Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Zen Sand Garden

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Supporter Michelle C. recently sent the chimpanzees a very unique gift – a piece of the Florida beach along with some little shovels. Today we set up the gift from afar in the sandbox table.

Looking at the set up reminded me of those zen sand gardens that are sold to business executives. This one, of course, catered to Jamie (note the boot).

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Sand with boot in sand table

There’s a video in the middle of this post of Jamie truly looking pretty zen as she played in the sand. The other chimps weren’t sure what to make of the stuff. They’ve had sand before (one of my favorite memories is Jody laying in the sandbox in the greenhouse on “Spa Day” ). But the chimps had probably never encountered the soft white sand of the Florida beaches.

Jody and Foxie getting a closer look:

Jody and Foxie inspecting the sand

 

Annie joining the inspection:

Jody, Foxie and Annie inspecting the sand

 

Jody digging in:

Jody sifting sand

 

And Jamie getting zen:

Jamie with two shovels in sand

Jamie hands in sand

Jamie shovelful of sand

Jamie putting sand in boot

The Annie bird

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This afternoon has been warm enough that most of the chimpanzees have spent their time relaxing in the greenhouse. But I caught Annie inside the play room enjoying a peaceful nesting spot next to the window, in the sun.

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It’s always a joy to see Annie (and all of the chimpanzees) so relaxed and content.

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And this is usually the time when we see (and hear) her endearing “Annie-isms” such as clapping her feet together and making her patented “bird noises.” She makes these sounds by blowing against her hands (seen below) in a manner that is similar to what humans do to whistle. Hearing the elusive “Annie bird” always brings a smile to our faces because we know it means she is happy and relaxed.

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But then the warmth of the winter sun just felt too good…

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Greenhouse mornings

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As JB mentioned in the video of his recent blog post, “Lending a hand,” the days at the sanctuary revolve around a routine that relies on chimpanzee participation. For example, the chimpanzees are asked to shift into different areas throughout the day so that we can have access other areas to clean while they are not present. The majority of enclosure cleaning happens in the morning (provided everyone is in the mood, of course). On warm, sunny, summer days this often means that the chimpanzees spend an hour or so exploring Young’s Hill. During the winter, however, this is sometimes not the most appealing way to spend time! This morning, with windy gusts up to 40 miles an hour, the chimpanzees opted to spend their morning in the greenhouse while we cleaned in the playroom.

Missy:
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Annie in the foreground, Missy in the background:
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Missy catches me taking pictures from the loft in the playroom:
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Annie rests after a quick wrestling game with Missy:
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Burrito catches the paparazzi:
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Burrito and Jamie inspect the boxes:
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And, finally, Jamie comes over to see what I’m up to:
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Fun for Everyone

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We received some fun toys for the chimpanzees recently and it appears as though the advertisements were correct, “slinky” (or the magic spring as ours are called) is apparently fun for everyone, including chimpanzees! Here is Missy enjoying the new enrichment and thank you for donating these wonderfully entertaining toys!

Missy discovering the box:
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Missy opening the box:
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Missy playing with her “magic spring:”
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Today is for human Annie!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Elizabeth Cromer in honor of Annie Norris! Elizabeth shared this lovely message for Annie:

“We would like to sponsor this day to you, Annie. You are so very special to us and God knew we needed you in our lives. Thanks for loving us. We know you are a blessing to all the chimps and everyone you come in contact with. Love, the Cromer clan and your Daddy-O.”

Annie is not only a dedicated chimp house volunteer, but she helps us out in countless other ways, including playing an instrumental role in the planning, coordination, and success of our events. Annie has a beautiful, big heart and we humans and chimpanzees are all so fortunate to have her as part of the CSNW family. Elizabeth, thank you so much for sponsoring today for the chimpanzees in Annie’s honor!

Human Annie’s Pals, Missy and Annie Chimpanzee, sharing a relaxing moment together:

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Missy and Annie play wrestle

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Are you sick of seeing Missy and Annie play? I didn’t think so! These two are always wrestling and having a good time. Here’s a video that is bound to brighten your Tuesday afternoon: