Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Cle Elum 7

So I don’t forget

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As the newest staff member, I have spent the last four months building my relationships with the chimpanzees. I was fortunate enough to be a student intern here in 2019-2020 (up until the pandemic), which means I had previously met Jamie’s group, as well as Willy B, Honey B, and Mave when they were just a group of three. However, I was not trained to interact with the chimps as an intern, so all my relationships truly started when I joined as a staff member.

I do believe that knowing the dynamics of Jamie’s group previously, as well as having glimpses into the personalities of Willy B, Honey B, and Mave, has helped me transition into my role. Throughout my training and up until now, I have tried to be intentional with my time with the chimps. I want them to know I care and that they are my priority. I want them to know I am happy to be here. While some days cleaning takes up a lot of our time, every day matters to them. Even if I don’t spend quality time with each chimp every single day, showing up every day matters to them. Greeting them every morning and every time you see them matters. Every little thing I have done has helped and will continue to help build my relationship with each of the chimps.

I have had a few moments recently that meant a lot to me, so I captured a photo during/after with my phone.

For example, Missy is very particular with the humans she chooses to interact with. She would much rather spend time with her chimpanzee friends. The other day, I went out to the Greenhouse to play chase with Burrito and Missy was out there as well. She was looking out to Young’s Hill, appearing deep in thought. Out of nowhere, she flung her back around and pushed it up against the caging, which is a signal that she would like to be groomed. To say I was shocked was an understatement! This was the first time Missy had initiated an interaction with me. I took full advantage of the opportunity and groomed her back for several minutes. Burrito gave me a look like he knew it was unusual for Missy to interact with me and patiently waited until I was done before he started playing chase again.

I captured this photo with my phone after so I would never forget this moment.

Burrito and Missy:

On Tuesday, it was a rainy day and everyone was absolutely stoked about it. The cooler temperatures, even for just one day, are so appreciated this time of year. During the afternoon, I went on a walk around Young’s Hill with Burrito. When we reached the top, Burrito sat down and was taking in the view. Or maybe he was letting me catch my breath after the steep incline, we may never know. Either way, it was a beautiful moment I knew I wanted to capture, so I would never forget.

A few days ago, Foxie dropped her dolls down to me. These are two of her absolute favorite dolls out of her collection. As you can see, they’re her brand new birthday dolls! You can tell they’re new if they still have clothes on (her preference). Something inside of me feels extra special when Foxie gives me the things she loves the most. I quickly snapped this photo while Foxie was waiting for me to toss them back to her, while sitting up in the “Loft” of their Playroom. I didn’t want to forget this.

To be honest, there are so many moments working this job that are so special. I’m sure if we asked all caregivers out there, they would all have photos like these ones so that they don’t forget the special moments. And mine are just from the past week!

*Bonus photo of Rayne – Here is proof that Cy is not the only fan of magazines!*

We are so LUCKY

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Lucky [luhk-ee]

chimpanzee

1. kind-hearted

2. engaged

3. first to greet her caregivers when they walk in the room; knows how to make someone feel special

4. observer of her surroundings

Lucky is truly one of a kind. And as cliché as it sounds, we are so lucky to know her.

When I first started at CSNW as staff, Lucky always made such an effort with me. Every time I saw her, she would storm across the room, no matter what she was up to, just to say hello. She was the head of the welcoming committee for me and she doesn’t even know it. She does this with all of her caregivers. She is easily excited and genuinely happy to see everyone 24/7.

You may have noticed in some previous blog photos or videos, Lucky uses blankets to scoot across the floor. You can see this behavior here (around 0:43). She will gather a few blankets, tuck them under her thighs, and use them to help glide herself across the floor. Closely related to rocking, this is a common behavior for chimpanzees in captivity. To phrase it in the simplest way I can, she does this as a comfort mechanism. As someone who was born in a laboratory, not raised by her own mother, and will live the rest of her life in captivity, it is understandable for her to seek comfort in any way she chooses. I believe even we, as humans, have our own individual ways to comfort ourselves in both good and stressful times. And that is okay.

