Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimpanzee sanctuary

Thank you, Meg!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by long-time friend and supporter of the sanctuary, Meg Lunnum, in honor of the bloggers here at the sanctuary! We are often asked who writes the daily blog posts and the wonderful thing is that we all do. Each of the staff are scheduled to serve as Lead Caregiver in the chimp house on different days and whoever is lead for the day is the one who writes the blog that day.

Meg is such an incredible advocate not only for the chimpanzees, but for bats as well! Through the non-profit Bats Northwest Meg works to protect our Pacific Northwest bat population and helps educate people about these special mammals and the important role they play in our environment and lives. In sponsoring today, Meg shared this lovely message:

“I’ve been thinking about dedicating a day to the fearless copy writers who write the daily blog. After Wednesday’s “Her Royal-Neggie-ness”, I could wait no longer. Much appreciation to those ink slingers, quill drivers, scribes, scriveners, correspondents, journalists, storytellers, poets, and dramatists extraordinaire who bring to life Negra, Annie, Foxie, Burrito, Missy, Jody and Jamie. You make those of us who read the blog feel a part of the energy and vitality of the chimp sanctuary. Thank you.”

Meg, this was such a kind and generous thing to do, thank you! We are so grateful to you for the immense difference you make in the chimpanzees’ lives and are so happy to have you as part of our chimp family.

It’s our goal with the blog not only to offer information and education, but to help all of you feel connected to the chimpanzees and get to know them as the unique and amazing individuals they are. We are honored to be able to share their lives and daily adventures and it’s our sincere hope that you feel a part of their lives. Whether you are just discovering the blog or have been a dedicated follower, thank you so much for taking the time to read/like/share our daily thoughts/ramblings/photos because every single post is inspired by the heart of the sanctuary, the chimpanzees themselves. We couldn’t be more grateful to you for caring about the chimps and for not only making this life possible for them, but building hope for all those still awaiting their sanctuary and all those living their natural wild lives who deserve to do so in peace and protection.

Meg’s pal, Negra:

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Her Royal Neggie-ness

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The chimpanzees welcomed in the first day of autumn with a breakfast forage on Young’s Hill complete with chimp approved weather – cool air and warm morning sun. Negra, in particular, was exceptionally active, climbing structures and venturing to parts of the hill that we don’t usually see her in. With each handful of food she found she would take the time to sit and enjoy it in the warm sun as she took in the view of her beloved valley below.

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After all that activity, Negra came in for a well-deserved rest with the sun streaming into her nest and onto her belly. A day befitting the queen.

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Today is for Becca and Lars!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Brian Kostol in honor of “the Beautiful Marriage of Lars and Becca Jorgensen.” Becca is a long-time dedicated volunteer caregiver and a good subordinate human at that. She spends much time catering to the every whim of our beloved boss, Jamie, and always brightens all the primates’ days. More recently, we’ve also gained Lars as an amazing volunteer in the chimp house! We are so grateful for the commitment and compassion these two bring to the sanctuary and the chimpanzees’ lives.

We know the chimps are considered as family to Becca and Lars and through Becca’s beautiful artwork and creativity, they even made sure that each of the chimpanzees were represented at their wedding as a way for them to be present and share in their special day.

Brian, thank you so much for such a meaningful gift in celebration of the Jorgensen’s marriage and for making a difference in the lives of the chimps they hold dear.

Becca and Lars, we’re so happy for you! Thank you so much for everything you do for these amazing chimpanzee people. We are all so glad to have you as part of our sanctuary family and wish you a life of “hope, love, home and sanctuary.”

Boss lady, Jamie, was in heaven when she received new boots from Becca:

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Naps vs. Exercise

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As caregivers, we love to see the chimpanzees doing an activity. We try and provide them with enriching toys, food, and other things to bring something new and exciting into their lives. Like Elizabeth said yesterday, Jamie is always looking for something to do and we do our best to satisfy her. The rest of the Cle Elum 7 aren’t quite as restless as Jamie. They spend a great deal of their day napping, rather than traveling and foraging like they might do in the wild.

While it is lovely to see a photo like this of Annie lounging on a comfy blanket in the playroom…
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It is even more exciting for us to see her out on Young’s Hill, foraging, climbing, and taking in nature…
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But part of being in a sanctuary, is that the chimpanzees get to choose how and where they spend their day. And today, Annie gets to take naps, pick bamboo, and be with other chimpanzees.
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In Need of Nothing

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Jamie is a restless soul. She’s rarely at ease. That isn’t to say she isn’t happy; she just requires near constant attention and enrichment. We could probably use an entire extra caregiving staff just to fulfill Jamie’s complex social needs.

But once in awhile the stars align and we find Jamie in a moment of peace, wanting nothing from us. During a break in cleaning this morning, I took the camera out to the greenhouse. I found everyone except for Jamie on the wooden platform, resting or grooming. I didn’t see Jamie anywhere. After a few minutes I walked around to the other side of the greenhouse and spotted Jamie lying silently and contentedly in this hammock, cradling one of her beloved boots.

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In memory of Ron and Betty

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Ron and Betty Kreuscher on their anniversary by their daughter, Ronalyn Huenergard, on behalf of Ron and Betty’s great-grandchildren, “Aaron, Meghan, Jacob, Cody, Austin, Morgan, Kennedy, Lucas, Addison, Nolan, Weston, Calvin, and also Calvin’s brother, Charlie, who was born in 2014, but is now only in our hearts.”

Ronalyn, many thanks to you for all you do for the chimpanzees, and to your family for honoring Ron and Betty in such a generous and compassionate way. We hope in celebrating Ron and Betty today you are all able to enjoy the love and comfort of family that you help make possible for the chimpanzees.

Burrito and Jody:

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Happy Birthday, Amy!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Julia Simpson in honor of her mom, Amy Simpson, on her 85th birthday! Amy, Julia wishes you “the happiest birthday!”

Julia, you do so much to make a difference in the lives of the chimpanzees and we are touched that you would include them as you honor your mom today. Thank you for thinking of them in this way!

And Amy, thank you for sharing your celebration with the chimps! We hope you have a beautiful day full of love, comfort and all that brings you joy. Happy Birthday from all of us here at CSNW!

Jamie and her good friend, Foxie, are good at finding the joy in life:

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