Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Superbowl Sunday at CSNW

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Because we’re always looking for an excuse to throw a party, and because the Seahawks are our home team, the chimpanzees had a little Superbowl shindig today. We decorated the greenhouse with Seahawks colors; everything from blankets to breakfast was green and blue. The chimps foraged for bok choy, green apples, and honeydew smoothie in blue plastic shot glasses.

Jamie used this perch as a lookout to scout for food:

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and found some smoothie:

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Burrito was on a mission searching for anything edible:

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Missy found some bok choy and stuffed it in her mouth for safe keeping:

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Foxie with a mouthful of food:

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Negra was all about the peanuts, as usual:

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Jody took her food up to this windowsill, where she could keep an eye on everyone else:

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And Annie filled every inch of mouth space with green apple:

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Our Superbowl party appears to have been a success and, I think, an indication of good things to come this afternoon. Enjoy your food, friends, and family wherever you are and join the chimps in wishing the Seahawks a great end to a great season. Go, Hawks!

Oh, Happy Day

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Today was a happy, happy day at the sanctuary. There was snow on the ground, the sun was shining, and we all celebrated the life and memory of Dr. Mel Richardson. (Thanks again to Lynn, Connie, and Sue and Dawn and Jo for sponsoring today in celebration of what would have been Dr. Mel’s 64th birthday.)

The chimpanzees celebrated in style. The hit of the party was definitely the snow in plastic shot glasses. The chimps have been waiting all winter for snow to eat, and the last couple of days finally delivered.

Jamie:

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Burrito:

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Annie:

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Missy:

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Foxie with snow in mouth and troll in hand:

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After the party everyone found a sunny spot to rest. BFFs Annie and Missy groomed each other in the playroom:

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Negra headed to her favorite spot on the catwalk:

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The day was extra special for Jamie. Bill Jackson, who has done some work for us at the sanctuary in the past, stopped by with a pair of boots. Last time he was here, he noticed that Jamie admired the boots he was wearing, so he came back today to hand them over. The chimps really do attract the best people.

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As we wrap up the day here in the chimp house, we’re thinking of Dr. Mel, and all the good people of the world, and smiling.

For Mel, and for caregivers

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This special day was also sponsored by Dawn Garcia and Jo Arroyo in memory and celebration of Mel’s life, as well as for the caregivers in his life. Dawn and Jo shared these thoughtful sentiments:

“We would like to honor the caregivers – those of CSNW who give their time to enrich the lives of the Cle Elum 7 and those at the Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA.  Mel spent the remainder of his days engaging in a fun and friendly relationship with one of his nurses Ben.  In ICU RED, nurse Telly and physician’s assistant Tatum, kept Mel comfortable and were also warm and caring to me and Jo. I know there were more caregivers involved and we thank them for their loving hearts. Mel would smile at this honor – having a celebration with the chimps on the day he was born- January 30th. Cheers to caregivers everywhere!”

Thank you so much, Dawn and Jo! All of the primates here at CSNW are truly honored to be included in such a special day.

Negra enjoying her time in the sun:

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Happy Birthday, Dr. Mel!! We miss you. The world and so many lives won’t be the same without you, but are all so much better because of you.

In memory of Dr. Mel’s birthday

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lynn Williamson, Connie Lamm, and Sue Rowlett, in memory of Dr. Mel Richardson. Today would have been Dr. Mel’s 64th birthday. His dear friend, Lynn, wanted to share these beautiful sentiments:

“Happy birthday to our dear friend Mel. I have gone to the phone and laptop a number of times to reach out to you, and then I remember. You are greatly missed. Some of the things I miss most are:  you had my back always, you had a lovely accent, you had a big beautiful smile, you had a wicked sense of humor, you were so smart and witty that I could listen to you talk on any topic – in particular of your adventures, your vast knowledge of, and love for,  animals and veterinary medicine.

Mel also had a resilient personality but a very tender heart. Mel introduced me to the sanctuary and to the chimps – because of that, I have these 7 amazing beings in my life. I also am honored to now be friends with the most amazing bunch of humans who share my values and ethics. So thank you, Mel, for this and more. See you again some day.”    

Jody, Jamie, Annie and Burrito on Young’s Hill:

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And these lovely thoughts from Sue:

“I had never met Mel but have worked with Lynn Williamson for many years and what he shared with, and taught her, was carried forward by her to me and to others. Like when a rock is dropped in the water and the ripples fan out. The difference being Mel’s ripple effect doesn’t stop.”

Thank you so much, Lynn, Connie and Sue, for honoring Mel in such a generous way and for including the chimpanzees in this special day.

Jamie enjoying her view:

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If you have been following our blog recently, you probably realize by now that Dr. Mel was a very special person, loved by so many throughout the animal kingdom. We are truly touched and honored by all those who have wished to honor Dr. Mel’s memory through their support of the chimpanzees. More than one person wished to sponsor today in celebration of Mel’s life so please check back later for another sponsorship and the chimpanzees’ party in his memory.

Missy interrupts Annie making a nest

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Missy is Annie’s best friend, but she is more dominant on the chimp hierarchy. Today she took Annie’s place in a huge paper nest Annie built (called “displacement”), but Annie didn’t get upset—instead, she started to play.

All’s right with the world

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Days and days of cold, gray skies and icy, freezing fogs have visited us here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest recently. However, that hasn’t deterred the chimpanzees from enjoying the privilege of Young’s Hill. Today was no exception; once finished with breakfast the chimpanzees ventured out into the frozen landscape to patrol, explore, and relish their freedom. I was lucky enough to capture an action sequence of Jamie climbing to the top of one of the wooden platforms in order to get a good view of her world. I hope you enjoy it!

Jamie approaches the pole to the wooden platform:
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Jamie looks up to survey the pole before climbing:
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Jamie begins her ascent:
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And makes her way up, hand over hand:
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Jamie dismounts and looks down to Missy (still sitting on the ground below):
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Once achieving the platform, Jamie surveys her domain:
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Going Her Own Way

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Annie has been steadily growing in confidence since arriving at the sanctuary. And with her newfound confidence has come an increased independence. There was a time when Annie wouldn’t leave her best friend Missy’s side. Missy was not only friend but security blanket. And while Missy is still no doubt Annie’s favorite person in the world, Annie is spending more and more time in peaceful solitude. It seems Annie’s finally learned to enjoy her own company.

This afternoon when Missy decided it was time for a little exercise on Young’s Hill, Annie followed her out but then went off in her own direction for a lazy stroll.

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After several minutes of sprints on the hill, Missy wore herself out and headed inside to the warm playroom to rest. Annie watched Missy go inside but took her time following. When she did go in a few minutes later, she stopped in the empty greenhouse for a few moments of alone time. (She found a leftover corn cob from lunch to wadge.)

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A little later, Annie headed into the playroom to curl up next to Missy. Despite her growing independence, Annie’s always appreciated the comfort that can be found in a good friend.