Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Cle Elum Seven

The Den Mother

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For as long as we’ve known Jody, she’s been incredibly confident and independent. Her happy place is lying alone in a big nest of soft blankets. But somewhere along the way, she has become very invested in taking care of her chimp family. She works hard to make sure the group stays together. This spring, as Negra has ventured farther out onto Young’s Hill than ever before, Jody has periodically gone to the top of the hill to “collect” Negra when she decides it’s time. If Negra isn’t ready to come inside yet, Jody nervously stays with her, hair standing on end. For a group of chimps who never got to know their mothers, they’re lucky to have a mom in Jody.

Trying Something New

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Almost six years after Young’s Hill opened, there are still parts of the two-acre outdoor habitat that Negra hasn’t explored. She seems to feel safer and more comfortable with a roof over her head. When she does go outside, she tends to stick close to the building in case she gets spooked and needs to run back inside quickly.

You can imagine our surprise and joy this afternoon as we watched Negra venture clear up to the top of Young’s Hill and plant herself calmly on a mound of wild greens. She had never been on this part of the hill before but she didn’t seem to be worried about that. The whole sanctuary held its breath as we stopped and watched in awe. She looked so small up there.

After awhile she crossed a log bridge and continued her exploration.

She stopped in to sample the grass growing under Twister.

You can just see Negra under the structure on the left, with Foxie on the right.

Eventually it was time to make her way back down the hill, but she was in no hurry.