Jody

Be here now

September 2, 2013 by Lisa

The most invaluable lesson I think I have learned from working with chimpanzees is this: what matters is this moment, right now. The Cle Elum 7 had already lived so very many different lives before coming here to sanctuary and so much of that history is unthinkable, unconscionable to my mind. Not only have they survived difficult lives but they have also thrived beyond my imagination. Rather than languishing over the dark years of the past they enjoy the gift of freedom of today. I believe this is one of the reasons they, and so many other chimpanzees in captivity, can experience such a transformation under the right care. My hope is that all great apes in captivity will know such care. I consider it an honor to be a part of this moment. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for us to be here now.

Negra and Jody foraging for breakfast on Young’s Hill this morning:

Jody on her own on the hill:

Negra on the hill:

Burrito enjoying his breakfast beside Negra’s cabin:

Chimpanzees are kind of amazing

August 29, 2013 by Elizabeth

If we’re being honest, we have to admit that chimpanzees are cooler than us in many ways. Some of the chimpanzee attributes I’m most envious of are their superior strength, their amazing feet, and their flexibility, as demonstrated below.

Annie:

Jody:

Boots

August 26, 2013 by Debbie

Jamie isn’t the only chimp that loves boots here at the sanctuary! Every once in awhile, we notice someone else inspecting the boots when Jamie sets them down for a moment.

Jody:

Negra:

Missy: (and Diana)

The Rainy Day

August 25, 2013 by Lisa

The weather has been volatile today as you can see by the clouds menacing the sanctuary with the promise of rain.

What better way to spend a rainy, blustery Sunday than curled up in a nest with some of your favorite things? I certainly can’t argue with that!

Annie nesting in the greenhouse:

Missy in a nest on the catwalk in the playroom:

Jamie inside with her boots:

Jody peeking out from a nest on the catwalk:

Negra from underneath the blankets:

And while I personally would prefer the nap, I have it on good authority that although rain is threatening, that’s no reason to cancel a perfectly good walk around Young’s Hill!

The Chimps Take Manhattan!

August 21, 2013 by Katelyn

As most of us have mentioned this week, providing the chimpanzees (especially Jamie!) with an enriching and stimulating environment can be challenging. Thanks to Donna and Doreen’s sponsorship of today, we decided to use the theme of the “Big Apple.” It’s always fun to see how each of the chimpanzees choose to engage with new enrichment. Debbie and volunteer Deb spent a lot of time constructing a cardboard box version of the New York City skyline and we even made a Dora of Liberty statue on “Ellis Island” (aka the turtle wading pool). After scattering dried apples still warm from the dehydrator (courtesy of volunteer, Patty) about like confetti for the chimps’ forage in Times Square, the scene was set. Mind you, it’s sometimes difficult to say whether the chimpanzees or the humans are more enriched by these endeavors.

Foxie “hearts” NY:

Jody and Annie checking out the Dora of Liberty statue:

As you can imagine, the chimps not only took Manhattan, but quickly toppled it. Here’s Jamie inspecting the ruins:

And Jody found “Ellis Island” to be the perfect nesting spot (after getting that pesky Dora of Liberty out of the way):

Donna and Doreen, thanks again for sponsoring the day in honor of Foxie’s birthday month and your anniversary in the Big Apple!

And tomorrow is the last day to vote for your favorite chimpanzee artist! Get your votes in now and help make a real difference for the winning chimpanzee and their sanctuary family and home!