Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Negra was in a particularly good mood this morning. She was breathy panting from afar to say good morning, giving out kisses, and playing tickle! So, it’s easy to say I couldn’t help but smile when seeing Negra in these photos.
Negra’s eyes look especially gentle:
Today, well after the other chimpanzees had moved on to other post-lunch activities (specifically nesting, napping, and grooming), I “caught” Annie going through the front rooms and collecting uneaten Brussels sprouts, then taking her found food to the playroom to enjoy.
Just a few minutes later, I saw Foxie do the same thing, but this time with avocado peels (in the first photo below, see Foxie’s signature happy toes and small orange-haired troll doll stationed nearby):
Foxie was working diligently to get every last bit of avocado flesh. The chimpanzees have enjoyed an abundance of avocados lately, thanks to donations of Charlie’s Produce via Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, and that has suited Foxie just fine.
As a bonus, for those who are wondering what the bovines have been up to, here’s a video I took yesterday!
Today was sponsored by Jennifer Swift who shared this beautiful message:
“This day is my 50th birthday and I’m celebrating by honoring all of the animals that have touched my life and taught me about myself.”
Jennifer, this is so lovely! It lifts our hearts to hear of your love and compassion for the animals you’ve shared your life with and we’re so touched to know the chimpanzees are included. Thank you for making a difference in their lives in return, we so appreciate you! Happy, happiest of birthdays to you!
Just as each of the chimpanzees are, Jody is an inspiration every single day for not only what she’s endured in life, but how she thrives in spite of it. Every day, a celebration.
A recent visitor to the sanctuary wore a pair of boots that really caught Jamie’s eye, so you can imagine how excited we all were when those very boots were included in a care package that arrived earlier this week. As is Jamie’s preference, we started by modeling them and she was instantly enamored. Did she remember them? I would bet money on it. She seems to have a photographic memory when it comes to boots.
Today was sponsored by Joan O’Flaherty in honor of her parents, Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty. Joan lovingly sponsors this day annually in their memory and shared this message about today:
“As always – This is my parents shared birthday, they loved animals and supported conservation and would be delighted that the chimpanzees are in a safe, comfortable and loving home.”
Joan, we’re so touched by your inclusion of the chimpanzees in the celebration of your parents’ wonderful legacy each year. It’s inspiring that you honor them in such a compassionate way. Thank you for the difference you make in the chimps’ lives.
Negra and Foxie:
Today was sponsored by Erin Yuhas who shared this sweet message about her gift:
“I would love to sponsor this day of sanctuary in honor of my Aunt Jeri Abernathy’s birthday (although it’s actually February 29th!) She knows how much I love my chimps and she doesn’t want me to get her anything for her birthday. I figured the best way to get the best of both worlds is to sponsor a day for her birthday! I wish her a very happy birthday and hope she knows how much she means to, just as much as my chimp friends! Love you Aunt Jeri!”
Erin, thank you so much for celebrating your Aunt Jeri and the chimps! We so appreciate your kind heart and the difference you make in the chimps’ lives.
Jeri, a leap year baby! In which case, Missy would probably suggest you leap about all day long. All of us here hope you have the best birthday yet, however you choose to celebrate! 🙂
Missy:
I once learned in a primate behavior class that adult chimps don’t tend to play much unless they’re playing with juveniles. Clearly, nobody gave the Cle Elum Seven the news. These are a few of my favorite play videos:
