Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Between Jody and Annie’s “reclined spinal twists” poses and Negra and Jody’s “happy baby poses“, we must have some very zen chimps around here. I caught both Negra and Jody simultaneously “practicing” this morning in the greenhouse.
Negra’s happy baby:
I like to think of this next pose as a “reclined” (or laying down) lotus pose:
Jody’s dramatic reclined spinal twist:
Back in February, we witnessed Foxie build her first true blanket nest. It is still a rare occasion and is usually short-lived, but she is getting there. She made a little more progress today. It seems having a new(ish) troll doll with hair helps (or several), as well as caregivers handing her an endless supply of blankets.
As we approach our 3rd anniversary (June 13!), her progress is only fitting considering two years ago (on the one-year anniversary of the chimps’ arrival to the sanctuary) Diana and I witnessed Foxie lay on her first blanket. As inappropriate as the phrase “baby steps” may seem since I am referring to a fully grown adult chimp, her steps towards nest building are small, but priceless, no less.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a more professional relaxer:
Last week, CSNW supporters Dick and Robbi Brown brought some beautiful purple lilac flowers for the chimps. I’ve known other chimps who really loved lilacs, most notably Washoe, but we just weren’t sure what the Cle Elum Seven would think. When we first gave the flowers to them, they were unsure (I tasted one the other day– bleh! they are pretty perfumey!), but today volunteer Seana and myself put out the rest of them in the outdoor area and they were a hit with everybody!
….well, almost everybody. Much like I would feel if I were them, Burrito and Foxie chose to remain indifferent toward the flower forage.
Missy:
Negra (with Annie in the background):
Jody:
Jamie enjoying her lilacs while wearing a stuffed monkey around her neck:
She put it on first thing this morning, and has been wearing it ever since:
Annie:
Thanks Robbi and Dick!
Even the boss has to kick back sometimes:
Keith‘s daughter, Gabriela, is turning 17 today! I can hardly believe it!! Keith is the founder of CSNW, so I’ve known Gabby since 2003 when I first moved to Washington and started working with the chimps at Central Washington University. She’s a beautiful girl (woman!?) with a silly spirit and always has a smile on her face (and if there’s not one, I can make it happen :). I love her and her brother Teddy so much, and think of all of the LaChappelle family as part of my west coast family. So, the happiest of birthdays to you, Gabby! Hope you come visit your friends in Cle Elum soon!
Here’s a photo of one of my favorite moments with Gabby’s favorite chimp, Foxie:
I never really know what I’m in for when I arrive at the sanctuary in the mornings. Sometimes the chimps are all grumpy– maybe they had a fight the night before or just don’t feel like getting out of bed– and sometimes they are playful goofs. Othertimes, it’s a mixture of both. When I arrived the other day, I was happy to start the day off by witnessing this:
