Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

dora

Snapshots of a Winter Day

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Today was a beautiful winter day. The chimps spent most of their time exploring outside and lounging in the warm greenhouses. We’ll let the photos do most of the talking!

Negra was the first out this morning:

Annie:

Foxie took one of her dolls out for a stroll:

A little traffic jam this morning with Foxie and Burrito:

While Annie and Burrito decided to commute together:

Dora drinking some Gatorade out of a bowl in the cozy greenhouse:

Lucky enjoying the warmth of the greenhouse:

Gordo grooming his foot:

Gordo laying down in the greenhouse:

Later, as he was laying Rayne came up and started grooming him:

And a side profile of sweet Cy, we played a slow game of chase in the greenhouse:

Lucky Seven

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As some of you may have noticed in J.B.’s blog last Monday, we added Gordo into the intro group! With Gordo joining the group, that left Dora as the final remaining member. While Gordo adjusted to his new group, Dora and Mave spent the entire week together so Dora wouldn’t be alone, because nothing is better than a little getaway with a friend.

As of this Monday, we took the final leap and officially added Dora to the group. So far, things have been going smoothly. Throughout the few days they have been together, Dora and George have shared some really lovely small moments together. In fact, as I write this, I just watched Dora approach George and offer brief reassurance after the group had a minor disagreement.

Of course, this is only the beginning, and where the real work begins. Now that everyone has been added to the group, they’ll need time to figure out their dynamics and learn how to navigate conflict together. Still, I think it’s incredibly important to celebrate the wins, big or small.

When I reflect on the George I met in May, I still can’t quite wrap my head around how brave George really is. Coming to a new place, meeting new caregivers and volunteers, exploring new enclosures and outdoor spaces, and then joining a group of chimps! George has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I truly don’t think there are words that can express how proud we are of him, but I am in utter awe of how courageous this little chimp is!

A Visit From Dora

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Gordo recently joined the introduction group, leaving just Dora behind from Cy’s original group of 6. While Dora waits to join the introduction, she went to visit Willy B, Honey B, and Mave. In today’s blog video, see how excited everyone was to be reunited with Dora! Unfortunately Willy B gets overstimulated with Dora in the group long term and begins to pick on her, so she is now living with Mave until she is ready to join the introduction.

Pasta Party Part II

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Yesterday, our fun-loving friend, Burrito turned 43 and I still can’t quite believe it! Burrito is someone you want to get to know and have in your life, which is why his zest for life is so infectious. It explains why everyone on the other side of the building was having so much fun celebrating his birthday, even though they may not live together! Please enjoy the unseen footage of the other groups celebrating Burrito’s birthday!

A Very CSNW Christmas (Cy’s Edition)

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Yesterday we celebrated Christmas in true CSNW style, with a feast of chimpanzee holiday favorites (celebration roast, corn, baked russet potatoes, green beans, rolls, sparkling cider, and some very cute lettuce snowmen) and many carefully wrapped presents. Huge thanks to all of the volunteers and staff that planned and prepared the festivities, and our wonderful donors that sent in lots of gifts for the chimpanzees! In today’s blog video, see George and friends get in the Christmas spirit, and come back for one more Christmas blog tomorrow! In case you missed it, see how Jamie’s group enjoyed their day here.

Rest, Relaxation, and…Pomegranates?

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After a food and fun filled Thanksgiving celebration yesterday, the chimps are enjoying a laid-back day today. It is overcast and chilly, which has me feeling pretty envious of Negra who has spent much of her day in a very cozy blanket nest. Jamie too was tucked into an elaborate nest in an adjacent room as she supervised Anna and I cleaning her playroom. After a relaxing morning, we added some excitement to the day by serving whole pomegranates with lunch. Enjoy a photo series of Dora savoring every last bit of her pomegranate!

I hope you are also able to rest and relax (and enjoy a pomegranate of your own, if that’s your thing!) as you recuperate from your holiday festivities!