chimpanzee sanctuary
Enjoying the winter sun
We have continued to get quite a bit of snow off and on at the sanctuary over the last week and while the chimpanzees do have access to Young’s Hill, they have understandably chosen to stay indoors and make good use of their caregivers by asking us to fetch snow for them to eat. Maybe not so much asking, as demanding. But that’s why we’re here and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They each took handfuls, mouthfuls, and “footfuls” (that could be a word…) and swung up to the upper level of the greenhouse, or the southern facing windows, to enjoy it while lounging in the sun. Smart chimps.
The sun has been out intermittently today so the chimps have spent a lot of the day napping and grooming in the warmth. Before lunch, I found Burrito (left) and Missy (right) grooming one another in the sun:
Notice Missy’s prehensile lip action while grooming Burrito.
Of course, Jamie is a busy lady and doesn’t have much time to relax. In the midst of everyone else lying about, enter Jamie, pant hooting (notice the hoot face) and pounding on her barrel:
As a result, Missy and Burrito’s grooming session came to an abrupt halt. As you can probably tell from the photo, they may have just been a little too relaxed to respond:
Jamie’s display was short lived and I think everyone else was feeling so relaxed they chose to ignore the outburst for the most part and just continue enjoying the warmth of the winter sun.
And THANK YOU to all of our amazing supporters who have not only helped us reach our Share the Chimp Love goal, but surpass it!! It’s truly because of each of you that the chimpanzees are able to enjoy their “day in the sun” so to speak. We are so grateful to all of you who have been able to contribute! We still have 8 days left so please continue to share your love for the chimps and spread the word about our fundraiser!
A Certain Point of View
One of the things I try to share whenever I write the blog is the unique experience of being here at the sanctuary. I am trying to capture and translate, as much as is possible with words, pictures, and video, the reality of being here now so that you might get the feeling of it. Today, as we were cleaning the greenhouse in the morning, I was inspired to try to capture the chimpanzees in the playroom from the vantage point of inside the greenhouse. Although it was a bit dark in there [this morning was cold, wet, and decidedly snowy] I was able to shoot a short video of Annie and Missy playing together in the loft. I love the sound of their play sessions, especially from above. If you were in the chimp house while this bout of play was going on you would hear the breathy-pants of chimpanzee laughter, the slaps of hands against each other and the floor, followed by the bounding stomping feet of chimpanzees in the midst of chase. I can not think of happier sounds than these!
Most of this video has no sound but turn up the volume at the end to see what fun it can be trying to film video when chimpanzees are involved. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday, Stephanie!
Today’s day of sanctuary love was also sponsored by Donna Mensching and Burrito Chimpanzee, in honor of Stephanie Perciful’s birthday!! We suspect Burrito might just include this message for her: “Stephanie, would you “B” my Valentine on your Bday?!”
Stephanie has been a long time volunteer caregiver with Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and has one of the biggest, kindest, most generous hearts of anyone we know so it’s seems only fitting that she was born on Valentine’s Day. Every year Stephanie chooses to spend her birthday throwing a party for the chimpanzees! She enriches the lives of the chimps, and every human and non-human animal she meets, in countless ways and is one of Burrito’s very favorite humans in the world (and one of ours as well!). She just makes the world a better place.
Donna (and Burrito), thank you so much for honoring our dear friend on her birthday in such a sweet and generous way! Stephanie, we could never thank you enough for all you do for the primates of CSNW but we wish you the very happiest of birthdays and a day filled with all the love you deserve!
Of course, there is a huge Valentine’s Day party getting underway for the chimpanzees so be sure to check back later today for the festivities! We are so grateful to all of you who share your hearts and support with the chimpanzees, we truly couldn’t do it without you! And if you are still looking for a Valentine (or seven!) you can learn more about the chimpanzees and how to help here: Share the Chimp Love. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
In honor of Rita and Scully
Today was sponsored by Rita Morgan for Rita Laws and Scully Dog. Rita shared the following touching message about her friends, Rita and Scully:
“Rita rescued Scully the dog over a decade ago but lost her this summer when Scully passed away. Scully was a faithful and true friend, brave and sweet, and lived to cuddle with her mama. Nothing brought her more joy than getting the invitation to tunneling under a blanket on Rita’s lap. She felt safe and warm, and all was right with the world. The chimps would appreciate her skill in creating the perfect nest. I know Rita would love to celebrate Scully’s life by helping to build a new nest for the many chimps who need our help. I chose Valentine’s Day to honor Scully because I lost my baby boy Kobe, the love of my life, on that day in 2010. Take care of our Scully, Kobe. Honeybee and Deuce too. We love you all and miss you so so much. xxxooo”
Thank you so much, Rita, for honoring your dear friends, Rita and Scully, in such a special way and thank you both, for bringing so much love into the world. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of the primates at CSNW!!
Beautiful Negra:
Venturing Out
Before the chimpanzees go out onto Young’s Hill, they’ll sometimes stand at the door and contemplate for a moment. I often wonder what they’re thinking during this pause in their busy day. Considering that they spent the first few decades of their lives in tiny cages barely bigger than their bodies, I like to think they’re taking a moment to relish two acres of possibility.
Today the ground is wet from the melting snow, so Missy’s excursions outside were brief and purposeful.