As seen in the photo above, this is one of Lucky’s signature poses. Anytime you see a photo of Lucky from this angle, just know she is staring down whoever is behind the camera. Simultaneously, she is doing a motion with her mouth where she alternates sucking in her cheeks/lips. I presume that she is deep in thought every time I see this face.

We love you, Lucky!

Summer Shenanigans

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After celebrating its official start yesterday, we are in full summer mode here at the sanctuary! The season has definitely caught up and it is *warm* outside, with the sun in full force. After managing winter weather and cool spring temps, the jump start to summer has us (or maybe just me) sweltering in the heat. Today ended up being the perfect day to remind us (or, again, just me) why summer is so fun.

Diana brought us bowls of rose flowers and petals for both groups to forage, which was a hit! And on Jamie’s side of the building, we decided to fill up their two pools with nice cool water… and then we added a yummy touch- Gatorade!

The bowl of rose flowers, petals, and lilacs for the forage today:

Gordo enjoying his lunch in the warmth of the Riverview Greenhouse:

Jamie’s group has spent a large portion of today exploring on Young’s Hill, relaxing in the greenhouse, and spending time by the Gatorade pools. Cy and his group have seemed content to spend time in the cool front rooms, and right now I can hear Terry blowing raspberries trying to get someone’s attention.

Check out the video for more on today’s chimp-house-summer-time-shenanigans!

 

Spring green!

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A little wind didn’t stop Burrito’s group from enjoying a lunch forage on Young’s Hill today.

Jody was the first one to bring her bounty back to the greenhouse. She efficiently collected her peppers and cucumbers before hustling inside to eat her meal:

Missy inhaled many Roma tomatoes before settling down to savor her cucumber:

Burrito and his armful:

Foxie likes a good cucumber:

Annie looking for primate chow:

Negra, a mouthful of chow and a sea of green:

The Grass is Always Greener

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As caregivers arrived this morning, the sun was bright and the weather was warm. So one of our first orders of business was to conduct our security checks to let Negra’s group out onto Young’s Hill as soon as possible. As the door that leads to Young’s Hill opened, all seven filtered through, with Negra in the lead.

As I watched Negra sitting in warm sun, seemingly taking it all in, I was amazed at how green the grass was. It’s just one of those things I don’t notice as it’s happening until I see it through the view of the camera lens.

On her way in, Negra found a pine cone that she wanted to bring back to her Greenhouse.

It was at this point I knew a lunch forage was in store today. How could I not let them have a forage on such a beautiful day?

On today’s menu was sweet potatoes, mini bell peppers, carrots, and chow biscuits.

Annie:

Burrito:

Foxie:

Jamie:

Jody:

Missy:

Negra:

Jamie watching Missy tightrope walking across the firehose:

Burrito taking his chance on the firehose:

Have you ever had that feeling you’re being watching?

Oh, it’s just Burrito:

Burrito relaxing and enjoying his lunch in the privacy of the hammock:

As you read about Negra’s group enjoying their lunch forage on Young’s Hill, please don’t forget that construction is well under way to complete the outdoor habitat for the new group of nine! One way you can help us is to donate, and what better way to donate than to help with Monica and Diana’s WA GiveBIG wish? Every little bit helps ensure the construction continues to move along and helps us get closer to letting Cy’s group enjoy a forage on their own hill.

National Burrito Day!

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Today is National Burrito day!!! I wanted to shower everyone today with Burrito photos but he had other ideas. I went on two walks around Youngs Hill with Burrito and Jamie before 11AM. Burrito was in from the get-go but Jamie had special requests. She required me to wear one size smaller boots, and also requested that I drive the Gator both times. During those walks Burrito took the opportunity to climb the Twister structure to try and get a better look at the construction happening outside the perimeter of the hill. Once he came back in, he spent most of the day asking caregivers to play chase with him and wanting to play through the mesh while actively running away from the camera. Totally understandable because it has been a beautiful day out, perfect to keep everyone very active and moving.

Burrito eating an avocado during lunch

Burrito climbing the Twister structure during one of our walks around the hill

A play and groom session between Burrito and Caregiver Chad

On the other side of the Chimp House, the chimps in both Honey B’s and Rayne’s group spent most of the day in their green houses enjoying the nice day.

Willy B

Honey B looking as flawless as always

Gordo

Lucky