Jamie often interrupts our cleaning routine to request a drink of water from the hose. She’s quite persistent; we’re usually not allowed to resume cleaning until she’s had her fill. Today, while Debbie and I were cleaning the front rooms, Jamie distracted us for probably fifteen minutes. We’re happy to serve, of course.
Jamie
Happy Chimps
The chimps here are so photogenic and always look happy, as you can see below:
Every once in awhile we do catch them when they’ve perhaps woken up on the wrong side of the nest:
The Chimpanzees’ 12th Man Blue Friday Seahawks Party
The Seattle Seahawks have had a great season so far, and we decided the chimpanzees should be part of the 12th Man Blue Friday activities! Seahawks and chimpanzee fan Melanie Kelsey helped us out by buying some decorations that volunteer Patti picked up. The decorations were a big hit with Burrito, as you’ll see in the video below.
Perhaps on game day this Sunday, when the Seahawks play the Minnesota Vikings, the chimps will let out their loudest pant-hoot to contribute to the loud and proud tradition of the 12th man. Go Hawks!
The inimitable Jamie
Just as humans do, each of the chimpanzees has their own unique personality. And Jamie’s is like a kaleidoscope. She surprises us every day with her strength, beauty, intelligence, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and sheer, well, Jamie-ness. Jamie was my first chimpanzee friend and as such she holds a special place in my heart. While she can be demanding and intense in her relationships with both humans and chimpanzees, she can also be joyful, caring, and so much fun to hang out with. But one thing that Jamie consistently is, is a privilege to know, and an honor to call my friend.
As Diana mentioned earlier today, it takes a virtual village to care for these seven amazing beings and we are so thankful to all of you who help provide them with the sanctuary they deserve. While this next photo of Jamie was previously posted, it’s one of my favorites and I feel, catches that inimitable spirit of hers. It also reminds me, as does Jamie, of one of my favorite quotes by Federico Fellini, “You have to live spherically – in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm – and things will come your way.” Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for enabling things to come Jamie’s (and all of the chimpanzees’) way.
On Young’s Hill
The chimpanzees’ relationship with Young’s Hill has certainly developed over the time they have had access to it. Sanctuary has provided them with the room to run physically as well as the room to expand psychologically. Not only have they grown as individuals as a result of the space provided but their relationships and sense of self appear to have evolved as well. Today, in honor of the gift that space provides, here is a visual exposition of the chimpanzees experiencing the splendor of Young’s Hill.
Annie foraging:
Jamie walking through the grass:
Burrito climbing over logs:
Missy smiling while running:
Foxie sitting up on one of the wooden climbing structures:
Jody walking through the grass:
Negra enjoying the sun (a repeat but one of my favorites!):
Jamie Chimpanzee’s Hallowbirthday 2013
At Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest we take parties pretty seriously, and on this day, we have two occasions to celebrate: Halloween and Jamie’s 36th birthday. Consequently, we went a little wild with the festivities today.
The chimpanzees are lucky to have some really great friends, and today we want to thank three of them in particular for making the day so special. Supporter Jayne Roepke mailed us several boxes full of the most fun and creative enrichment for today’s party (and treated the chimps to some delicious and festive party food!); Lisa Stuverud sponsored today in Jamie’s honor; and volunteer caregiver Stephanie brought some more party decorations, food, and enrichment, including this hand-carved birthday/Halloween pumpkin:
The pumpkin was the star of the show, as you’ll see in the video below. But first, some photos of the party this morning.
Negra with a gift bag:
and with a chunk of the giant pumpkin:
Jody enjoying some cran-pomegranate juice:
and deconstructing one of the cute ghost pinatas that Jayne sent:
Jody also loved the giant pumpkin:
Foxie with the giant pumpkin (are you sensing a theme?):
Burrito taking a brief break from foraging:
Annie drinking some juice:
And if you’re wondering about Jamie, the birthday girl, she thoroughly enjoyed the festivities. Here she is looking cool with a party straw:
foraging for berries:
inspecting some new presents:
and treating herself to a “martini”:
One of the highlights of the day was watching the chimps dig into the pumpkin. They all eventually had their turns at it, but Negra was the first to enjoy the spoils.
If you’re signed up to receive our e-newsletter, you know that we’re holding a competition to see which chimpanzee can get the most Chimpanzee Pals by the end of the year. Wish Jamie a happy 36th birthday by signing up to be her Pal today!
Happy Jamieween, everyone!
Thank you, Lisa!
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lisa Stuverud in honor of Jamie’s (honorary) 36th birthday! Lisa shared these lovely sentiments:
“This day is for my girl Jamie who has taught me and my wonderful husband so much about patience, hope, forgiveness, strength, resilience and survival, not to mention unconditional love!! Literally, the best things in my life I have learned from Jamie and of course everyone at CSNW that works for her 🙂 !! Happy Hallowbirthdayween Jamie !!! And many many more!!”
Lisa, thank you so much for making Jamie’s day extra special for her and all the chimpanzees! As preparations get under way, today’s “Hallow-birthday-ween” extravaganza has all of the primates here at CSNW pretty excited! Be sure to check back later today for all the party happenings!
Here is Jamie at a past party with her incredible birthday-ween pumpkin:
