Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Cle Elum Seven

Argh!

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In case you haven’t heard through all of the chimps’ Facebook status updates (yes, each chimp has their own FB page, which can be found through this link), thanks to volunteer Stephanie Perciful, the chimps had a pirate-themed party yesterday. What an awesome idea! Stephanie did an awesome job (as usual) collecting pirate-themed enrichment for the chimps, so the playroom was covered in buried treasures (e.g. gold beaded necklaces) and skulls and crossbones. Thanks, Steph!

Incidental Enrichment

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As you probably saw from yesterday’s blog post, the chimps not only have a new clear view, but also love hanging out on the window sills in the outdoor area! Who new?! There were moments yesterday when there was at least one chimp sitting in each window sill. It looked like a CSNW version of Hollywood Squares. Intentional enrichment is great, but incidental enrichment is even better!

Jamie:

Jody:

Foxie:

Missy:

Burrito:

Windows!

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Great news! Today we installed the last of the cageless playroom windows.

Here is a before shot of the garden side of the playroom:

And here is the after shot, with four caged windows replaced with chimp-proof glass:

Here is a before shot of the wall facing the chimpanzees’ outdoor area (these are the windows you’ll see in the video below, from the other side):

And here is the after shot, with three upstairs and one downstairs window replaced with chimp-proof glass:

This video was taken yesterday when the chimps were first given access to the outdoor area after the installation of the two upper left picture windows. The upper right window wasn’t quite finished, but it was the first time the chimps could sit in that windowsill because it was previously covered by a large polycarbonate panel on the outdoor area side. Everyone was visibly excited about the new additions and spent the remainder of the afternoon climbing in and out (and in and out) of the new windowsills.

To everyone who has given funds, time and energy, or kind words: We can’t thank you enough. You have given the chimps a brighter view!

Yesterday in honor of Neil

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Yesterday, August 2nd, was a Sponsor a Day in honor of Neil Welch who “loves the intelligence and beauty of the chimpanzees.” Thank you, Neil and thank you Tanya for honoring Neil by dedicating a day of sanctuary for the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees!

Here’s a special photo of the beautiful and intelligent Jody investigating the long laces on a sandal:

Jody with sandal in playroom

A chimp and a monkey

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The chimps seem to have a love/hate relationship with stuffed animals. Stuffed monkeys and apes, in particular, tend to get their insides ripped out quickly and somewhat violently. Sometimes, though, if they have that ineffable quality, they are granted a temporary reprieve and become snuggle partners.

Volunteer Stephanie P. and her niece Sara donated this giant monkey to the chimps, and he/she is still “alive” and kicking, against all odds.