Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimpanzee sanctuary

Fall in Love with Honey B

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A few years ago we made ‘Fall in Love with” videos for all of the chimpanzees. Like right now, these videos were part of a February fundraiser highlighting the Chimpanzee Pal program. The videos are at the bottom of each of the chimpanzees‘ webpages.

The new three needed their own videos too!

So, I present to you: Fall in Love with Honey B (see video above).

This will be first Valentine’s Day that Honey B, Willy B, and Mave will be celebrating at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. They have a few pals right now, but sure could use some more. Chimpanzee Pal (and Bovine Buddy) sponsorships help pay for the daily operation of the sanctuary and the care we provide.

Many people choose to break up their donation and give monthly, and that means we know that those funds will be reaching the sanctuary on a regular basis, helping ensure the monthly bills are paid. We have lots of plans for the future, but the day to day is just as important.

Every day of sanctuary is something new for curious Honey B, and we are so grateful to those who contribute to her care and the care of all ten of the chimpanzees and the four cattle. You make a difference!

In memory of Susan

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This lovely day of sanctuary is sponsored annually by Jen Douglas in memory of her beloved friend, Susan von Beck Turner, on her birthday. Jen shared this message about her gift:

“Susan was a tireless animal advocate. She was unable to find a boarding facility that was suitable for her big Newfie mix, Cardiff, so she decided to build her own. She bought a piece of land, cleared it herself and built ‘Cardiff’s Lodge’ catering for bigger dogs, where the dogs could be outside playing and walked on hiking trails instead of being cooped up in a kennel all day. It was a dream vacation for dogs. Sadly, Susan passed away on October 16, 2014 and the world is a worse place without her.”

Jen, thank you so much for helping to ensure Susan’s legacy lives on and for including the chimpanzees’ and cattle in celebration of the wonderful person she was. We so appreciate all you, James, and your family have brought to the lives of the chimpanzees.

Burrito:

Willy B:

Rainy Days and Poses

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As I drove up to the sanctuary this morning, grey clouds had already gathered overhead and begun drizzling rain. When I began opening up the Chimp House, I could hear the Bronx cheers of Burrito trying to get my attention from the front rooms. The rain was starting to wash away his snowy treats that had accumulated from the previous day and he NEEDED as many snowy treats, posthaste!

After delivering Burrito his snow, I walked around to say good morning to the other chimpanzees. Most of them were still in bed, including the Boss! This is how I knew today was going to be one of those quiet days.

When I opened up Young’s Hill to the Group of 7, only Jamie and Missy were brave enough to venture out in the rain. Burrito didn’t even want to go out into the Greenhouse to watch his friends embark on their adventure. (His feelings changed later on in the day and spent the most of his day in the Greenhouse.)

It was similar on the other side of the Chimp House. Even with access to the Chute, Mave and Willy B felt it better to watch the rain from inside instead of getting a closer look from the outside.

Honey B was the only one who wanted to go out in the Chute to watch the rainfall.

This didn’t last long, however, as she felt it was too cold to stay out long. She followed suite with most of the other chimpanzees, and decided to just rest in the warm building.

All-in-all, it was a really quiet day here.

Also, I just have to share this photo I snapped earlier today. I’ve been trying to think of titles for this shot, and asked caregiver Anthony and volunteer Krissy for help. “Mave the Thinker.” “Chimp-Person of the Year.” “Mave-azine Cover Shot.” “Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Mave-belline.” “Dear Mave: An Advice Column.” “The Most Interesting Mave in the World.”

Any other suggestions?

Mave in the Middle

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Yesterday afternoon, the three “new” chimps (Honey B, Mave and Willy B) were so engrossed in a session of play wrestling that they almost forgot about dinner.

It’s somewhat unusual for all three of them to play this intensely at the same time. In fact, it may have been the most vigorous bout of rough-housing that I have seen them partake in. Mave took a quick break but was soon back in the midst of all the action, chuckling and somersaulting around. For a few minutes, it looked as if the other two might absorb fuzzy little Mave to become one gigantic megachimp amoeba, which is both concerning and adorable. At one point, Mave seemed to surface for air in between bouts of laughing into Honey’s thigh. Even Willy, who is normally quite serious when not dropping jaws with his slinky moves, let the ladies turn him into a total goof.

Of course, I featured this surprising and heartwarming event in yesterday’s blog.

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Sharon Saknit! Sharon shared this lovely message about her gift:

“It’s my birthday and I’d like to celebrate by giving back to CSNW!”

Sharon, what a generous gift to share your special day with the chimpanzees and the cattle! We truly appreciate getting to celebrate with you and the difference you’ve made in the lives of those who call the sanctuary home. Happy Birthday from all of us! Especially your handsome Pal, Willy B! 😉

Willy B!!

 

The Month of Love

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I spent the last few weeks fretting over our ambitious budget for 2020. It’s a dramatic increase from past years as we prepare for further expansion by adding staff and increasing all operational funds to care for more wonderful chimpanzees who will arrive this fall if the construction and the funds come together.

I will send out an e-newsletter next week to entice people to join our Chimpanzee Pal and Bovine Buddy programs, but I wanted to share the accompanying video with blog readers and social media followers first (see video above).

You all are the dedicated loyal supporters who follow along with rapt attention. Many of you are already Chimpanzee Pals, and a small handful are Bovine Buddies. Maybe you’ll consider adding another chimpanzee or bovine to sponsor?

You can also share the video and tell people why you are supporters – you’d be surprised how helpful it is to refer other people to the sanctuary!

Since you are still here, I’m guessing you want an update on the day today. I am more than happy to tell you that it was a great day.

It was cloudy and drizzling in the morning and I did not expect anyone to go outside, but Honey B, Mave, and Willy B spent time in the chute, and, in the other group, everyone but Negra took a walk around the hill despite the damp weather. They went counter-clockwise, for those keeping track.

Burrito was not very speedy, but he walked the entire perimeter. Foxie slowed down her brisk pace to stay with him, which just completely melted my heart.

When Foxie came back to the greenhouse, she took some time to release a troll doll from bondage:

Two things to note about the photos of Foxie: 1. That gray hair that J.B. mentioned yesterday! 2. The gorgeousness of Foxie brought out by the camera lens that was gifted to us off of our wish list. I love that camera lens!

While you are pondering which chimpanzee and/or bovine to sponsor, we could also really use some more Safeway gift cards from our wish list. It turns out that ten chimpanzees consume a lot more food than seven chimpanzees, and we find ourselves supplementing the weekly donated produce from Darwin’s Natural Pet Products via Charlie’s Produce quite regularly these days.

Thank you for everything you do to share your love of the sanctuary! Stay tuned for more videos and information for the month of love!