Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
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.
A while back, I posted a blog that included what I called “lousy photos“. The photos that we take throughout the day that don’t make it on the blog. This also happens with videos. You never know when you’ll catch a great moment, or have your phone knocked out of your hand! Or in my case, knocked into the drain.
Today, I’ve compiled a few videos that weren’t enough, for one reason or another, to warrant their own blog post. Willy B plays with a box, Rayne forages on the Bray, Ellen and Gordo play, and Honey B works on her nest.
One of my favorite times of day is when I arrive to the Chimp House in the morning. Usually I’m one of the first humans in to get a jump start on the day. It’s a pretty serene moment in time first thing in the morning. Most of the chimps are already awake, bright-eyed and bushy tail(less), while others are just waking up. It’s at this time in the morning you can catch the chimpanzees engaged in some grooming sessions, mall walking, or playing some kind of silly game.
The other day, as I walked in and turned on the security monitors, I noticed Lucky in the Oakwood Greenhouse rolling around with a sock. She seemed pretty content, then Rayne arrived. Rayne was determined to get Lucky’s sock. From there a game of theft, chase, and keep away ensued. What started with just a sock cascaded into what seemed to be a treasure trove of stolen goods. Ok. Really it was two, maybe three things, but that’s still two or three more that should be stolen, right?
Who do you think was the masterful thief of this game?
The best part about coming back from a long vacation is seeing all these lovely faces!
The ever so handsome Cy:
Little Foxie gives the best hellos:
Jamie having some alone time in the green house:
Terry foraging seeds and lettuce:
The warmest of greetings from the sweet Lucky:
Sleepy Negra this morning, cozy in her nest, wrapped like a burrito:
The every so elusive, yet playful Gordo:
And of course, the mischievous Honey B:
“A Wish for a Friend”
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!
-Irish Blessing #25
We hope everybody is having a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day.
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.
