Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimpanzee sanctuary

Cool mornings and interesting guests!

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We’ve had some lovely (almost fall-like) cool mornings lately. This crisp air makes it prime time for exploring the great expanse that is Young’s Hill.
Annie and Foxie headed for the newest structure we are calling “The Escher.” They have no qualms about climbing to the top.

In fact, Annie took “top” to the whole next level!

Today, we had a visit from some of the firefighters from our local fire district. They have all been taking turns visiting on their shifts and getting the lay of our property and buildings. JB gave them a tour of the buildings, but Jamie had to lead the tour of the property.

Just one thing was required first:

This is Jamie expression as she watched her guest try on her current favorite boot. Notice the pilo-erect hair and intense look on her face -this is one excited chimpanzee! :

Oranges to go

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It was the perfect late summer morning with bright blue skies and cool air. Jody was very anxious to get outside and resume her mother hen duties and make sure Young’s Hill was safe for her friends to venture on and see what she could see. And everyone seemed equally excited to be out and about with their friend and took their oranges from breakfast to go!

Jody:

Missy:

Foxie:

Reunited and it Feels so Good

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This morning we got the okay to reintroduce Jody back to the group. She received a very warm welcome as you will see in the video. Jody was greeted by Jamie and Burrito when she got access to the Playroom. Jamie was very happy to see Jody was doing well, but also needed to inspect the rooms Jody had been in for the past few days. Jody wanted nothing more than to go straight out to Young’s Hill. Most morning when the chimps get access to the Hill, Jody, the mother hen that she is, likes to be first out to ensure it is safe and secure. So of course, that would be the first place to go when you are reunited back with your friends. We are very happy to see Jody is recovering so well!

Jody laying down while Burrito (middle) grooms Jo and Foxie (right) grooms Burrito:

Annie (left) and Burrito (right) grooming Jody (middle):

And well then there is Burrito:

He was some humans arriving this morning and was very excited to see them (Burrito pant hooting):

The ending of Burrito’s excited pant hoot:

Jody Feeling Better

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Yesterday was the day after Jody’s eyelid repair surgery. She spent most of the day sleeping off the anesthesia after making a giant nest. Yesterday she wasn’t so interested in food or drinks, but was taking sips of water.

I know that chimpanzees are known for their quick healing and tough spirits, but even I was surprised what a difference a night made for Jody. This morning, the swelling around her eye had gone down considerably, and she was alert, active, and hungry! She was especially happy to be offered some lychees that an old friend brought her and was eager to dig into some pineapple. She took a little smoothie too:

It was also clear that she was very interested in being back with the rest of the chimpanzees:

Dr. Erin Zamzow came to assess things and decided it would be best to give her another day of healing on her own without the drama and focused attention of the other chimps.

Jody decided maybe another day alone wasn’t so bad…

Her friends still got to visit her while she was in her private quarters. She and Foxie played a little game of tag:

and Burrito gave her a kiss:

We made sure that Jody had lots of food puzzles and other interesting things to do and that the other chimpanzees were able to go about their daily activities, like Missy running:

Jamie hanging out in the tunnel on the hill:

and Burrito allowing me to photograph his handsome self:

 

Summer’s exhale

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The lush green of summer has melted into a golden reverie. Days are still warm, but early mornings and nights are decidedly cool, sometimes even goosebump inducing. Blooms have turned to berries, seeds are scattering in the wind along with feathers from empty nest boxes, and the remaining wild families are growing, juveniles bouncing between parent and independence. Summer’s exhale.

The chimps spent a long time exploring on the hill this morning after breakfast. Longer than I’ve seen for awhile. Climbing old haunts and investigating nooks and crannies. Annie and Burrito traversed the shaky bridges and just spent time enjoying, well, their time.

Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:

Jamie:

Jody returned from her wild foraging adventures and sat in the raceway to Young’s Hill with her wildflower treat:

Meanwhile, back in the chimp house, Foxie!

Taking a break from cleaning:

Happy Birthday, Arlene!

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The celebration continues today of a weekend of sanctuary for the chimpanzees from their good friends, Michael and Arlene, in honor of Arlene’s birthday! It’s a good month to be born, right inbetween Foxie and Missy (who turns 43 this coming Thursday the 23rd)! We couldn’t be happier than to celebrate three such special souls.

Thank you again, Michael, for sponsoring this special weekend!

Arlene, we hope you have the most wonderful of days! From our tiny sanctuary in the Cascades, all the primates here are grateful knowing your beautiful heart is in the world. Happy Birthday!

The August birthday ladies, Foxie:

and Missy: