Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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george

George’s Anniversary

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It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since George arrived here at CSNW. In the last twelve months he has accomplished so much, he went from a being alone without many social skills to help him navigate life in a chimpanzee group to being a full fledged member of a group of 7.

While Cy and Gordo seemed to have a soft spot for this new kid right away, not everyone felt that way. George initially struggled to find common ground with Rayne, which resulted in misunderstandings and some hurt feelings but now you can find them engaged in play sessions where they only have eyes for each other and no one else gets to join in.

George’s playful spirit and youthful energy have brought something special to our little sanctuary and now we can’t imagine life without him!

Scenes From the Day

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And what a beautiful day it has been. It’s 75 degrees and sunny, the grass is lush and green, the wild balsamroot and lupine are flowering, and our Greenhouse fig tree has produced fruit! One fruit, to be exact. What’s the best way to cut a fig into 16 equal portions?

Annie spent the afternoon keeping Negra company, though after a raucous morning of being bullied by Burrito, Annie was just as much a beneficiary of the arrangement.

The chimps largely tuned out the construction activity next door, despite the train of semis dumping loads of boulders for a retaining wall throughout the day. I thought that George would be more concerned about all the noise and the people, but he’s taking it all in stride so far (playing with Dora in the Front Rooms as I write this).

 

Big Day to GiveBig!

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Have you heard the news?

Cy looking at a magazine while George (and Lucky who is behind Cy’s magazine) interact with caregiver Katelyn and some guests.

Today is the last day for GiveBIG! GiveBIG is an annual fundraising event here in Washington State when individuals and organizations invest their community by donating to their local Washington-based nonprofit. At the time of this writing, we are currently hovering around 75% of our $50,000 goal! We are so close! But there is still time! Donors have until midnight (PST) to donate to their favorite nonprofit.

I know that $50,000 seems like an impossible task, but every little bit we receive gets us closer to our goal. Donations directly help the caregivers provide the upmost care to the chimpanzees and cattle. Your donations help pay for things such as food, puzzles, treats, care medical, new enrichment toys, parties for the chimps (George’s 1 year CSNW anniversary is coming up!), the support building for the staff to diligently work in, and so much more!

We need your support now more than ever. As mentioned before, we are going to celebrate George’s 1 year anniversary here. That entire time felt like a flurry of activity that it feels like a blur. It was almost like one day we had 15 chimps and BAM! Sixteen chimpanzees were now residing at the sanctuary. Since that time it has been such a heartwarming thrill watching George settle into no only his new home, but also new family! I still get a little teary-eyed when watching him on the Bray with Cy, Gordo, Rayne, Terry, and Lucky. Just knowing just under a year ago, George was living by himself in a concrete and chain-linked fence. Now George is thriving enjoy his time outdoors or spending it playing or being groomed by one of the other chimpanzees.

Cy and George watching their neighbors during breakfast this morning.

We are also now caring for a chimp with mobility issues. With some slight modifications to some of the enclosures, Negra has been able to move from one area to the other albeit with some issues. She’s able to move around a lot more thanks to some handlebars and firehose, but we feel there is more we can (and probably will) do to help Negra enjoy her favorites spots around the sanctuary. Not to mention the medications she is on to help her continue to enjoy her sanctuary life. Be sure to read this compelling, heartfelt blog Kelsi wrote about Negra a few weeks ago.

Negra drinking from a portable water source installed in one of her front rooms for easier water access.

Please consider donating to our GiveBIG campaign to help us reach our goal and help us provide the best care we can for 16 chimpanzees and 3 cows.

Gordo on the Bray before breakfast.
Lucky taking in this morning’s lovely weather.
Fabulous Foxie with remnants of today’s lunch
Oh! And Bruce! Help us support Brucey!

 

I Get by With a Little Help From my Friends

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The mood around the sanctuary has been more serious the past few weeks as we navigate Negra’s mobility challenges. Quality time with the chimpanzees is my antidote for the toughest of days, and I have been finding a lot of joy in the little moments with the chimps. In today’s blog video, come along for some of these moments of joy.

Bruce certainly helps, too!

Jenna pets Bruce.

Bruce takes a rest in Krissy’s lap.

 

Morning with Negra and Afternoon on the Bray

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Due to her mobility issues, Negra has been camping out by herself overnight in the front rooms. Just as she would do in her favorite spot on the playroom catwalk, she’s been building comfortable nests with her fleece blankets and pulling one blanket over herself to block out the outside world. When we come to work in the morning, she’s…not quite ready for the day to begin. But that’s nothing a little amateur tap dancing can’t take care of.

Our deer herds have been gathering lately into a mega-herd of as many as 40 individuals. Lucky took an interest when some members of this herd strolled by the Bray this afternoon.

My day began with George and Dora tickling, wrestling, and laughing in the front rooms. Later in the afternoon, George was in demand again out on the Bray. Gordo is so happy to have a new buddy!