Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Annie and Missy are quite well-known for their excited games of chase and wrestling throughout the chimp house. Negra, however, isn’t always the most likely play partner—and when she does play, she’s got her own speed (kinda slow). This time Negra was keeping up with the experts!
This video is a little longer than some of our others but I thought you wouldn’t want to miss a second of this fun play session. Thanks again to Patty W. for sponsoring today for us and for being Negra’s Pal!
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Today was sponsored by Patty Wilkerson, in honor of the chimpanzees and the staff of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest! Patty wants the chimpanzees to have a party but she threw in the condition that the humans must have a party right alongside them! So we are all going to enjoy simultaneous lunch forages today!
Patty is a wonderful, long-time volunteer and friend of ours who comes all the way up from California to help out in the chimp house. As if that weren’t enough, she is always thinking of all of us here and how she can make our lives better. I think I speak for all of us when I say we (the humans) always want everything to be for the chimpanzees. But we are all so touched by your kind gift and thoughts, Patty, thank you so much!! All the primates here at CSNW are so lucky to have you!
Patty’s Pal, Negra, knows how to enjoy herself:
We had a cold, snowy, gray February here in Cle Elum – not the kind of weather these chimpanzees appreciate. So we’re all thrilled that spring is imminent. The skies are blue again, the sun is out, and the temperatures are mild.
The weather was so beautiful as I was driving to the sanctuary this morning that I decided we’d try to set up a breakfast forage on Young’s Hill for the chimps. But soon a cool wind picked up, so we opted for the sunny and warm greenhouse instead. The chimps thought this was a great idea.
Burrito:
Annie:
Missy:
Foxie:
Negra:
Jody:
There is a look I am privileged to see on the faces of the chimpanzees living in sanctuary here and it is a look that gives me chills every time I see it. It is the look of satisfaction, which, to me, is even better than joy. Merriam Webster defines the word as follows:
sat·is·fac·tion \?sa-t?s-?fak-sh?n\
: a happy or pleased feeling because of something that you did or something that happened to you
: the act of providing what is needed or desired; the act of satisfying a need or desire
: a result that deals with a problem or complaint in an acceptable way
I can’t think of a more fitting description of the act of sanctuary. Knowing that we have provided the satisfaction of freedom of choice whether large or small is an incomparable gift. It can be an elusive look to try to capture on film though. Can you see it?
Jamie:
Negra:
Burrito:
Missy:
Foxie:
Jody:
Annie:
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Kim Fuqua in honor of Sandy and Ed Hiersche! Kim shared the following message for her family:
“Congratulations, Mom and Ed! This day is for you and the chimps, in celebration of your 22 years of marriage and Ed’s retirement after 34 years at Northland. We love you!”
Kim, Sandy and Ed, you have so many wonderful things to celebrate and we are touched that you chose to include the chimpanzees in your special day! Thank you so much!! All of us here at CSNW wish you many years ahead of comfort, joy, and contentment.
Negra:
Spring is on its way and the snow is melting, but Missy is happy to get every last bit that is left.
In the tradition of Fat Tuesday we threw a Mardi Gras party for the chimpanzees today. However, I’m quite certain their spread was much healthier than tradition might generally dictate with apples, grapefruit, and fruit smoothies on the menu. We were even lucky enough to experience a break in the winter weather to accommodate the festivities in a sunny greenhouse this morning! I believe the chimpanzees found the conditions much improved from the past couple of days and were thoroughly excited to forage in a delightfully warm greenhouse for their breakfast.
Jody munching on an apple slice:
Negra foraging for fruit:
Missy enjoying some grapefruit:
Annie getting into the spirit of things with a colorful mouthful of crayons:
Burrito foraging for chow, one of his favorites:
And, enjoying it!
Foxie, also enjoying a chow moment:
Jamie thoroughly enjoyed her breakfast as well but was on the watch for the camera today. Here she is in her greenhouse hideout, checking to see if the coast is clear yet:
And, here is a little peek into Burrito’s good mood this morning:
