Cle Elum 7

Enriching Jamie

November 7, 2013 by Elizabeth

Caregiver Debbie recently ordered a new food puzzle for the chimpanzees. She just got one of them for now so we could make sure it was chimp-proof (safe and sturdy) and up to Jamie’s standards. Since Jamie’s mind is always three steps ahead, she’s hard to keep enriched. One of our daily priorities is finding projects and puzzles that challenge or entertain her. If something keeps her occupied for a few minutes, we consider it a success!

The new food puzzle was a success, as you’ll see in this video.

Chimp ID: Negra

November 3, 2013 by Elizabeth

Today we conclude our series of blog posts on chimpanzee identification with Negra. (If you missed the posts about Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, or Missy, click on their names.)

Negra is the oldest of the chimps at the sanctuary, and because of her wise and regal air, we call her our Queen. Negra has a mostly dark face with white freckles on her chin and in her ears:

She is missing the top half of her left ear:

She has more bottom lip than she knows what to do with:

She’s a big lady with an ample belly:

Here you can see how her girth compares with Jody’s:

She loves to relax with a blanket draped over her head:

And she worships the sun:

Jamie Chimpanzee’s Hallowbirthday 2013

October 31, 2013 by Elizabeth

At Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest we take parties pretty seriously, and on this day, we have two occasions to celebrate: Halloween and Jamie’s 36th birthday. Consequently, we went a little wild with the festivities today.

The chimpanzees are lucky to have some really great friends, and today we want to thank three of them in particular for making the day so special. Supporter Jayne Roepke mailed us several boxes full of the most fun and creative enrichment for today’s party (and treated the chimps to some delicious and festive party food!); Lisa Stuverud sponsored today in Jamie’s honor; and volunteer caregiver Stephanie brought some more party decorations, food, and enrichment, including this hand-carved birthday/Halloween pumpkin:

The pumpkin was the star of the show, as you’ll see in the video below. But first, some photos of the party this morning.

Negra with a gift bag:

and with a chunk of the giant pumpkin:

Jody enjoying some cran-pomegranate juice:

and deconstructing one of the cute ghost pinatas that Jayne sent:

Jody also loved the giant pumpkin:

Foxie with the giant pumpkin (are you sensing a theme?):

Burrito taking a brief break from foraging:

Annie drinking some juice:

And if you’re wondering about Jamie, the birthday girl, she thoroughly enjoyed the festivities. Here she is looking cool with a party straw:

foraging for berries:

inspecting some new presents:

and treating herself to a “martini”:

One of the highlights of the day was watching the chimps dig into the pumpkin. They all eventually had their turns at it, but Negra was the first to enjoy the spoils.

If you’re signed up to receive our e-newsletter, you know that we’re holding a competition to see which chimpanzee can get the most Chimpanzee Pals by the end of the year. Wish Jamie a happy 36th birthday by signing up to be her Pal today!

Happy Jamieween, everyone!

Forest

October 29, 2013 by Debbie

I love seeing the chimps on Young’s Hill with the forest as a backdrop. Though we can never return them to the wild, we can give them the next best thing. After living decades in the lab, I imagine it must feel pretty great to have open air, sunshine, and blue sky overhead. And the view isn’t too bad either.

Paparazzi

October 28, 2013 by Lisa

As the weather turns from summer’s heat to winter’s chill the chimpanzees are adjusting their habits accordingly. The panels for the greenhouse walls have all been returned and the chimpanzees are finding the most pleasant spots to spend their time. The windows in the catwalk of the playroom are, of course, a reliable favorite. Recently the top wooden platform of the climbing structure in the greenhouse appears to have developed into a popular (and, most likely, the warmest) hang out during the day. While cleaning in the playroom today I realized the catwalk afforded a vantage point of this coveted spot that is pretty well hidden from view otherwise.

Here are the chimpanzees enjoying the warmth of the greenhouse at their leisure.

Missy & Jody playing together:

Jody catches me taking pictures:

Missy & Negra playing AND catching me with the camera:

Rainy Day

October 27, 2013 by Elizabeth

It’s chilly, gray, and rainy in Cle Elum today, and the chimpanzees are cozying up in the warm playroom. (This doesn’t include Jamie, who is keeping volunteer caregiver Stephanie busy walking around and around Young’s Hill. When the boss beckons, you listen.) Negra would rather stay indoors on a day like this, and I don’t blame her.

Chimp ID: Missy

October 24, 2013 by Elizabeth

We’re continuing our series of blog posts on chimpanzee identification today with Missy. (If you missed the posts about Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, or Jody, click on their names.)

Missy is the resident athlete and daredevil, and she usually looks like this:

or like this:

If you catch her in a still moment, you’ll notice that she has a white chin and a distinctive white splotch on the left side of her face above her lip: