This afternoon Burrito was hanging out in the “photo studio” (one of the chimpanzees’ front rooms named for its perfect lighting for pictures), so I decided to snap a few portraits!
chimpanzee sanctuary
Peace, love, Foxie.
Beautiful Foxie at peace in a moment filled with the warmth of the sun on a cold autumn day. This makes my heart happy.
Happy Birthday, Dawn!
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Jo Arroyo in honor of Dawn Garcia on her birthday! Jo and Dawn are long-time friends and supporters of the chimpanzees and Jo shared this beautiful message about today:
“I want celebrate Dawn on her birthday. Dawn’s heart is full of love for our planet, everyday she points out its beauty. She has the faith in humanity, that sometimes I lack. She is the most positive, happy person I know, she brings love and sunshine into my life. And so do the chimps we dearly love! They are the epitome of strength, courage, forgiveness, adaptability, and remind us to live in the moment! Thank you to the extraordinary individuals and all the donors who step-up everyday to give the chimps the closest thing to freedom!”
Jo, thank you so much for sponsoring this special day for Dawn and the chimpanzees! We are so grateful to you both for holding the chimps in your hearts. And Dawn, all of the primates here at the sanctuary wish you the happiest of days filled with all the beauty, joy and love you bring to life and inspire in others. Happy Birthday!!
I am pretty sure your pal, Burrito, would send some birthday pant-hoots your way!:
Food in different forms
One of the easiest ways to enrich the lives of chimpanzees is through food. We try and provide the Cle Elum 7 with as many different kinds of produce as possible in an effort to keep things exciting for them. Caregivers do their best to make sure the chimpanzees don’t have repeated fruits or vegetables when they prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not only do we look for variety in food, but we also try and change up the ways in which we serve an item. For some meals we might roast a food like pumpkin, while other days we might choose to serve it raw. Each day the chimpanzees enjoy fresh fruit for breakfast, frozen fruit in their smoothie, and a couple pieces of dried fruit in their evening night bags, all to help increase food diversity!
Yesterday, volunteer caregiver Stephanie brought Brussel sprouts to contribute to the chimpanzees’ dinner. Instead of coming in the more traditional bag of “mini cabbages,” these Brussels sprouts were in their original stalk form. There were lots of food grunts and squeaks as Katelyn scattered the stalks around the playroom. Burrito and Jody were exceptionally successful foragers, but Negra was the easiest photography subject. She decided to eat her stalk in front room 4 (also known as the portrait studio).
Hitching a lift
As autumn transitions into steadily colder and darker days, the chimpanzees (even Negra!) have been extra busy on Young’s Hill. And thanks to the Armstrong family, with a new structure to explore, and new dolls to explore with, Foxie took her current favorite troll doll along to check things out. And JB got some ridiculously adorable photos!
One of Foxie’s most endearing habits is how she carries her dolls on her back. Chimpanzee mamas are highly invested in raising and nurturing their children. The bond they share is the same we experience with our human children. They carry their infants for about the first six months of their lives and then as the babies become strong enough to grasp for extended periods, they begin to ride around on their mother’s back. Chimpanzee children are highly dependent on their mothers and even as they grow and become more independent they remain in close contact for the first several years of their lives.
Foxie’s four children were all taken from her during her years in biomedical research and it’s emotionally appealing to think that she carries the dolls on her back with her children in mind. But we can never know what she’s truly thinking and it may just be a natural and effective way of carrying her beloved dolls with her when she’s on the go. Whatever the reason, though bittersweet, it never fails to warm our hearts and I think it’s safe to say, hers as well. And that’s what matters most.
Foxie and troll, on the go:
A Chilly Fall Morning
It is a beautiful, chilly fall day here at the sanctuary, and the chimpanzees spent some time on Young’s Hill enjoying the crisp air. We have a lot of help with cleaning this morning, which means Jamie has many walking companions to choose from!
Here is Jamie on her second walk of the morning:
Jody also ventured out:
Missy and Annie spent a lot of time climbing on the hill, and then settled in the greenhouse to groom. Missy:
Annie (with Missy behind her):
I wonder if this view may be part of the reason why Jamie goes on so many walks:
Ah, fall!
Today is for Deb Wagman!
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Charlie Neath in honor of Deb Wagman! As some of you may know, Deb is one of our volunteer caregivers and she and her husband, Bruce (a dedicated member of our Board of Directors) are two amazing humans who do so much to make a difference in the lives of so many animals. Charlie has been a supporter of the chimpanzees and the humans and animals endearingly known as “the Wagmanagerie” for a long time and shared this simple and lovely message about today:
“Deborah Wagman is my hero.”
Charlie, thank you so much for giving both Deb and the chimpanzees a special day! We truly appreciate you thinking of all of them today.
And Deb, you are a special soul who brings a lot of light to a lot of lives, both human and non. May all of that come back to you tenfold. Human hugs, chimp kisses and much love to you!
Jamie, from one amazing woman to another:
