Cle Elum Seven

Intrepid Explorers

October 11, 2015 by Whitney

Hi everyone! My name is Whitney and I am filling in for Keri as a temporary staff caregiver for the chimpanzees while she is on maternity leave. I began volunteering at CSNW about two years ago, and one of my favorite things about coming here is witnessing the chimpanzees’ confidence grow.

Today was no exception. As background to this story, any time we enter part of the chimpanzees’ enclosure to clean, every staff member, intern, and volunteer present in the building must perform a series of safety checks before the room in question can be unlocked. Part of the checks involve visually identifying all seven chimpanzees in rooms other than the one we want to enter.

This morning I went to identify the chimpanzees so we could enter the playroom for cleaning, and after extensive searching I could only find two of them in the building. Lo and behold, five of the seven were way out on the hill! It took some time, but I eventually saw Burrito, Jody, Missy, Foxie, and Annie as they explored the hill, occasionally appearing between bamboo and climbing up their magnificent climbing structures. I remember that just two years ago it was a delightful surprise to see any of the Seven out exploring the hill, even close to the greenhouse, and now it seems to be a daily occurrence that they are not only on the hill but are now confident enough to explore their home far and wide.

I couldn’t get any pictures while they were out on the hill this morning, but here are a few of my favorites from this afternoon. Some grooming, some lunch, some play time with friends.

Annie (right) grooming her best friend Missy (left):

Burrito, caught in a rare playful mood (just kidding, he’s almost always in a playful mood):

Foxie grooming her foot:

Jamie, ever inventive, enjoyed her lunch at a makeshift table:

The neighborhood hot spot

October 10, 2015 by Katelyn

Most neighborhoods have that spot where all the locals like to gather, right? Well, our current neighborhood hot spot is the small orchard on the property, specifically the pear trees. The leaves are glowing orange and yellow with branches hanging heavy with fruit and a carpet of pears below.

From top to bottom, all of our wild neighbors are stopping by to try and get them while they can, like these robins.

A quail pair:

Mr. Coyote diligently stood guard while the Mrs. did her best to retrieve some from under the fence:

One of our doe neighbors with her growing fawn are frequent visitors:

And with most neighborhood hot spots, you might know there is going to be some drama at some point. While Jamie might be boss of the chimp house, it seems Ellie fancies herself the boss of the orchard:

Chimpanzees living in the wild remember the location of favored food as well, particularly fruit trees. With food sources often being unpredictable and dispersed throughout a large area finding the most productive food resources with the most efficient use of energy and time is essential for any species so there is often a lot of competition for high value food. Thankfully, the chimpanzees here have us humans to deliver the goods so they get to avoid the drama at the local hot spot. Or at least keep it between the family.

Jody savoring the ripe pears:

Negra:

Missy:

The Forgotten Photos

October 8, 2015 by Elizabeth

We take so many photos of the chimpanzees that some inevitably slip through the cracks and never get shared on the blog. Here are some recent portraits I found on the hard drive; let us know which is your favorite!

Jamie:

Negra:

Jody:

Foxie:

Burrito:

Missy:

Annie:

Happy Birthday, Michael!

October 7, 2015 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Arlene Okun in honor of her husband, Michael, on his birthday! Arlene and Michael are good friends of the chimpanzees and we’re so happy to be celebrating with them today. Arlene shared this message:

“It is my husband Michael’s birthday. He is a very generous and compassionate person. Helping others is second nature to him so it is fitting to sponsor a day of sanctuary for the chimps in his honor.”

Arlene, thank you so much for choosing to honor Michael and celebrate his life by making a difference for the chimpanzees. We so appreciate all that you both do to make their lives better.

And Michael, all of us here at CSNW wish you the happiest of days full of all that you most love and enjoy! Burrito, has his priorities straight and knows how to enjoy the simple pleasures each day has to offer. So if you need any ideas on how to celebrate, he might inspire you with some of his favorites:

Food. As much as you can eat. And hold in your hands (and sometimes your feet).

Be goofy, play, and laugh a lot.

Spend time with loved ones.

Go on adventures, even if it’s in your own backyard.

And nap. Often.

The Magic of a Good Meal

October 5, 2015 by Elizabeth

Food is a neverending source of joy for the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees. It never loses its ability to excite and satisfy.

Annie:

Burrito:

Jamie the Warrior

October 4, 2015 by Elizabeth

It’s turning into the Weekend of Jamie on the blog, but we all just continue to be so amazed by how she handled (and even participated in!) her medical procedure on Friday. She’s back with the group now, resuming her Young’s Hill walking schedule, and doing great. Her strength and resilience will always be an inspiration.