Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
As you probably saw from yesterday’s blog post, the chimps not only have a new clear view, but also love hanging out on the window sills in the outdoor area! Who new?! There were moments yesterday when there was at least one chimp sitting in each window sill. It looked like a CSNW version of Hollywood Squares. Intentional enrichment is great, but incidental enrichment is even better!
Jamie:
Jody:
Foxie:
Missy:
Burrito:
Great news! Today we installed the last of the cageless playroom windows.
Here is a before shot of the garden side of the playroom:
And here is the after shot, with four caged windows replaced with chimp-proof glass:
Here is a before shot of the wall facing the chimpanzees’ outdoor area (these are the windows you’ll see in the video below, from the other side):
And here is the after shot, with three upstairs and one downstairs window replaced with chimp-proof glass:
This video was taken yesterday when the chimps were first given access to the outdoor area after the installation of the two upper left picture windows. The upper right window wasn’t quite finished, but it was the first time the chimps could sit in that windowsill because it was previously covered by a large polycarbonate panel on the outdoor area side. Everyone was visibly excited about the new additions and spent the remainder of the afternoon climbing in and out (and in and out) of the new windowsills.
To everyone who has given funds, time and energy, or kind words: We can’t thank you enough. You have given the chimps a brighter view!
Through a Freedom of Information Act request, Release and Restitution for Chimpanzees in U.S. Laboratories (Project R&R) has learned that Levi, Jody’s son, is among the group of chimpanzees who have already been moved from the Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) to the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research.
Project R&R is encouraging supporters to contact Dr. Barbara Alving, the Director of the National Center for Research Resources. Please see the Project R&R alert and contact Dr. Alving today to ask her to halt the transfer of any more chimpanzees and allow all 202 chimpanzees from APF to be permanently retired.
Jody had at least nine babies taken from her during her years as a breeder and biomedical test subject. For the first time in her life she is able to soak up the sun, make huge nests and live each day without pain and fear. Her son Levi and her daughter April, who is still at APF, deserve the same.
The feature about Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest that aired several months ago on King 5’s Evening Magazine is re-airing TONIGHT. Watch it and tell everyone you know to watch it! The show begins at 7pm and it looks like CSNW will be the second story. For those not in the Seattle area, hopefully they will post a video on their website after it airs: http://www.king5.com/on-tv/evening-magazine
Update after the airing – link to the video online: http://www.king5.com/on-tv/evening-magazine/Retired-chimps-living-in-luxury-99898444.html
Yesterday, August 2nd, was a Sponsor a Day in honor of Neil Welch who “loves the intelligence and beauty of the chimpanzees.” Thank you, Neil and thank you Tanya for honoring Neil by dedicating a day of sanctuary for the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees!
Here’s a special photo of the beautiful and intelligent Jody investigating the long laces on a sandal:
Burrito:
Jody:
Jamie:
Negra:
Annie:
Missy:
Foxie (with a playface):
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest will have a table at Pasado Safe Haven‘s Bark of Seattle at Seattle Center. Come say hi, and bring your pup for a day of fun.
