Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

chimpanzee

The power of the fort

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“Where did Jamie go?” Those are four words you never really want to utter. But if you know where Jamie is, and she thinks you don’t know where she is, then the fun begins.

Jamie loves to build fort-like nests surrounding herself with all manner of things. Her kitchenette, a barrel, a shopping cart, whatever strikes her fancy. And occasionally she builds them with the pretty clear intention of having some privacy and taking a timeout from everyone. Something we can probably all relate to and of course, who doesn’t love a good fort?

After lunch the playroom was particularly quiet and while we assumed everyone was tucked away somewhere napping, I couldn’t see Jamie. Then I just caught a slight motion of blankets being spun into a nest behind this barrel:

In these instances, Jamie seems to take particular satisfaction in our seeming inability to see her. She grows very still as we call for her and occasionally slowly peeks around the corner at us when she thinks we cannot see her. We get it. So we just go along. I mean imagine living with six family members day in and day out, not to mention a variety of humans hanging around all day. Who wouldn’t need some privacy? Hence, the power of the fort.

Happy Birthday, Kim!

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Kim Williams sponsored this day of sanctuary and shared a sweet message about her gift:

 “A belated birthday gift to my beloved chimpanzees – especially Negra! XX”

Kim, thank you so much for sharing your own special day with the chimpanzees. What a lovely thing to do. All of us here hope your day was a special as you help make the chimpanzees’ days. And months and years and lives.

Queen Neggie:

Playful Missy and Visitors from Ngamba Island

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It’s been a busy week at the sanctuary! Contractors are finishing the human areas of the Phase 1 expansion now that a back ordered fixture is finally in and Missy, as you can see in the video above, is keeping us busy playing very competitive games of tug-o-war.

We were also fortunate to host two guests from Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda. Ngamba is home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees and through their NGO, the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, they also do incredible work protecting wild chimpanzees through both field conservation and community education. Irene and Joseph have been visiting various primate sanctuaries while in the United States and they were able to spend the past week volunteering with us.

While here, they were also kind enough to share inspiring stories of their work with the students and faculty of the Primate Behavior and Ecology program at Central Washington University.

If you don’t already, I’d encourage you to follow Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Facebook and support their efforts to protect chimpanzees. Many thanks, Irene and Joseph, from all of us at CSNW (especially Jody)!

There’s more than one way to remove snow

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Good thing it keeps snowing because it’s incredible how much snow these chimpanzees eat! Given Annie’s tactic, she must be immune to freeze brain:

Meanwhile outside, in a turn of events, it was Jody who marched out onto the hill while good friend, Foxie, stayed behind and watched after her:

After the Storm

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The days after a snowstorm (or series of snowstorms) are so wonderful, aren’t they? It’s like reawakening to a changed world.

J.B., with the help of volunteer Jonathan, made some pathways in the snow for the chimpanzees today. The chimps watched the work being done for them from the greenhouse. When everything was ready for them, they went outside to stretch their legs a bit, take in the landscape, and get some snow to snack on.

Burrito following Annie:

Jody:

Jody and Missy:

Foxie:

You may have already guessed that Negra wasn’t with the first expedition of the morning, but instead stayed inside until afternoon:

Jamie, meanwhile, was preoccupied with a couple of magazines. In fact, she’s more preoccupied with photos of boots than with boots themselves lately.

She did take the time to go outside to grab a big chuck of snow after lunch before returning to a magazine:

Burrito and his after dinner enrichment

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The chimps are presented with different food puzzles each night before they settle down and make their nests. Volunteers placed peanuts and spoonfuls of peanut butter in cups and screwed them together in stacks. Burrito carefully unscrewed the cups from each other to find the treats but found it much easier to use his large, powerful canine teeth to rip off the lids – reminding us that an effective solution to a problem often looks different from a chimpanzee’s perspective.

Today is for Arlene

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Michael sponsored this special, lovely day of sanctuary in honor of his wife, Arlene, to wish her  Happy Valentine’s Day!

Michael and Arlene, thank you so much for always holding the chimpanzees in your hearts and for celebrating, and contributing to, the myriad of ways love is present in each of their lives. We’re so very fortunate to have you as part of our chimp family. Have a beautiful day!

Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:

Jody and Missy:

Jamie:

Annie and Missy:

Burrito and Negra:

Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:

Burrito smooches: