Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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dora

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop (Playin’)

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We are really appreciating the break from the intense summer heat here in Cle Elum and the chimps seem to be enjoying it too. Both groups enjoyed a lunch forage today that included strawberries, blackberries, fingerling potatoes, bell peppers, and whole heads of baby Iceberg lettuce! All day today the chimps have been grooming and playing (mostly playing) with each other- so it’s been a pretty good day. Check out the video for more. 🙂

Two days ago, J.B. wrote about Willy B’s procedure. We’re happy to report that he went back with his group first thing yesterday morning and is doing great! We are so grateful to Dr. Erin and the team of professionals she brought together to help us ensure that we are giving Willy B the best possible care he can receive.

Photos from Today

Annie, looking out to Young’s Hill before breakfast this morning:

Burrito during the lunch forage on Young’s Hill:

The cattle are also enjoying this weather in their extended summer pasture!

Gordo, before a game of chase:

Jamie really putting in work during the lunch forage:

Rayne looking out through the Riverview Greenhouse:

Growth

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I know I have mentioned this many times, but being able to witness Mave and Dora’s group grow into this integrated family that has provided them more social opportunities and friendships, plus the ability to work through interpersonal relationships has absolutely been one of the highlights of my career! It is really easy to forget how stressful the introduction process was, especially since they have grown so much and worked so hard to become this group of nine! However, I can still remember the feelings of uncertainty and stress about whether the integration would actually work. It almost feels silly to think about about how stressed we all were. I just remember thinking that Mave, Willy B, and Honey B needed more friends, especially the social butterfly Mave. That was the motivation- more friends and more opportunities.

Now a year and some months later, Dora’s group is flourishing! As predicted, eventually, Mave loved making new friends and Willy B finally has some male friends to hangout with. But the real surprise, the real social butterfly is Honey B. Honey B always seems to be in the middle of a grooming train, mall walking with friends, or playing with a friend like Dora! It goes to show that in sanctuary providing more opportunities and choices really does make their lives all the better.

Bonus photos!

Jenna took this photo and was kind enough to share it with me! A sweet photo Honey B, Mave, and Dora all nesting together:

Recently, Negra has been keeping a doll in her pelvic pocket:

Jamie in the portrait studio:

Foxie right next to Jamie:

Foxie rubbing her toes together:

 

All Day Shenanigans

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Today has been nothing short of goofy here in the chimp house.

This morning, after cleaning the playroom, we put out giant kongs for Burrito and his group. Giant kongs have always been a favorite of Burrito’s and it never gets old watching him drag them along, bounce or sit on them, or just be generally silly as he plays with them! Today was no exception and it made us all smile.

This afternoon, as we wrapped up lunch, Chad mentioned that Honey B and Dora were having a great play session in the front rooms. We could see them in the security footage and hear them breathy panting, so I snuck in to try and get footage! Honey B has a big, fierce personality and I think it’s safe to say that we are all super proud of her and the bonds she’s making in the bigger group. It was really sweet to watch her have so much fun with Dora and they played for a lot of the afternoon!

Every moment with the chimps is special, but seeing them engaged with something (or someone) that makes them so happy is the best feeling. And when these moments last all day, then it’s just a really darn good day. 🙂

Burrito had a mini photo shoot with one of the giant kongs this morning:

Cy looking as handsome as ever in the Riverview Greenhouse:

Foxie with her baby doll:

Terry watching something over my shoulder very intently, or just giving me a great portrait shot. Either way:

Good Advice from Burrito & Honey B

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There are times when Burrito and Honey B take themselves very seriously, maybe Honey B more than Burrito these days, but they both have a lightheartedness that is admirable and contagious.

My takeaways from these clips:

Burrito doesn’t need an audience – he can crack himself of up at any moment.

Just look at the delight that Honey B’s friends/family react with when she is showing the jovial side of her personality. Everyone was on board!

It’s a good lesson for all of us.

 

National Best Friends Day

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Chad informed me that it is National Best Friends Day today. What better day than today to highlight some of the best friend pairs around here at the sanctuary!

Jenna took this photo of  Mave and Dora yesterday. I hope we are all so lucky to have a BFF that looks at us the way Mave looks at Dora.

Here are some other highlights of “Mora” from the last several years. You might notice a lot of hand holding and hugs from those 2.

 

On the other side of the building, I obviously have to highlight the other 2 famous BFFs of the group, Annie and Missy!

While Mave and Dora are more so a lounging and hand holding pair, Annie and Missy are often spotted adventuring and playing together.

 

Of course, they get plenty of down time together where grooming is the main event:

Wishing everyone a happy National Best Friends Day – make sure to call that special someone(s) and tell them how much they mean to you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Environment Day 2023

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Today is World Environment Day! World Environment Day has been held annually on June 5th since 1972 to raise awareness on issues our environment is facing and how to combat them. The events are also hosted by a city or nation to lead the theme and festivities. This year is being hosted by Côte d’Ivoire with the theme Solutions to Plastic Pollution with the social media hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution.

Here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, we try as much as we can to limit our footprint on the environment. From composting uneaten foods to recycling paper to reusing items for chimpanzee enrichment, we are conscious of what we use, how we use it, and how to properly dispose of it. Through the TerraCycle programs, we have boxes setup throughout the sanctuary where staff and volunteers can get rid of used gloves and masks, which are then shipped off to be recycled. We also use Tru Earth laundry eco-strips. These strips if concentrated laundry detergent help us keep the chimpanzees’ blankets smelling fresh without the use of big plastic jugs detergent usually comes in. In fact, the packing itself is zero waste and can be composted. Did you know, the people were gracious enough to set up a fundraising page for us? Every purchased made at this link, 20% will be donated to help with the chimpanzee and cattle care!

For World Environment Day, I had a plan to have photos of the chimpanzees with today’s browse: wild roses!

The chimpanzees were faster than I had anticipated. After giving them access back to their Greenhouse after cleaning, Jamie’s group left nothing buy stems of the once beautiful roses. This photo of Jamie finishing off the last rose was all I was able to capture.

I apologize, but you will just have to imagine the chimpanzees with roses.

After all the roses were gone, it was time to relax. I couldn’t tell though if Burrito was relaxing or planning his next scheme.

(Hint: it was a scheme that involved a lot of play.)

On the other side of the sanctuary, Cy’s group had an amazing day on the Bray. The weather was perfect. The sun was out. The temperature was warm but not hot. And there was a breeze that would come through every so often.

Cy looking on as Rayne and Gordo explore Ryan’s Lookout.

Rayne and Gordo marching along.

Cy soaking up some sun.

Lucky looking out to the valley and river below the sanctuary.

Rayne waiting for the train to pass by.

While most were out on the Bray, some elected to stay behind and groom in the shade.

Mora!

Mave even was able to go into full relaxation mode.

Girl Time and Happy Birthday, Carrie!

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For today’s blog, I wanted to share a peaceful little moment while everyone else was out exploring The Bray. Though Mave, Honey B, and Dora may not be quite comfortable enough to go outside yet, at least they are spending some quality time together! Sometimes our days get hectic and busy, this video was a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the company of good friends. I hope this video brings you as much peace as it brought me.

We also want to give many thanks to Jenara Miller for sponsoring a day of sanctuary today in celebration of long-time friend of the chimps and bovines, Carrie Miller, on her birthday! From everyone at the sanctuary, we hope you have an amazing birthday Carrie!

Honey B:

Bubba:

Honey cow: