Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Jamie

First Responder Days

by

The sanctuary is no stranger to relying on the kindness of our community’s first responders. In 2012 we were faced with the terrifying Taylor Bridge Fire, a huge wild fire that threatened and destroyed many homes in our area. Last year another smaller fire broke out on a nearby property.

We know that wildfire is a risk during the summer in this area, and the chimp house was built with that in mind. We have emergency plans in place and now have a sprinkler system that surrounds the building. Still, for each of these events, we were very fortunate to have the Kittitas County Fire Department protecting the chimpanzees’ home. We are incredibly grateful for their service to the community. This year we arranged a couple of special visits for the county’s first responders to come meet the chimpanzees and get more information on our building and property. Last weekend Kittitas County Fire District #7 came out.

 

Of course, Ellie/Buttons had to say hello to some of her old friends:

 

And today we welcomed District #1 from Thorp. As soon as Jamie saw the black rugged boots everyone was wearing, she took off on a walk around Young’s Hill and we all accompanied:

Most of the other chimpanzees also came out to see what was going on.

Today’s amazing group from Kittitas County Fire District 1. It was so nice to meet everyone in a non-emergency setting!:

Save

Save

Save

Save

In memory of Kevin Clark

by

Today was sponsored by long-time friend of the chimpanzees, Shelley Winfrey, in memory of her brother, Kevin Clark. Shelley has helped us to care for the chimps in so many ways over the years and is sharing this special day with them, sending along this note: “For my brother, who passed away…he would have loved the chimps!”

Shelley, thank you so much for being Burrito’s Pal, for all the love and support you send him and his family, and for including them as part of your family. Our thoughts are with you today and we hope your thoughts of Kevin are full of joy and comfort. We are so touched that you would share his memory with us all through adding to the lives of the chimps.

Cuties, Burrito and Jamie:

Moments with Jamie

by

Jamie enjoyed a particularly relaxing moment this afternoon as she had Jake, one of the graduate students who is currently in training to be a volunteer caregiver, groom her back. She’s training him very well:

I’d like to share a story about Jamie from today that although we couldn’t get photos of, is too wonderful not to include you in. After lunch Jamie asked for her favorite pair of boots and began building a nest with them, which is pretty typical. When Kelsi and I walked down the human hallway of the chimp house awhile later we found her sound asleep and snuggled up with an empty boot box we’d given the chimps for enrichment. When Jamie saw us (because there’s no sneaking up on a chimpanzee), she immediately got excited and asked to go on a walk. Kelsi had put on another boot when suddenly Jamie grabbed the boot box and opened it up. Much to our surprise, she had placed her beloved pair of black boots inside just as if they were a new pair! Maybe you had to be there, but Kelsi and I looked at each other in amazement. It was incredibly endearing. Jamie promptly took the boots, ran upstairs to the loft area and tossed them over the top of the caging so that Kelsi could put them on for a walk and off they went. No matter how long we work with the chimps, they continue to amaze us every day.

Save

Save

Sundaze at the Sanctuary

by

Sundays are all about relaxation. At the Sanctuary, we want to make sure our residents feel comfortable, and trust me, today is all about comfort and relaxation. Check it out:

Burrito had another fun game with his scooter, but unfortunately, a wheel came off. Luckily, Burrito was completely content with his 3 wheeled scooter and now just gets to bring the wheel everywhere with him:

A few days ago J.B. shared some pictures of Annie wearing a waistband and today she is still rocking it! Annie is having a blast today foraging on the hill and grooming with friends, all while sporting the waistband:

Even the boss decided to take a break and relax on a platform in the front rooms. It is the perfect area to lay around and relax while still staying alert:

Save

Save

For Deborah and her Dad

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Deborah Bishop who shares this lovely message about today:

“For my birthday and in honour of my dear Dad who imparted a profound love of the natural world and all the creatures great and small with whom we share it. With gratitude to all of you who give your time, energy and commitment to this amazing sanctuary.” 

Deborah, this is such a beautiful sponsorship and we are so happy to celebrate your birthday and your Dad with you! What a wonderful gift your Dad gave you to carry with you throughout life. He will be in our thoughts today. Thank you so much for including the chimpanzees in your special day and for helping to ensure their lives are full of all the good things. All of us wish you the happiest of birthdays!!

Annie and Foxie:

Annie and Missy:

Burrito and Jody:

Negra:

Jamie and Missy:

Jamie’s style

by

You may have read past blog posts in which we’ve shared that we have daily calendars with themes for the chimps’ daily enrichment. The themes are things like “blue” day, “tea party” day, or “clothing” day. We don’t assume the chimps are aware of the themes, but they definitely help the humans think out of the box and keep things fresh. And we love that the chimps then have the choice to engage with (or ignore) their enrichment exactly as their interest and curiosity dictates at any given time.

Yesterday’s theme was “troll scarves.” Jamie in particular loves these and chose to wear one to lunch today. She definitely knows what works for her. She is such a strikingly beautiful chimpanzee woman.