Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.

garden

Tomatoes from the Garden

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Included among the vegetables currently ripening in the chimpanzees’ garden (thanks to volunteer Denice), are many cherry tomatoes:

Tomatoe plant in garden

 

This has not escaped the notice of one Missy Chimpanzee. The chimpanzees have a great view of the garden from all of the windows of the playroom. While many of the windows are bullet-proof glass, we do have some that have window caging over them, which allows us to open the window on the other side of the window cage for air flow. It also allows the chimps to climb on the caging. Here is Missy clinging to the window caging, gazing at the tomato plants:

Missy hanging on window caging

 

Missy may be of the opinion that the windows open so that we can give her those tomatoes she has her eye on, and that’s fine with us – it’s fun and satisfying to be able to give the chimpanzees exactly what they are asking for. Today, volunteer caregiver Connie and staff member Debbie served Missy some tomatoes.

Connie giving Missy a tomato

 

Jamie joined in on the spontaneous treat:

Debbie serving Missy and Jamie tomatoes

 

I can not emphasize enough how much Missy loves tomatoes:

Debbie serve Missy tomatoMissy being served a tomato

Garden enrichment

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Jackie has been working pretty diligently on the best enrichment of all — the garden. It’s really great for the chimps to watch the plants grow, see us harvest their food, and then of course get to enjoy the delicious fresh produce! I have been helping her, too. Here’s us sifting the compost which we use as a growing medium for the plants. Just like Jackie said the other day, recycling at it’s finest!

Here is the view of the garden from the south side of the chimp house:

And here are some of our fruits and veggies that are doing great! Broccoli, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and strawberries.

The chimps particularly like the fresh strawberries!

Annie:

Negra:

Missy eating a strawberry while Foxie laughs to get Jackie’s attention:

Spring clean-up and planting

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The volunteers at CSNW have been busy lately! On Saturday, a large group of volunteers turned out to help clean up the property and to begin planting grass, shrubs and wildflowers. Dakota, our garden and compost master, and Jackie, our newest caregiver, have been working hard to get the garden beds ready for planting vegetables. Right now there are seven raised beds. The plan is for the chimps to each have their own garden containing their own favorite vegetables. I was too busy (and forgetful) to take pictures of the volunteers on Saturday, but I did manage to get a couple of Dakota and Jackie and the new gardens. Many thanks to everyone that has helped get this place in shape for spring.

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