Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Ya’ll, let me tell you that taking care of chimpanzees in captivity is a job full of stress and worry. But Burrito here, even when you know he can be the instigator of drama, shows us why we do what we do. Enjoy the video and take Burrito’s outlook on life to heart.
Willy B
As caregiver Sofia and I were cleaning the Playroom I heard a knock on the share window by the Green House. When I looked over, it was Foxie with two dolls! I ran over to say hi through the window before going upstairs to squeegee, but then she knocked on the window one more time and erupted into a game of chase. I ran out telling Sofia I would be right back! Foxie did not care that we were cleaning, it was time to play. We chased for several minutes before she decided it was time to have her dolls back. However, before I could go back to help clean Jamie and Missy needed tomatoes from the garden, obviously!
On the other side of the building, Willy B has recovered very well! We have been starting the process of reintroducing Willy B back into his group. Because they are a relatively new group we need to slowly add Willy B back to ensure overall success and well-being. We have been doing play dates, but today we took the step of adding him into a small group overnight to make sure it goes okay. If all goes well he will be back with his group tomorrow!
Everyone has been so excited to see Willy B, his day has been full of grooming and playing chase :)!
It’s October, which means Jamieween is right around the corner! Make sure to keep checking on our Amazon Wish List for Jamie’s party!
As caregiver Grace and I were cleaning Burrito’s playroom, I saw him and Missy engage in a fun play session. They were having such a fun time, the play session lasted a very long time. Every time I tried to pull away from recording to help Grace clean, they would engage in a different game that I had to record.
Here are some bonus photos as well!
Annie eating her breakfast chow biscuits while watching the construction crew work on Young’s Hill.
Gordo also watching the construction while sitting inside a Prima-Rocker in the Oakwood Greenhouse.
Then sitting in one of his favorite spots, the window ledge.
Mave waiting for lunch service to begin.
Negra still cozy in her nest as I said good morning to her when I got in.
Lucky being beautiful as always!
And this guy! I can only imagine what is going through his head.
Oh right! Playing! That’s what’s on his mind!
And don’t forget, Giving Day for Apes is right around the corner! Tuesday, October 11th to be exact! You can help us by donating on our page or by creating a fundraiser page of your own! Be sure to check out when the Power Hours are and other prizes on the 11th to try to make your contribution more impactful!
We caregivers often talk about Terry’s kind and easygoing personality. He’s not without occasional bursts of machismo, but these emotional tempests quickly subside to reveal his true gentle nature. It’s always a pleasure to be in Terry’s warm presence, and he seems to hold us caregivers in equally high esteem.
Today, I sat near Terry while he industriously processed a paper braid stuffed with seeds and raisins. It’s always nice to see the chimpanzees engaged with their enrichment, and we value opportunities to share those moments with our readers and supporters. On that note, here’s a clip of Terry’s sweet face for you all to enjoy!
It’s been a busy day. Rather than write a detailed blog post, I’m sharing a simple portrait of Annie that I took earlier this afternoon.
Annie was lounging on the elevated platform in her group’s greenhouse enclosure. The chimpanzees who live on that side of the building have been closely watching J.B. and the Sage Mechanical crew as they put in another full day renovating Young’s Hill. I thought her expression (or lack thereof) made for a good portrait. I also included some alternate versions of the image, each edited in a unique way. Let me know if you have a favorite edit!
My “preferred” version:
The original:
Black and white with red and yellow hues lifted:
Black and white with blue and green hues lifted:
Increased contrast with “cinematic” preset settings:
For once there wasn’t a lot going on today for the chimps or the humans. That happens very rarely in this chimp house now a days! The chimps spent most of their day napping, grooming, lazily playing, or working on some enrichment.
Jody grooming a pile of blankets… oops I mean Negra!
Jamie and Missy spent most of the day coaxing their caregivers over to the small garden where the tomatoes and grape vines were ready to be picked! Of course, we had to oblige!
Terry was a hot commodity today! As I walked by with the camera, Lucky and Terry began grooming.
I took a series of photos of Terry Bronx Cheering (or blowing raspberries) when he and Lucky were grooming. Terry is always Bronx Cheering- whether he is grooming, trying to get our attention, and he even does it when he is working up into a display.
A few minutes later Rayne passed by to join the party. Terry began grooming her and then Rayne reciprocated the grooming.
I found Honey B relaxing on one of the tree leaves. She looked content, but also up to no good all at the same time.
Jamie also found sometime in the day to kick back and relax too.
Sweet sweet Lucky lounging in Oakwood.
