We give the chimpanzees all kinds of toys to play with each day, but sometimes something as simple as a cardboard box does the trick.
Cle Elum Seven
Making the Most of It
Occasionally we offer the chimpanzees some sugar-free gum as a treat. Some of them swallow it right away, but Foxie likes to savor hers.
True Altruism
“True altruism is caring for places you will never visit, people you will never meet and a future you will never see.” – Author unknown –
I was looking at Jane Goodall’s Facebook page the other day and came across the above quote. As I read the words, I couldn’t help thinking of all of the people who have and will continue to advocate for chimpanzees across Africa who have suffered as the result of deforestation, the pet trade and the bush meat trade. Many of these people are fighting for animals in places they will never have the chance to visit.
And then I read the quote again and couldn’t help but think of all of the Cle Elum Seven supporters around the world. Many supporters will never be able to meet these chimps, yet, they continue to love and support them.
Reading the quote one more time, I thought about the countless number of people fighting for a future they were not sure they’d ever see; an end to biomedical research on chimpanzees in the United States. I think Diana did a great job of describing how our society has shifted toward “greater understanding and compassion” It takes a lot of people and a lot of time, but change does happen and a future we dreamed about is happening now.
Thank you to all those who care about and advocate for, the places, the people and the future you may never see.
Jamie
Jody
Burrito
Negra
Foxie (look close to see Annie’s head poking out in the background)
Missy (Foxie is in the background holding a troll doll.)
Annie
Rainy Day? Time to Play
It’s a gray, rainy day in Cle Elum but Foxie and Jamie are keeping themselves entertained inside. (Make sure your volume is up for some great breathy chimp laughter starting around 0:40.)
The Simple Things
Savoring a creamy avocado next to a sunny window must be one of life’s greatest pleasures, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than sweet Annie.
The Lost Photos
Many of the photos we take of the chimpanzees each day never make it onto the blog. Here are a few that I’ve taken in the last couple of weeks that I just found hiding on the hard drive.
Jamie:
Burrito:
Annie:
Jody:
Negra:
Speaking of photos you may have missed, the 2017 CSNW Calendar is now available in our online store! Here’s a sneak peak:
If you’re as smitten with these chimps as we are, don’t pass up the opportunity to look at their amazing faces every day of the year!
Running with flair!
Sometimes the chimpanzees choose to incorporate enrichment into their usual games (for added fun). This morning, Missy raced around Young’s Hill while wearing a white infinity scarf. Speaking of enrichment… have you checked out our Database of Chimpanzee Enrichment? We are still looking for ideas from other chimpanzee care facilities. If your organization has an idea they wish to contribute, check out our submission guidelines!
