Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

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Boat Bumper Ball Antics

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One of the first nearly chimp-proof enrichment items the chimpanzees had after arriving to the sanctuary was a “boat bumper” donated by long-time supporter Kathy Benson, who found it at a garage sale.

Below is a photo of Annie (yawning) holding the toy. This was taken in July of 2008, less than a month after the chimpanzees arrived.

Annie with boat bumper

 

Recently, I searched on amazon for the same thing, remembering how much fun it had been for the chimps all those years ago. It turns out the big ones are fairly expensive, and I didn’t know if it would last as long, so I opted to get a small version and see how things went…

 

I do like how portable this version is –

MIssy carrying boat bumper

but given Jamie and Missy’s keen interest in “opening” the ball, I’m not sure how long it will last. What do you think?

Jamie the Merciful

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We take a lot of photos and video around here, but Jamie isn’t always a fan of the camera. Sometimes she’ll be clear across the room, and as soon as she spots a caregiver with the camera she charges over and pounds on the caging to let us know to cut it out. If you’ve ever had an adult chimpanzee charge toward you, hair standing on end (even if there’s caging between you), you’ll know why we respect her wishes. She gets her message across loud and clear.

But sometimes Jamie’s in a tolerant mood. At times she even enjoys the camera; she likes for us to turn the camera around and show her what we’ve captured. Today she allowed me to record her building a nest in the playroom. She even gave me her patented head nod of approval (watch to the end).

The Winter’s Calm for One Chimpanzee

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I think that of all of the seven chimpanzees at the sanctuary, Annie could be described as most like a poet. She can frequently be seen in serene moments by herself, seemingly lost in thought.

Today, while I was busy filming Missy in the greenhouse, I realized that Annie had been outside for quite some time alone, so I ventured into the snow to see what she was up to.

To highlight her inner poetic nature, I found this poem to pair with the photos of Annie below:


Winter is the slow-down
Winter is the search for self
Winter gives the silence you need to listen
Winter goes gray so you can see your own colors…
~Terri Guillemets

 

Annie snow background

 

Annie look away

 

Annie profile 2

 

Annie sit

 

 

Annie profile, arms crossed

 

Annie look camera

Happy Birthday, Brooke!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Shani Sillence in honor of her goddaughter, Brooke Fiddian, on her 13th birthday! Shani shared this lovely message about today:

“Today is Brooke‘s 13th birthday and I wanted to get her something special. She has a great love for animals and loves everything to do with helping them. I know she will especially love the Chimpanzees at the sanctuary.”

Shani, thank you so much for sponsoring today in honor of Brooke! We are so touched that you thought of the chimpanzees when wanting to celebrate Brooke and her special day!

Brooke, you sound like such an amazing person and we are thrilled to celebrate your birthday with you! Thank you so much for seeing how special animals are and for sharing your day with the chimps – you’ve helped to make their lives better.

We also understand that you and your family recently moved to the United States from Australia! All of us here at the sanctuary send you the warmest of welcomes, both to your new home and to our sanctuary family! Big changes and new places can be exciting and scary all at the same time. These chimpanzees are some of the bravest people I know and they inspire us every day with their courage. Maybe as you get to know them they might offer some inspiration on enjoying all the new things life can bring while holding on to family, friends, and all that brings you love, comfort and happiness.

From all of us here at CSNW, Happy Birthday, Brooke! We hope you have a beautiful day!

Annie, Foxie and Troll:

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Foxie and Dora exploring new territory:

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And since Burrito just celebrated his 33rd birthday, he would probably want to remind you to party by eating your favorite foods. All day. 🙂

Burrito with chow in mouth

Top Videos of 2015!?

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The other day, I was looking back on the year and watched a few of our videos from 2015. I had this idea to compile some of my favorites and/or some of the most popular videos from the year in a blog post.

This turned out to be harder than I thought it would be. I really love all of the videos for different reasons, so the narrowing down process was not easy.

But, here goes…

Epic tug o’ war session between Foxie and Jamie:

 

Burrito and his stuffed gorilla friend:

 

The new structure completed in the spring:

 

Burrito playing with staff caregiver Keri:

 

This one of Negra simply because she is was so happy on her birthday:

 

Foxie being oh so very Foxie:

 

This one due to the pumpkin thieving incident:

 

I really think that this one is near the top of the list, even though J.B. put it together just a week ago for Christmas:

 

OMG – this one, especially beginning at the 2:01 mark:

 

Okay – I really could just to on and on. The positive reinforcement training videos are also great, and the video of the process we go through when Jamie wants to take a walk around the hill. And so many videos of the chimpanzees enjoying food. And several videos of Missy and Annie playing. And…

 

Did I miss your favorite? Let me know – I’m curious to hear from the chimps’ fans. You can go to our You Tube channel and take a look at 7+ years of video!

 

Happy Birthday, Tracy!

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Today, incredibly, we have three supporters sponsoring this day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees! We begin the day with a sponsorship by Tracy Headley, a dear friend (to chimps and humans alike) and member of our sanctuary family. Tracy probably wouldn’t tell you this, but she lives her life every day bringing light, support, comfort and love to so many beings – both human and non. She is celebrating her birthday today and shared this touching message:

“Again this year I celebrate my friends at CSNW on my birthday. Every day of the year they are a gift in my life.”

Happy Birthday, Tracy! Thank you so much for all that you do for the chimpanzees. You hold them in your heart and make a difference in their lives at every opportunity. We are thrilled to celebrate your special day with you and can’t say how happy we are that you are part of our chimpanzee family. You are a special soul and you make the world a better place by being here. We hope you have a fabulous day full of all good things! With lots of hooting!

Here are your pals to help start your celebration off right:

Ms. Foxie:

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Burrito:

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Jody:

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Thank you, Karen!

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We are so thankful to also have Karen Bugni sponsoring today for the chimpanzees! Karen shared that she wanted to sponsor today as “A gift for the chimps!” It’s immensely moving to witness how much care and compassion these seven special souls inspire and we are thrilled to see them surrounded by so much love.

Karen, thank you so much for thinking of the chimpanzees and wanting to give them this special Christmas gift! We are so grateful to you and hope you know that you make a difference in their lives. All of us here at CSNW wish you the happiest of holidays!

Foxie with a snow-snack:

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Every year it seems the love for these seven amazing chimpanzees grows more and more and this year is no different. You all have stocked the chimp house shelves for chimps and humans alike with items we needed from our Wishlist, sent donations, and boxes and boxes of gifts for the chimpanzees to have on Christmas day. You are amazing! We are immensely grateful to each and every one of you for your support of these seven special chimpanzees and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving them lives of love, comfort and celebration. From all of the primates here at CSNW, Merry Everything and a Happy Always! And be sure to tune in later today for the chimpanzees’ holiday festivities!