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Cle Elum Seven

A Classic Chimp House Caper

July 23, 2023 by Grace

It’s time to grab your bowler hat, trench coat, and magnifying glass- we have a chimp house caper to solve.

We here at CSNW are not immune to pulling the occasional prank on our coworkers. Hiding food is not uncommon, or leaving things in funny places for the next morning crew to find (like Kirk, our fun anatomically accurate skeleton). The thing that sets this caper apart is the fact that we have gone almost a month without identifying the perpetrator. We all have our suspicions and the discussion on who we think did it has found it’s way into our bi-weekly staff meetings, morning meetings, staff group chats… You get the picture. It’s slowly infiltrating every part of our day.

What is this caper you ask? Great question.

Let me set the scene.

About a month ago, it was a normal day in the chimp house. No one seems to know who was all here that day, but I think it was a Thursday. One moment, everything is fine. The next, someone (I think J.B. or Chad?) noticed a new item on the white board in the foyer. On an unassuming white piece of paper, in a new laminated sheet, was a Human Enrichment Calendar. We have chimp enrichment calendars, yes- two to be exact. But this was the first appearance of a Human Enrichment Calendar. Each day it listed a staff member with a task to do that was not, nor has ever been, on our daily task lists. From disinfecting every single enclosure in one day, to making a whole month’s worth of paper braids, to raking the driveway (it’s not a short driveway), every day was a new humbling activity. See for yourself:

Evidence Presented to the Court #1:

There’s one thing that stands out the most from this calendar. It’s that a certain staff member has a certain type of task each day that they’re listed that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd.

Evidence Presented to the Court #2:

Now, it being a Thursday, no one was on their weekends. So either a staff member was in the chimp house or having office time, but there would also have likely been volunteers on site as well. We briefly discussed dusting for fingerprints, but the laminated sheet was clean. The perp knew what they were doing.

So far, all have claimed innocence. Jenna is adamant that she is being framed, Chad argues that just because he is the enrichment coordinator doesn’t mean he did it, I was in office time so my alibi is working from home (my dog, Pongo, can attest)- but everyone has a similar story. For a while, it was widely believed that Jenna did it (maybe with an accomplice?) then Chad was decided to be the perpetrator. He has since argued his innocence. I will keep my biases to myself, but I will say that a certain staff member (ahem, Jenna) has been very, very, very adamant that it’s not her. But whose to judge what behavior is suspicious?

So, I ask you- who do you think did it? We look forward to reading your suspicions, theories, and ideas- maybe it will help us in identifying the trouble maker. 🙂

Photos From the Day:

Chad caught Jamie on Young’s Hill this afternoon with her favorite book:

Rayne and Terry enjoying some time on The Bray this afternoon:

 

 

Filed Under: Caregivers, Chimpanzee, Jamie, Rayne, Sanctuary, Terry Tagged With: chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum Seven, Jamie

Mornings In The Chimp House

May 28, 2023 by Grace

Mornings in the chimp house are often super busy! The to-do list is impressive and as soon as we arrive we get started on breakfast prep, enrichment, laundry, and other morning tasks. Then, after breakfast is served to both groups and we’ve finished shifting, we start cleaning the enclosures. Despite the long to-do list, there are often sweet moments to catch all morning. Whether it’s the precious greetings the chimps offer us when we first arrive or little goofy moments between friends as we scrub and squeegee, there’s always something to make you smile.

Today was no exception! As we cleaned, chimps in both groups enjoyed the beautiful summer day. Check out today’s video for more! 🙂

BONUS PHOTOS:

Cy, looking on as his family explores the Bray:

Gordo, getting more and more comfortable on the structures:

Honey B enjoying the sunshine:

Jamie, resting after lunch with one of her cowboy boots:

Rayne, exploring the Bray:

Filed Under: Chimpanzee, Friendship, Latest Videos, Most Viewed Videos, Sanctuary, The Bray Tagged With: Burrito, chimpanzee, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum Seven, Jamie, Sanctuary

Brrrrrrrrrr, it’s cold out here!

October 21, 2022 by Jenna

Brrrrrrrrrrrr… it is cold today in central Washington! It is 47 degrees (according to my phone’s weather app) as I type this. Despite the sudden cooler temperatures, the chimpanzees have been enjoying their day outside. Jamie’s group has been on/off their new and improved Young’s Hill all day and Cy’s group has spent lots of time in their two greenhouses.

This morning during cleaning, I heard chimpanzee laughter coming from one of the front rooms. It’s normal for Burrito to be playing in the morning but it is always a guess as to who his play buddy is! Today, it was Negra. In my personal opinion, Negra play sessions are the best! So enjoy today’s video featuring a nice play session between Burrito and Negra, with Foxie in the background for moral support!

Now let’s play a game!

Here are two photos… can you guess whose lips these belong to?! Comment your guesses below and I will reveal the answers on Sunday’s blog!

Mystery Lips #1:

Mystery Lips #2:

Filed Under: Burrito, Chimpanzee, Foxie, Negra, Sanctuary Tagged With: Burrito, chimp sanctuary, chimpanzee, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum Seven, Negra

Play Day Tuesday

October 4, 2022 by Chad de Bree

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!

Filed Under: Annie, Burrito, Chimpanzee, Friendship, Gordo, Latest Videos, Lucky, Mave, Missy, Negra, Play, Sanctuary Tagged With: chimp, chimp rescue, chimp sanctuary, chimpanzee, chimpanzee rescue, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, chimpanzees, Cle Elum 7, Cle Elum Seven, Sanctuary

Lunchtime With the Cle Elum Seven

October 2, 2022 by Grace

Meals are always an exciting time of the day around here! The chimps get fresh fruits and vegetables for all three meals of the day, along with forages and food puzzles throughout the day and evening. Everyone has their favorites, of course, and today Caregiver Katelyn prepared tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, and avocados for lunch!

Join us for lunchtime with the Cle Elum Seven on this beautiful October day. 🙂

Terry, inspecting his own hand:

Terry, noticing me taking photos:

Negra during a meal last week:

Missy, watching Foxie play with Caregiver Katelyn:

Lucky hanging out with me earlier this morning:

A thread of Burrito photos, because he’s handsome and I couldn’t pick just one:

Filed Under: Annie, Burrito, Chimpanzee, Food, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Latest Videos, Missy, Most Viewed Videos, Negra, Sanctuary, Terry Tagged With: Annie, Burrito, chimpanzee, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum 7, Cle Elum Seven, Food, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, Negra, Sanctuary

Community

September 25, 2022 by Jenna

For our avid blog-readers, I am sure you have noticed how many of my blog posts are quite sappy or sentimental. Just like how you can count on Anthony’s blog posts for puns, I feel like mine are typically infused with sappiness.

And unfortunately, that is not going to stop today…

Something that really stands out to me here at CSNW is the feeling of community. It is a different level of community than other places I have been. It has been even more apparent to me over the past month.

With our recent fundraiser (HOOT!), our summer full of MANY chimpanzee birthdays, volunteer work parties to progress construction on Young’s Hill, I have been consistently blown away by the support from all of you. It is quite an indescribable feeling to know how many people out there stand behind what we do, from both near and far.

Just as an example, for Missy’s birthday in August, we loaded up our Amazon Wishlist with items we knew Missy would love for her big day, and over the span of probably a week, all of the party items had been bought. Our chimp house foyer was packed with tomato themed items up until her birthday.

Also, another example: yesterday was Day 1 of the volunteer work party on Young’s Hill. There was such a big turnout that yesterday’s tasks were finished in about 3.5 hours. It was amazing the progress that had been made by some generous volunteers who love the chimps! The hill isn’t ready for the chimps just yet, but we are steps closer and that is exciting!

“A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It’s about feeling connected and responsible for what happens.”

I found this quote today and it couldn’t be more true. We have supporters all over the world, with many who will never visit Cle Elum, Washington. Despite the distance, you continuously support the chimps and are crucial parts of their lives. Your support, in all of the ways possible you can give it, no matter how big or small, makes a huge difference for the sanctuary.

The staff, volunteers, donors, and anyone who has supported CSNW in the past or present all have something in common: we all love and adore the 16 chimps and want to see them thrive. We hope you feel apart of this community because we are grateful you’re here!

Terry:

Burrito:

Filed Under: Caregivers, Chimpanzee, Sanctuary, Thanks, Volunteers Tagged With: animal protection, chimpanzee, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cle Elum Seven, Sanctuary

Little Moments On A Sunday

August 28, 2022 by Grace

No matter what day it is or what is going on, there are always little moments in the chimp house that center you. Today’s video is a compilation of these little, precious moments. 🙂 Plus some photos, too!

Gordo in his box:

We also celebrated the lovely weather today with a forage on Young’s Hill! Everyone in Jamie’s group participated and enjoyed fresh corn, mini sweet peppers, and tomatoes.

Missy:

Jody:

Can you spot the Jamie?

Burrito:

Annie, left, and Missy, right:

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Filed Under: Annie, Burrito, Chimpanzee, Forage, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Latest Videos, Missy, Most Viewed Videos, Negra, Play, Sanctuary, Young's Hill Tagged With: Burrito, chimpanzee, chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, chimpanzees, Cle Elum Seven, Sanctuary, young's hill

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PO Box 952
Cle Elum, WA 98922
[email protected]
509-699-0728
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EIN: 68-0552915

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