates at CSNW, chimps and humans alike, we hope you have the happiest day today! And how wonderful to be celebrating your special day on the first day of spring!

Annie is known for her “bird noises.” When she is feeling particularly content she whistles through her hands and we can hear her Annie-bird songs all through the chimp house which always makes us happy because we know it means she’s is extra happy.