Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Today I am sharing some morning playtime outtakes from the recent “Play & Politics” blog, these didn’t make the final cut but they tell an important story. There was simply too much footage of the group playing, and enjoying each other’s company that we couldn’t fit it all in the original video.
While it wasn’t exactly quiet in the Chimp House this morning, I did stumble upon some quiet moments.
It’s been so fun watching George make friends. And while Cy is definitely George’s defender, Gordo seems to be his closest friend. Back in February, you got to see George and Gordo play, play, play! But they also spend time grooming. Well, Gordo grooms George, George grooms George. George has adapted so well to his new living environment and social group, but he still isn’t grooming the other chimps. Someday soon, we hope.
On the other side of the building, I caught Negra up on a bench in one of the front rooms, enjoying her meal. Usually, when we serve a meal, everyone gets one item at a time before we move to the next item. But not Negra! She wants you to load her up with everything! Which she will stuff into her mouth, hands, feet and sometimes her pelvic pocket, and hit the road. Then she can take her time enjoying her meal, often times in bed!
These quiet moments are some of the best.
In today’s blog video, see how George is navigating the complexities of social life in his new group.
Outdoor forages are a great source of enrichment in the warmer months. George got to search for plenty of treats last summer when he was on his own, but today marked the first time that he got to have lunch outside with his new family since they were fully integrated. He was so excited!
Here are a few bonus photos of Foxie taking her dolls along for the ride during her group’s lunch forage:
Next up for our Valentines series is our newest and youngest resident, George! George’s story starts in California at Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife. When he was an infant he was used for traveling photo ops and then shipped to Germany as one of over a dozen chimpanzees over the years used in a German TV show called Unser Charly. With this kind of start to life it’s hard to guess how well he would adapt to sanctuary life here at CSNW.
George has grown so much since he came to reside here last spring, when he arrived at CSNW from a roadside zoo in Oregon. He’d spend his last years there alone – until everything changed. Since joining us, George has shown a kind of courage that you don’t see every day. He took the Bray by himself with just his caregivers to offer support from the other side of the fences.
In the past I’ve worked with chimps who were deprived of novel experiences during their lives before sanctuary, things like different foods and living environments and sometimes when that happens in their earlier years some of them don’t tend to be as open or curious about things, occasionally even developing a phobia like aversion to things like new foods, grass or open top enclosures. But not George! Since arriving he approached everything with curiosity and bravery.
George enthusiastically examining and then consuming a rose from my garden:
He’s always curious what new enriching food items we make him for celebrations:
George obviously won over the humans of CSNW immediately upon arrival.
Volunteer Patti & George gazing at each other through the window:
Caregiver Sabrina & George during one of his first outings on the Bray:
Volunteer Lizz & George having an early morning chat:
At first when George came we weren’t really sure if he knew how to make a nest to sleep in since he didn’t seem to do so at first but before too long he became a master nest builder, complete with a blankie over him for added warmth.
He started by using mostly paper but graduated to blankets over time:
And before long he started incorporating enrichment items like boxes and toys into his nests:
A very creative enrichment nest made of tickets and boxes:
George’s introductions to the Lucky 6 was just as impressive. At first, George seemed a bit lost when it came to socializing with the females like Rayne and Lucky. But it didn’t take long for him to figure things out. Watching him learn, adapt, and win everyone over has been a highlight of our year.
Honestly, when July rolled around and we started introducing George to the Lucky 6, every caregiver here had a few butterflies. Luckily, Cy, the steady leader of the group, stepped up as George’s mentor—and that bond is still going strong today. But some best moments recently have come from the unexpected friendships. Seeing Terry and George turn a morning game of chase into a daily ritual or watching Rayne stand up for George during a misunderstanding—he’s well on his way to being a part of the family we call the Lucky 7.
Cy & George
Rayne, Cy & George:
We’ve been thrilled to see him initiate play sessions with Gordo, who was a bit of a loner, and look forward to his continued expanding friendships.
Gordo grooming George:
George has just started his sanctuary life and hopefully he will be with us for a long, long time and so far George doesn’t have any Chimpanzee Pals so if you’d like to become his pal now is a great time!
I recently noticed that I have over 8000 pictures and videos saved in my phone. Many of them are blurry, or photos I just don’t need to keep for one reason or another. So I started deleting the ones I don’t want to save. And I came across so many photos of my chimpanzee friends, not always the greatest photos, but special nonetheless. So I thought I’d share them with you! These photos go back about a year. It’s interesting to see who I have pictures of, and who I don’t.
(If you’re wondering how it’s possible that I don’t have any pictures of my good friend Burrito, stay tuned, I’m saving his photos for my next blog! There are SO many!)
George in the chute on a lovely summer afternoon.
George lying in the front rooms shortly after he arrived last May.
George enjoying time in the chute.
Sweet Foxie in the Greenhouse.
One of the many fawns that call the Sanctuary grounds home.
The first bunny I’ve seen around the Sanctuary.
Gordo having a snack and chilling in the Greenhouse.
Gordo with one of his favorite things…a box!
Jamie watching the comings and goings of the Sanctuary.
Jamie all wrapped up and enjoying the warm Greenhouse.
Marmots!!
Mave taking a break and contemplating her life.
More contemplation.
Neggie peeking out from under her blankets.
The first rattle snake of the year, last spring. Just a wee baby!
Rayne & Cy getting to know George through the intro process.
Good friends Rayne and Lucky enjoying some fresh air on a fall morning.
Rayne and Lucky looking down on me from the Greenhouse.
Terry doing some thinking.
Krissy (me), practicing PRT with Terry while Rayne looks on.
George engaged in a lot of play during the one-on-one intros, especially with the other boys. These were positive interactions, but not a guarantee that he would fit in once part of the larger group. While all signs so far have pointed towards George’s integration being a success, we have been waiting for the day that he would feel comfortable enough to engage in some roughhousing in the larger group setting. This would be an indication that he felt comfortable and secure with his new family. And today, just two weeks after building up the full group, we got to see George play with his new best friend—and an awkward third wheel.
I have to say, we’re excited for George, but we might be even more excited for Gordo. He’s enjoying this new friendship and really deserves a buddy like George.
