Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Foxie

In memory of Robert Ruggeri

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Rachel Ruggeri sponsored today in memory of her father, Robert Ruggeri, and shared this beautiful note about her gift:

“Today would mark my father’s 83rd birthday. And though he passed away six years ago in July, he is ever present in our thoughts and a part of so many of our conversations. My father loved to laugh and he found so much joy in the everyday antics of animals, most especially primates. He would be comforted knowing that the gang of seven now joined by the bovine bunch had found a future filled with peace and independence at the sanctuary in the quiet hills of Eastern Washington. I like to think that my father has also found that sanctuary somewhere in the ether…high above the clouds, but still within a distance to see all the beauty in the world he left behind. We miss him each and every day, but know that “sanctuary” is where we all ultimately aspire to be…”

Rachel, thank you so much for remembering your father in this way and for the difference you make in the chimpanzees’ lives by doing so. We’re honored to celebrate Robert’s legacy and wish you and your family a day of comfort and joy-filled memories as you hold him in your hearts.

Negra:

Foxie and Missy:

Jamie:

Burrito:

(clockwise) Honey, Betsy, Nutmeg and Meredith (front):

Jody, Foxie and Annie:

Play Tactics

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When Jamie and Foxie decide to play, it is so fun to watch! They are hanging upside down, chasing each other, Jamie takes Foxie’s doll, and they can be found wrestling on the floor breathy panting. This time I caught them doing all of those things, but along the way Foxie found a big nut in the Playroom and Jamie wanted it. Jamie did not stop playing however. The nut just became part of the game. In the video at one point it looks like Jamie is trying to gently shake the nut out of Foxie’s mouth. You will see a lot of different tactics in the video like play biting, toe/foot grabbing, eye pokes, tickling, and belly pokes; but that one was a new one to me. I hope this brings joy to you on your Wednesday!

Also thank you to everyone who participated in the pop quiz blog yesterday! Everyone did so great! I put and answer key in the comments with explanations in case anyone want more info!

Ladies of the Hill

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Young’s Hill is a magical opportunity for the chimps. It is a place to feel free, it is a space they can protect, a place to escape to be alone, and a place to play and have fun with friends. And to me that is sanctuary. I have a collection of photos of all the ladies on the Hill from the past week. I can’t explain how it feels to watch these 7 chimps go out on to Young’s Hill and that it’s just part of their every day life. That for some chimps like Jamie they get to do what wild chimps would do; patrol their perimeter. If they can’t be wild I hope all chimps get this experience.

Foxie:

Annie:


Jody:


Missy:

Jamie:

Negra:

We Like to Have Fun!

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If you needed something to make you smile or a good laugh, you have come to the right place!

We had a very silly Burrito:



A Jamie full of mischief:


Negra wasn’t quite ready to get out of bed this morning:

But Foxie and Burrito were grooming up a storm:

Negra did venture out to the Hill later in the morning:

Foxie wanted to play a very lazy game of troll toss in the green house:


Annie and Missy could be found lounging all around the chimp house today or rippin’ around Young’s Hill:

And the wonderful miss Jody spent her day quietly foraging on the Hill and napping in the green house:

A Study in Contrasts

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Ya’ll, even though it’s only May, it is summer weather out here today at the sanctuary.

Foxie was getting the most out of the airy greenhouse and lazy summer vibes by literally putting her feet up.

With a doll, of course.

Jody was doing the same, right next to Foxie.

But this is my favorite photo of the bunch. It shows Foxie, the picture of carefree relaxation, in stark contrast to Jamie, who broke herself away from a perfectly calm grooming session to take the opportunity to try the scare the living daylights out of the caregivers cleaning on the other side of the door.

To each her own, I say.

The Boot Book Fiend

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As you all may know, Jamie has quite the collection of boots and a pretty broad library. Jamie started her morning in a big comfy nest surrounded by some educational reading material and a few good boots. What she didn’t know was that there were a pair of boots coming to her in the mail! Jamie has been intrigued with this style of boot for some time, so you could say she was thrilled to find out they were hers.

Say hello to Jamie’s newest addition, Vegan Dr. Martens (photo taken after we already wore them around the Hill):

Jamie this morning with a bonobo book:


Jamie with her new Vegan Doc Martens:

And some bonus photos because I mean just look at these chimps!

Sweet tiny Foxie:

Smoldering Burrito:

Kind eyed Jo:

And the wise Negra:

Bring on the Warm Weather

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Today is one of those days that gets you excited for the warm weather season. It is a comfortable temperature outside, there is a nice breeze, a few clouds in the sky. This warmth feels so good that a few Greenhouse panels came off today! Which means summer is right around the corner! But that’s enough chit chat! I got a lot of good photos over the last couple days and thought I would let them do the talking!

Negra:




Missy & Jody:

Jody:

Missy:

Burrito:

Annie:

Annie & Burrito:

Foxie:

Jamie: