Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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chimpanzee sanctuary

Rainy day

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Sometimes on a rainy day, all I want to do is cuddle up with a blanket or two and read a good book or even take a nap. That has not been the case for Jamie today. She has kept herself quite active with the help of volunteer caregiver Becca, despite the rain. She has already walked around Young’s Hill four times in between heavy rain periods. And when it did start raining harder, she took action right away and ran the rest of the way around the hill.

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When she was not walking around Young’s Hill, she was flipping through magazines and inspecting some of her boots. And she even allowed herself some down time to sit quietly.

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The rain has arrived

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The first rains of autumn have finally arrived at the sanctuary and the chimpanzees are less than thrilled. Everyone is spending the rainy day in their own way. Annie and Missy are doing a lot of lounging and napping. Negra is bundled away in her nest with the blanket over her head, fast asleep. Jody is enjoying lounging by the window with occasional grooming sessions with her chimp friends. Foxie and I (and Dora the Explorer) just had a raucous game of chase through the chimp house which ended in her hanging upside down and both of us laughing hysterically. Even Jamie took a long nap today but that doesn’t mean she isn’t still making her rounds of Young’s Hill in between heavier showers.

And then there’s Burrito. He has spent most of the day gazing out all of the windows, seemingly waiting for the sun to reappear. First he checked outside the greenhouse:

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Then he distracted himself with a brief game of chase:

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But had to stop to see if it was still raining:

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Then we went inside to see if it was raining out the chimp house windows:

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Still raining:

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Jamie After Hours

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Jamie has been making the staff earn their keep this summer and fall. After the other chimpanzees have made their nests and settled down for the night, and just when it’s normally time for the caregivers to go home, Jamie decides she would like some more time outside. She takes walk after walk after walk around Young’s Hill, always requesting the company of a human friend. While her morning and afternoon perimeter walks are often all business, these evening walks are more leisurely. Jamie meanders and explores and stops to take in the view.

Despite the extra long days, we’re all happy to oblige. It’s nice to see Jamie making up for lost time.

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Picture of contentment

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It’s been a pretty quiet day in the chimp house today. We are having some incredibly beautiful autumn days and everyone seems to be enjoying them in their own way. Jamie has, of course, been busy walking Young’s Hill with all her available caregivers and almost everyone else has joined her for a lap or two, or to collect some bamboo for munching and nesting. But for the most part, there is a lot of resting, relaxing, and napping going on.

Earlier this afternoon I found beautiful Annie, dozing contentedly on her own from the top platform of the greenhouse as she gazed out at Young’s Hill (in between blowing an occasional raspberry at me):

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Best of today

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There were so many good photos of each of the chimpanzees that I had to share them all on today’s blog. It’s really hard to pick a favorite.

Annie’s beauty is beyond words.
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Missy actually sat still long enough for us to get a few photos.
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Foxie enjoyed her pears at breakfast. Perhaps they taste better by the mouthful.
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Burrito spent part of the afternoon playing with his wooden blocks and his own arm.
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Jamie took a moment to pose for the camera before going for a walk on Young’s Hill.
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Jody took some time to groom herself and ponder her surroundings.
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Negra in her favorite nesting spot on the catwalk.
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Happy Birthday, Adrienne!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by the chimpanzees’ (and the humans’!) good friend, Adrienne Armstrong! Adrienne, her family, and friends have done so much to help the chimpanzees and make their lives better. Her kindness and compassion are evident in all she does and how she chooses to live her life.

Adrienne, we are so touched that you chose to spend your own special day by making the chimps’ day special as well. Thank you! All of us here at CSNW hope you have the best of days, and that all the good you offer others comes back to you tenfold! Happy Birthday (with lots of food grunts and pant hoots)!!

Ever the charmer, Burrito:

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