Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Foxie

Let it snow!

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Yesterday began Cle Elum’s first snow storm of the year. And, to be honest, the chimpanzees did not react to the first flakes. I was thinking, “oh no, what are we going to tell the blog readers! Everyone is anxious to know what the chimps think of snow and they have no reaction!” It snowed more overnight and of course we had the outdoor area closed off to keep it toasty warm in the building. I opened the door to the outdoor area about 11:00 this morning and to my delight and surprise there was food grunting – and lots of it, especially from Jody. Everyone except Burrito took a turn sitting in the doorway and gathering up snow to eat. Burrito hung back and watched – I’m not sure if he was apprehensive or if he just didn’t get what the fuss was about.

Anyway, here are some photos and a video of the Cle Elum Seven ladies’ first experience of snow. What a way to celebrate 6 months in sanctuary!

Keeping Foxie Amused

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As you know, Foxie is completely obsessed with trolls.  Nearly every time we walk by, she passes one out to us to initiate a game. But there’s only so much you can do with a troll, right? Sooner or later, the passing-the-troll-back-and-forth game starts to get boring. Luckily, Diana is able to think outside the box. Tucking the trolls into our socks and running back and forth made Foxie so happy she had to do back flips.

Foxie adopts a small British boy

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For two days, Foxie abandoned her trolls for a new doll! We’ve been calling the doll (more of an action figure, really) the small British Boy. He is solid hard plastic, has a top hat, knickers and cloth vest. He’s actually a ring-bearer – he’s holding a pillow with a ring on it in his hand.

His legs and arms move, and the best part – he has eyelids that open and close. Foxie spent a lot of time “grooming” his eyes. She was smitten. She held on to him for at least two days straight. It was adorable. I haven’t worked at the chimp house in a few days, so I don’t know the fate of the British Boy. We’ll let you know. It was difficult to get photos because Foxie is always on the move, but here are a few.

Foxie climbing while holding the British Boy and a green monkey!

Foxie’s Left Hook

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Ever wonder why we don’t go in with the chimps? There are many reasons, but here’s one you might not have thought about: Chimps play rough. Even when they aren’t being aggressive, chimpanzees have the ability to inflict serious damage on us humans. We just aren’t built for their style of play (I get a headache just watching them).

Make sure you have your volume turned up when you view this clip so you can hear all of the slaps and punches (and laughter!)…

Another New Lens!

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We received a new telephoto camera lens from a wonderful supporter and friend of the chimps. We’re still trying to get the hang of it (it’s heavy!), but we managed to snap a few photos today as the chimps enjoyed a break in the gloomy weather we’ve been having lately. We are so grateful for donations like these that help us share the chimps’ stories with the rest of the world. Thank you Kathy!

More on Nest-Making

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Foxie has been using a lot of enrichment lately, but she still hasn’t begun making nests with sheets and blankets like the other chimps do. Its her choice though, so if she feels more comfortable without a nest, more power to her. But I must say that I am looking forward to the day that she discovers the comfort and security that the other chimps find in nest-making.

Jody, on the other hand, is a master nest-maker, second only to Missy. When she’s done making an elaborate nest and she lays on her back with a foot in the air, she looks like she doesn’t have a care in the world.

Someone recently asked whether or not Burrito makes nests. He often lays down with a single sheet over himself, sometimes just covering his middle (not out of modesty I can assure you). But he can’t resist stealing someone else’s nest – why do all the work when Jody can do it for you?