Cle Elum Seven
Lunch with the chimpanzees
Most meals at the sanctuary go remarkably smoothly considering we have seven hungry and eager chimpanzees to serve at once. Occasionally, someone swipes someone else’s food or a scuffle breaks out, but more often than not, peace reigns.
That’s not to say that all the chimps always wait patiently, though. In this video, you’ll see some of the ways the chimps get our attention during meals and tell the server to please hurry up – hand clapping (Negra), vigorous head nodding (Missy), and blowing raspberries (Foxie). This video is longer than most of the ones we post, but hopefully it will give you some idea of what it’s like to be present at mealtime at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
Burrito and Becca
Burrito can’t get enough of playing with his human friends. This afternoon he kept volunteer caregiver Becca busy.
Today is in memory of Jean Davidson
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Jean Davidson. Today’s sponsor shared this lovely message about her gift for the chimpanzees:
“Jean was a wonderful friend who lived to celebrate her 100th birthday. She loved animals, and would have celebrated the seven chimpanzees I’ve fallen in love with!”
To our sponsor, thank you so much for thinking of the chimpanzees in honoring Jean’s memory. I think we would all hope to be remembered by our friends and loved ones in such a thoughtful and meaningful way. It’s incredible to think about the difference each life makes. The people one person can bring together in the most unexpected ways and whose life continues to make a difference to so many, even after they’ve gone.
In celebration of our sponsor, her dear friend, Jean, and of course, the chimpanzees, it seems fitting to revisit the joy that can only ensue with Burrito’s patented “Blanket Fling”:
Happy Birthday, Julie!
This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Karen Olson, in honor of her sister, Julie, on her birthday! As you may recall, Julie just sponsored a day for Karen’s birthday! Karen shared this lovely message about today:
“My sister Julie is one of the most caring people I have ever met. As soon as I shared the story of the Chimp Sanctuary with her she immediately became a fan and supporter. She has very much enjoyed our two trips to visit the sanctuary and follows the blog daily.”
Happy Birthday, Julie! We hope you have a day of celebration filled with all the love and joy you and Karen help provide for others. Thanks so much to both of you for including the chimpanzees in your lives while making a difference in theirs. The love and respect you two share for one another is touching and inspiring. It can’t help but bring to mind two other very special ladies, best friends, Missy and Annie:
Important Rituals
Jamie has trained her caregivers well. She has created an entire routine centered on her many-times-a-day perimeter walks around Young’s Hill, and her human friends are required to participate in this routine fully. (For a video of the entire process from start to finish, see this post.)
After a perimeter walk, she usually meets her walking partner in the greenhouse, where she gives him or her a thorough grooming. Jamie leaves no stone unturned.
When she’s satisfied with her work, she asks us to put the boot we wore on our walk up against the caging so she can groom that.
After this, Jamie’s done with us for the time being, and we get a short reprieve before we’re summoned to repeat the process from the beginning.
Today is for Shaun Brinsfield
Tracy and Bruce sponsored today for the chimpanzees in honor of their friend Shaun Brinsfield, who introduced them to the chimps and the sanctuary years ago. Shaun, we can’t thank you enough for spreading the word about the Cle Elum Seven – you never know who’s going to connect with these amazing individuals and change their lives for the better. Though the chimps can’t possibly know how many thousands of friends they have across the world, we do our best every day to make them feel it as much as possible. They’re so lucky to have you – Shaun, Tracy, and Bruce – in their corner!
Jamie is feeling the love:
