Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

csnw

Nothing

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Today, the chimps reminded me of a Calvin and Hobbes comic strip by cartoonist Bill Watterson.

The comic goes something like this:

Hobbes: You know what I like about summer days? They’re just made for doing things… even if it’s nothing.
Calvin: Especially if it’s nothing.

Nothing is exactly what the chimps decided to do today. The vibe in the Chimp House was one of tranquility and peace. It was, as the kids say nowadays, “chill.”

The day began with a lengthy breakfast that was followed by relaxation in the Greenhouse.

Negra
Missy

Jody and Burrito spent a good chunk of time grooming each other…

Jody (left) and Burrito (right)

…and all the chimps made trips into the shady building to relax, cool off, and observe the caregivers.

Jamie
Burrito
Jamie
Negra

Throughout the morning Jamie remained calmly engaged with Level III volunteer Chad, who dutifully wore Jamie’s favorite cowboy boots while she used a length of plastic hose to groom them.

Chad (left) and Jamie (right)
Jamie’s boot

Foxie had the best plans of them all. She found a quiet, secluded corner of the Greenhouse and played with a couple of dolls. She even allowed me to sit outside of the caging with my camera and take a few quick shots.

Foxie

At a time with so much commotion and activity around the sanctuary on this hot summer day, the chimps seemed especially carefree and calm this morning.

 

The Golden Years

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I spent some time watching Negra this morning.

I had just opened the hydraulic door that allows the chimpanzees to access Young’s Hill, so the seven chimps were all free to forage and roam across their spacious outdoor habitat for the rest of the day. Neggie, of course, had other plans.

The Queen, pictured above, was lounging on the upper level of the Greenhouse- the optimal location for a morning nap. As she basked on her side in the summer breeze, her lackadaisical bliss reminded me of a sea lion hauled out on a busy fishing pier, unconcerned with the activity going on around her. She had a plaid blanket draped over her shoulders and an assortment of fleece items piled around her legs. Her chin rested on her wrist, giving her the appearance of being deep in thought. She was the definition of comfort. Negra looked glorious.

Negra’s life wasn’t always like this. Neggie was likely captured in the wild as an infant in 1973, making her approximately 46 years old. We often think of her as the most senior of the CSNW residents, but the five other females are also well into their fifth decade of life. Even Burrito, born in the early 1980s, is well past the median life expectancy for captive male chimpanzees and has even exceeded the average life span for males in one of the healthiest wild communities studied by primatologists. According to what we know about chimpanzee life history, this leads us to classify all of our residents as geriatric individuals. We are prepared to manage their health and provide daily care for them accordingly, but it also shapes our expectations for the future of our sanctuary’s residents.

At larger chimpanzee sanctuaries, the populations are typically composed of individuals who vary greatly in age and background. Chimp Haven, a chimpanzee sanctuary in Keithville, Louisiana, just announced the passing of their oldest resident, Sarah Anne. Sarah Anne lived to be almost 60 years old, but didn’t retire to Chimp Haven until 2006 when she was already in her late-40s. As evidenced by the vivid descriptions and heartwarming stories shared by the Chimp Haven staff, Sarah Anne was undoubtedly an amazing individual who made the most of her time in sanctuary.

After reading about the famous Sarah Anne, I see many parallels between her life and Negra’s. Both were taken from the wild and brought to the United States as infants, presumably orphaned. Both were exploited for decades in order to advance scientific investigations. Both were shuffled from one location to another when they were no longer needed for research. Eventually, both found peaceful homes at reputable sanctuaries where they could spend their days doing their favorite things. Both became known for their extravagant blanket nests, and both became known as “queens” for their strong will and dignified demeanor. Remarkably, both overcame their pasts to become cornerstones of their social groups.

Most importantly, their stories demonstrate how chimpanzees who have already endured long and difficult lives can still grow and thrive once retired to sanctuary.

Last year, just three years after the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ended biomedical research on chimpanzees, the number of chimpanzees living in sanctuary eclipsed the amount still living in laboratories. Concurrently, there was an exhaustive debate regarding which chimpanzees should be considered candidates for relocation to sanctuary. The discussion focused on older chimpanzees, particularly those with chronic health conditions. After receiving comments from the public and input from experts, the NIH eventually concluded that all but the frailest chimpanzees should be given an opportunity to experience sanctuary, regardless of age and despite manageable health conditions.

As sanctuary caregivers around the country can testify, life does not end at retirement for chimpanzees any more than it does for humans. In Negra’s case, she has already had more than a lifetime’s share of traumatic experiences and solitary confinement. It’s only fitting that she can now live each day to the fullest, whether that includes scarfing down heads of lettuce, playing with the other chimps, participating in positive reinforcement training, or trekking up the hill to pick wild greens.

Every day, chimpanzees just like Negra and Sarah Anne get to enjoy a peaceful and enriched retirement. As many in the primate sanctuary community are taking time to fondly remember Sarah Anne and reflect on her golden years, we can also use this moment to celebrate the unique opportunities that sanctuary can give to chimpanzees of all ages.

Another Door Opens

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Yesterday was an exciting day for the chimps. As we promised, we are giving you a more detailed description and a video today!

As the team continues modifying the facility to prepare for the arrival of three chimpanzee individuals from Wildlife Waystation, the current residents get to observe the ongoing changes. Yesterday, their attention was focused on the wall that separates the existing Playroom from the new wing of chimpanzee enclosures. Until recently, a pair of steel mesh doors and a solid barn door separated the Playroom from the meadow outside. With Phase I of the expansion almost complete, however, the wall now serves as the primary barrier between the old and new sections of the building. It is here that the new arrivals will meet the seven chimpanzees who already live here, and we have to make structural modifications accordingly.

J.B. had his kit (pictured above) ready to go yesterday morning as we unlocked the Playroom for routine cleaning (without any chimps inside, of course). The first step was to cut off the existing doors, then Level II intern Fritz helped the staff to carry them out of the building. Then, with the the wall and new doorway now fully accessible, J.B. installed a sheet of clear plastic into the steel door frame leading into the new expansion (pictured below). (The materials for this door were salvaged from the former Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute in Ellensburg.)

The solid plastic window locks into the frame but can be replaced by other materials that allow for varying degrees of physical, visual, and auditory communication between the chimpanzees on either side. In caregiving/zookeeping jargon, this customizable interface is known as a “Howdy Door.” Such devices can be extremely valuable when introducing unfamiliar chimpanzees to one another. Although the plastic insertion still needs a bit of polishing, it gave the chimpanzees their closest peek yet into the enclosures which will soon contain Honey B., Mave, and Willy B.

As seen in the video, the chimpanzees all expressed interest in the newly-exposed doorway. Jamie certainly spent the most time in front of the Howdy Door, alternating between supervising J.B. and trying to take the door apart. Burrito used the hard surface for percussion while Annie, Jody and Foxie all inspected it on their own terms. Although we didn’t capture them on camera, even Negra and Missy gave the door a quick inspection once everyone else had cleared out. Even after Level III volunteer Miranda served the chimps their lunch in the Greenhouse, most returned to the Playroom to watch the door as they digested (like Annie, below).

It is difficult to predict how each individual will react to meeting an unfamiliar chimp through the window, but they certainly notice, and get excited by, each new change.

Keeping Watch

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The weather has been unusual this summer. As Katelyn noted yesterday, the temperatures have been cool and the skies have been misty at times. Today is a better example of a typical July day in central Washington- dry, sunny, and warm- and the sanctuary residents are making the most of it. The chimps enjoyed their breakfast while basking in the sunlight on the upper decking of the Greenhouse. The meal included some generously donated green apples and was lovingly served by Level III volunteer Miranda (below).

Afterwards, the chimps seemed to be sufficiently full of fruit and chow and appeared to be extremely content as they slipped into mid-morning naps in various corners of the Greenhouse. Neggie, per usual, settled in a ring of blankets on the upper deck (below), and even Jamie seemed to doze off between bouts of monitoring the caregivers through the playroom window.

Annie sprawled out on the lower decking, tucked her feet in, and inspected the writing on the underside of a toy (below).

Per usual, Missy stationed herself next to Annie and used the opportunity to give herself a quick groom (below). All was quiet in the Greenhouse.

Even when they’re resting and recharging, however, the chimpanzees don’t miss any of the events unraveling around them. Each part of the facility offers a unique view of the surrounding valley, enabling the chimps to be the sentinels of their own territory. Everything the light touches is theirs, and everything that occurs within sight is their business. This morning, that included the team of laborers constructing a new access road that will soon flank the sanctuary to the East (below).

As soon as they started working, Missy took notice (below). Then Annie sat upright and began to follow along. Soon, everyone was spilling out of the raceway onto Young’s Hill to check out the action.

Jamie led the way up the hill, pausing at regular intervals to watch the distant excavation. I could only imagine what she was thinking, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if she was analyzing the grade of the switchbacks or making sure the workers were wearing the proper protective equipment. She’s always supervising.

Foxie and her tiny troll doll traveled in the vanguard, providing Jamie with support and monitoring the situation (below). Missy, Annie, Jody and Burrito all followed close behind. (Neggie “kept watch” over her nest in the Greenhouse.)

Even with all of the planned activities and provisioned objects that the staff and volunteers provide, unexpected events can be the best source of enrichment for the chimps. Both free-ranging and captive chimpanzees engage in regular boundary patrols to survey the landscape and monitor neighboring communities, so unexpected changes can make things interesting. With all of the new developments in their vicinity, the chimps have a lot to keep tabs on as summer progresses and they seem to welcome the responsibility.

City HOOT! and Country HOOT!

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It’s here!! Our annual gala and auction, HOOT! 2019 The biggest, most exciting party of the year for the humans, who of course are gathering for their love of the chimpanzees and bovines who call Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest their home. The number of people who come together whether as staff, volunteers, guests, or online supporters is truly incredible and we could not be more grateful. The lives that the chimpanzees and cattle are living here, not to mention the humans who care for them, would not be possible without the amazing community that has come together to ensure hope, love, home, and sanctuary for them and for all those who may be calling this their home in the future.

While so many wonderful humans are partying in the city, the chimpanzees, mistresses and master of partying, will of course not be outdone. So while City HOOT! 2019 is happening in Seattle, Country HOOT! 2019 is happening right here in Cle Elum.

On the menu for Country HOOT!: Field Roast celebration roast, rose petal and chive smashed potatoes, green beans, and cherry tomatoes served a bed of lettuce. (Those of you attending the gala may recognize some similarities on your menu, though try not to be jealous that you probably aren’t being served Gatorade in Dixie cups and having whole coconuts smashed on your table. Though if you decided to try something like the latter, you’re at least in the right crowd. And those of you at home, we support you smashing a coconut on your table if you’re so inclined. I mean, it’s your home, right?!):

Apologies for the low lighting and blurry-Jody-in-full-on-the-move-forage-mode, nevertheless…

Jody’s tactic, as is classic Jo, was to gather all she possibly could and eventually find a comfortable spot to lie down and enjoy it:

I’m not sure you’ll have peanut butter pinecones in the Dessert Dash, but one can always hope:

Jamie enjoying chives and a peanut butter Kong:

Annie:

Missy enjoying a firehose knot (we stick nuts inside) after dinner:

Belly full, Burrito is partied out. Again, for everyone at the gala if you, too, are partied out at night’s end, you’re probably still with the right crowd that you could pull this off. At least Burrito won’t judge:

And rest assured, Foxie and Negra had a great time, they were just ladies of the loft and I couldn’t capture a photo. 🙂

Whether you’re attending the gala or following from home, thank you again to every one of you for your support in all it’s varied and amazing ways, every day of these last eleven years, tonight, and for all the chimps’ days forward. HOOT! from these chimpanzees! MOO! from the bovines! Goodnight, all!

Happy, Happy!

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Dear friend to all the primates (and bovines) at the sanctuary, Kathleen Corby, also sponsored this extra special day of celebration! Woot! Or rather, Hoot! Kathleen shared this beautiful, heartfelt message about her gift today:

“Happy Birthday Negra! For eleven years you have been blossoming into your true self and during this time you have shown us what a brave and beautiful chimp woman you truly are. It is an extraordinary pleasure to witness the small, consistent transformations you have made over this short period of time. The love in my heart that I hold for you expands each and every year so I sponsor today to celebrate you on your honorary birthday. Much love to you from me. XOXO And I celebrate eleven (11!!!) years of Sanctuary. Happy Anniversary to all! Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, like Negra, is always growing, expanding, transforming — especially now with your Bring Them Home Campaign. You are one of the finest animal welfare organizations, every thought is filled with compassion and care for the Cle Elum Seven and the new Bovine Gang. Best of everything to you in your 11th year of Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary…. 7 (Seven amazing chimpanzee people). 11 (Your eleventh anniversary). 13 (the lucky day the Cle Elum Seven came to their new sanctuary home) Forever Lucky Numbers now!!!”

Kathleen, we are so grateful for the abundance of love and compassion that flows from your heart. The lives of so many beings are enriched by your presence here on earth. So much gratitude to you for helping us celebrate this special day!

Negra:

Jamie:

Jody:

Foxie:

Annie:

Missy:

Burrito:

And of course, we also celebrate Betsy, Honey, Meredith, and Nutmeg, the bovine members of our sanctuary family:

Happy Birthday, Barbara!

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Today was sponsored by Jessica Mayhew in honor of her mother, Dr. Barbara Lopez-Mayhew!

Jessica plays several valued roles within our chimpanzee family. In addition to being an Assistant Professor in Anthropology and Director of the Primate Behavior and Ecology Program at Central Washington University where she works alongside the many student interns and volunteers who help us care for the chimps and their home, she also generously gives her time as one of our Board members and a volunteer caregiver. She adds to the chimps’ lives in countless ways and today we’re so lucky to celebrate her mother, Barbara with her. Jessica shared this really beautiful message about her mother:

“This day is in celebration of my amazing mother and her birthday. She has always led by example, and from an early age taught me critical life lessons about tolerance, celebrating diversity, standing my ground in the face of a challenge, and about speaking up for the things I believe in. She has been my biggest champion, and I credit much of my success to her teachings. She is so loved!”

Jessica, thank you so much for sponsoring this day of sanctuary! We can’t thank you enough for everything you bring to the lives of all the primates here at CSNW! We’re so lucky to call you part of our family and are honored that you would choose to celebrate your mother this way.

Happy Birthday, Barbara! We’re so happy to share in your special day with you and your family and all of us wish you the happiest of birthdays yet!

And in even more exciting birthday news, you are now pals with the Queen herself, Negra: