Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Cle Elum Seven

Happy Birthday, Jeane!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Jeane Williamson! Jeane is a good friend to the chimpanzees and she also works passionately to rescue hundreds of dogs, helping them to find their forever homes. Today also happens to be Jeane’s birthday and she has generously chosen to celebrate by giving the chimps’ a special day. Jeane shared this message about today:

“We are to be the stewards of the animals here on earth and we have failed miserably by using wild animals for research, entertainment, and a myriad of equally onerous objectives. My heart goes out to the elephants and tigers in the circus, the chimps and dogs and rabbits used for research and all the other animals that are used and abused by us humans. I am SO THANKFUL that you guys stepped up, saw this horrific situation and ACTED on it. What a huge undertaking of heart and faith on your part. It does my heart good to see them free, running and playing, enjoying life for the first time. I thank you for stepping up to help them and I pray that others will be as fortunate who are caught in the same horrific situation, or one similar. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This donation is a birthday gift to myself. Thank you for making it possible!”

Jeane, thank you so much for choosing to celebrate your own special day by making a difference for the chimpanzees! And thank you so much for all that you do for the animals we share our lives with and for helping so many dogs find the homes and lives they deserve. Happy Birthday from all of us here at CSNW!

Burrito:

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Little neighbors

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In preparation for today’s blog, I revisited a few of the past posts about the different types of fauna that the chimpanzees have experience with in the Cle Elum landscape. There are plenty of birds and insects to be seen. As well as some deer and the neighboring horses. Of course there is Ellie the elk. And let’s not forget about how hard life can be for a snake in a chimpanzee enclosure!

During the dry days of summer we often find little tree frogs hiding on the playroom caging we call the Barn Doors. web_frog1_barndoors_awphone

These doors are next to the garden so the chimpanzees can look out and see their plants growing. In this photo, the barn doors are to the right of Missy.
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While the frogs may think they are safe from danger hiding on the dark caging, caregivers know better. Every morning during cleaning, we relocate these little guys to a safer spot, like this squash plant.
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It takes a village…

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The Cle Elum Seven are lucky to have an army of humans at their disposal who all contribute directly to their well-being. Chimp house volunteers make sure the chimps always have good, healthy food, interesting enrichment, plenty of blankets, and a clean and safe place to live.

A few dedicated volunteers are chosen to continue on to the highest available level of training, and become direct caregivers to the chimpanzees. These are the volunteers who develop personal relationships with the chimps, serve their meals, play and groom with them, and get to know each individual intimately to ensure everyone’s needs are being met.

These volunteer caregivers become such a regular and seamless part of the chimps’ lives that it’s hard for everyone to say goodbye when the time comes. Volunteer Connie has been a constant presence in the chimp house for over six years, but this is her last week as a caregiver to the Cle Elum Seven since she is moving on to new adventures in another state. We haven’t yet figured out a legally sound way to require lifetime service from our volunteers, so we are forced to let her go. 🙂

In all seriousness, we will miss Connie’s smile, energy, and enthusiasm. She has been a wonderful friend to the chimps and humans at CSNW, and will always be a part of the family.

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Thank you to Connie and to all of our volunteers for helping these chimps live as happily and freely as possible.

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To Annie on Her 41st Birthday

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Dear Annie,

You haven’t always had it easy. Your first thirty years on Earth were full of fear, pain, and boredom. A lab cage is no place for anyone. Even now in your sanctuary home, you have your struggles. Being the lowest in the hierarchy isn’t easy.

But we have watched your anxiety diminish and your confidence grow. We’ve watched you make new friends, gain the courage to stand up for yourself, and learn to appreciate your own company. We love how much you love your best friend Missy. We love that as you start your 42nd year, you are still growing. We love that you haven’t let the world harden you. You inspire us all.

Happy Birthday,
Your devoted humans

Annie:

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Jamie:

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Missy:

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Jody:

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Negra:

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Foxie:

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Burrito:

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First Impressions: Foxie

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This post concludes the series on my first impressions of the Cle Elum 7. Last but surely not least, I get to write about Foxie chimpanzee. Jamie did not make this an easy photography session for me today. The boss kept insisting I model a selection of new cowboy boots that she just received. I walked at least 3 laps around Young’s Hill wearing her boots before I could sneak into the Playroom to see what Foxie was up to. What Foxie did next made my afternoon exceedingly better. She came down from her perch on the playroom catwalk and began to somersault, spin and do some “break-dance” like moves all around her enclosure. Intermittently, she would get large gulps of water from the spigot. These mouthfuls would serve as both hydration and playful ammunition that she would aim at my feet. There are so many challenges to taking photos of a chimpanzee that won’t stop running around doing flips. Foxie is a joy to be around!

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Portraits

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After a summer full of heatwaves in Cle Elum, we’re greeting this week’s cooler temperatures (and even rain!) with open arms. Today the chimpanzees have been making the most of the break from the heat and spending lots of time outside on Young’s Hill. While adventure is great, it’s important to mix in some quiet time here and there. Here are my favorite portraits of the day.

Negra:

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Missy:

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Jody:

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Jamie:

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Foxie:

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Burrito:

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Annie:

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