Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Staff are conducting several training meeting this afternoon, so please excuse me for the short posting. So today’s blog and video is going to be a hodgepodge of clips and photos that haven’t found their way into a blog due to either length or missing context.
Misc. Photos:
The sun was out today, and the chimpanzees took advantage of it!
Mave can most often be found lying down. She’s a pretty chill, not very athletic individual. She also is still getting comfortable being in The Bray habitat, after years of avoiding the great big outdoors.
That’s why it has been surprising to see that Mave is the biggest fan of the shaky bridge that was constructed by founder Keith and friends last summer!
Mave spent some quality alone time soaking up the winter sun.
Meanwhile, George hung out with his new friends in the toasty greenhouses.
Here’s Gordo grooming George, with Cy and Rayne not visible in the photo, but nearby:
They also got some time on The Bray this afternoon!
Rayne (far right) excitedly greeted George (lower middle) while Cy monitored and Terry charged ahead:
As some of you may have noticed in J.B.’s blog last Monday, we added Gordo into the intro group! With Gordo joining the group, that left Dora as the final remaining member. While Gordo adjusted to his new group, Dora and Mave spent the entire week together so Dora wouldn’t be alone, because nothing is better than a little getaway with a friend.
As of this Monday, we took the final leap and officially added Dora to the group. So far, things have been going smoothly. Throughout the few days they have been together, Dora and George have shared some really lovely small moments together. In fact, as I write this, I just watched Dora approach George and offer brief reassurance after the group had a minor disagreement.
Of course, this is only the beginning, and where the real work begins. Now that everyone has been added to the group, they’ll need time to figure out their dynamics and learn how to navigate conflict together. Still, I think it’s incredibly important to celebrate the wins, big or small.
When I reflect on the George I met in May, I still can’t quite wrap my head around how brave George really is. Coming to a new place, meeting new caregivers and volunteers, exploring new enclosures and outdoor spaces, and then joining a group of chimps! George has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I truly don’t think there are words that can express how proud we are of him, but I am in utter awe of how courageous this little chimp is!
Yesterday, our fun-loving friend, Burrito turned 43 and I still can’t quite believe it! Burrito is someone you want to get to know and have in your life, which is why his zest for life is so infectious. It explains why everyone on the other side of the building was having so much fun celebrating his birthday, even though they may not live together! Please enjoy the unseen footage of the other groups celebrating Burrito’s birthday!
George has the beginnings of a nice little family, now. We added Lucky last Wednesday and it was remarkably uneventful (unlike Terry’s first day). George is getting more confident but still playing it cautiously around the other chimps and taking his cues from Cy, which is all we can ask for at this point. With some milder temps and sunny skies, the gang got to spend some quality time on the Bray. Terry and George took several walks to the top of the hill together (with Terry beating his chest for the girls on the other side) and everyone got their fill of snow and ice.
Yesterday we celebrated Christmas in true CSNW style, with a feast of chimpanzee holiday favorites (celebration roast, corn, baked russet potatoes, green beans, rolls, sparkling cider, and some very cute lettuce snowmen) and many carefully wrapped presents. Huge thanks to all of the volunteers and staff that planned and prepared the festivities, and our wonderful donors that sent in lots of gifts for the chimpanzees! In today’s blog video, see George and friends get in the Christmas spirit, and come back for one more Christmas blog tomorrow! In case you missed it, see how Jamie’s group enjoyed their day here.
