We’ve seen Foxie put her dolls in precarious places, just so she could rescue them. We’ve also seen her hug and groom them lovingly. There are moments in the day when she throws them up and catches them, or hits them with tools. There are also moments like this..
Foxie
For Deborah and her Dad
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Deborah Bishop who shares this lovely message about today:
“For my birthday and in honour of my dear Dad who imparted a profound love of the natural world and all the creatures great and small with whom we share it. With gratitude to all of you who give your time, energy and commitment to this amazing sanctuary.”
Deborah, this is such a beautiful sponsorship and we are so happy to celebrate your birthday and your Dad with you! What a wonderful gift your Dad gave you to carry with you throughout life. He will be in our thoughts today. Thank you so much for including the chimpanzees in your special day and for helping to ensure their lives are full of all the good things. All of us wish you the happiest of birthdays!!
Annie and Foxie:
Annie and Missy:
Burrito and Jody:
Negra:
Jamie and Missy:
Jamie and Her Squad
Jamie wrangled up some of her favorite human and non-human friends for a walk around Young’s Hill. Missy followed right behind Jamie while Foxie came for a hot minute and turned back. Jody had plans of her own today. While we all walked, Jody foraged for some plants. Check it out!
Jamie’s squad:
Jody enjoying her forage while Burrito fixes his hair:
In memory of Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty
Today was sponsored by Joan O’Flaherty in memory of her parents, Ned and Noreen, and their anniversary. Ned and Noreen cared deeply for animals and the environment. Joan has been honoring and celebrating her parents on their anniversary and their shared birthday for many years now and we couldn’t be more honored to be included in such special memories.
Joan, thank you so much for continuing to include the chimps in your life and your heart as you celebrate and cherish your parents’ memory. We are so grateful to you for the lasting difference you make in the chimps’ lives. Our thoughts are with you and your family today.
Burrito and Jody:
Jamie and Burrito:
Burrito and Foxie:
Happy 4th of July!
The chimpanzees know that any good party is really about the food. In celebration of today’s holiday, we had a lunch party in the greenhouse and the chimps feasted on Field Roast (a really delicious vegetarian “meat” made from grains and veggies), corn, watermelon, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, and sparkling apple cider.
Jamie:
Burrito:
Foxie:
Missy:
Annie:
Negra:
Jody:
A selection
Each day, caregivers put out carefully selected enrichment items into the enclosures for the chimpanzees to enjoy. Objects like clothing, crayons, magazines, paper, and kids toys are placed around to try and peak the chimps’ interests (or sometimes to just give them something to throw). There are two types of enrichment items that are an absolute requirement for each enclosure: Foxie’s dolls and Jamie’s boots. No area at the sanctuary is fully enriched without at least one cowboy boot and a Dora or troll doll.
Into the wild green yonder
The grass is so tall now the chimps literally step into it and disappear at times. I don’t think I will ever do anything less than treasure those moments as glimpses into the wild that will always live in their hearts:
Hidden Burrito:
Jody:
Jody and Burrito:
Jody foraged a gorgeous wild bouquet to bring back and enjoy in the greenhouse (notice her sneer face because bugs were biting her):
Here she is swatting them away:
Foxie was on an adventure with two tiny twin trolls which fell off her back so she stopped to put them back where they belong:
And a bonus Annie photo, because well, who doesn’t need to see a bonus Annie photo?
