Elizabeth caught some great close ups of the chimps recently. Wouldn’t you agree?
Burrito:
Jamie:
Jody:
Negra:
Jody
Perspective
It’s hard to get photos of several chimps in one frame out on the hill. Typically they are foraging or exploring on their own or in pairs, but getting four, five, or six chimps in one frame is pretty rare. It seems this morning, JB was able to capture these rare moments when all but Negra were out on the hill checking out a helicopter flying overhead. They had a good perspective from where they were, I think. And since these aren’t close ups of the chimps, it gives you a new perspective as well.
Annie, Missy, Jody, and Foxie:
Foxie, Jamie, Missy, Annie, Jody, and Burrito:
I like this series a lot because both Jamie on ground and Missy (just above Jamie) are climbing up posts simultaneously. (Foxie is up top and Annie is on the bridge).
How does our garden grow?
The chimpanzees are ready to harvest their garden! The garden, however, is still growing. But try telling that to the chimpanzees. Thanks to the hard work of volunteer caregiver, Denice, it’s really starting to take off!
And Jamie is keeping a close watch on it. Every single day:
This is what Jamie has her eye on from atop her barrel at the barn doors:
Every day Jamie and Missy in particular look out the windows and emphatically gesture toward something they would like to taste. So far we’ve been able to oblige the chimpanzees’ requests with chives, strawberries and today, onions! Jamie takes in the view of the garden, sliding from window to window on top of her barrel by pulling herself along the walls:
Or if you’re Missy, you balance on a tire while checking out the garden:
The garden not only helps us supplement the chimps’ diet and adds beauty to their home, but as you can see, it also provides great enrichment for them. It’s a wonderful thing for them to be able to ask for something they see and for us to be able to harvest it for them.
Much to the chimpanzees’ delight, volunteer caregiver, Erin, was able to serve them onions from the garden today at lunch. You should have heard the never-ending happy foot grunts from Jamie:
Jody was so excited she was a little pilo (hair standing on end) and reaching out to get Erin’s attention for more:
Having a more dominant position in the hierarchy, Jody thought she would also help herself to Negra’s onion. You can see Negra (left) with a fear grimace reaching out in a submissive manner to touch Jody, asking permission to keep her onion. While this is a normal part of chimpanzee society, it’s actually pretty rare that anyone decides to take anything from Negra. She seems to fall outside the hierarchy and maintains a level of respect from the other chimps overall. It must be her role as queen! But the garden onions elicited quite a bit of excitement and Jody was unswayed by Negra’s royal status.
But of course, there was enough to go around and Negra was able to enjoy some onions along with everyone else:
After all that excitement, Annie cuddled up with a blanket for a peaceful afternoon nap in the warm breeze:
Jody the Harvester
One of the chimpanzees’ favorite activities this time of year is going out on Young’s Hill and harvesting an armful (or mouthful) of the wild plants that grow out there, and bringing them back into the greenhouse to eat or wadge. Jody, especially, is a plant harvesting fiend.
Today is for Denice Mikkelson!
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Connie Lamm for her friend and fellow volunteer caregiver, Denice Mikkelson! Connie and Denice have been long time volunteers with Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and we can’t say enough about all they do for us and the chimpanzees. Denice has been feeling under the weather lately and Connie wants to let her know we are all thinking of her and hope she is taking good care of herself.
Denice, if you need any pointers on what this looks like (and if you know Denice, she does 😉 ) perhaps you can get some ideas from Jody, the queen of lounging, relaxing and treating herself right!
Connie, thanks so much for thinking of Denice and the chimpanzees! What a lovely thing that you are always thinking of others and what you can do to make their day better. Denice, all the primates here miss you and are sending good vibes your way. Feel better soon! We are so lucky to have you both among our amazing family of volunteers!
Lazy afternoons
It’s been a warm, lazy afternoon at the sanctuary today (at least for the chimpanzees). The chimps were all sequestered away napping and out of range of the camera today and there was a lot of yawning, napping and general lazing about happening. But what a wonderful thing to be able to rest in peace and comfort with only the sound of the wind and the birds as you doze in and out of dreams.
Or if you’re Jody, to lie about with your foraged bamboo. Apparently, dried up bamboo is also an exciting treat by her standards:
It seems it does get stuck in your teeth:
But that’s OK, Jody looks happy nevertheless:
Happy Birthday, Donna!
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Donna Dinsmore! Today also happens to be Donna’s birthday and she wanted the chimpanzees to have a special day and be able to celebrate with her.
Donna, thank you so much for choosing to spend your special day in such a kind and generous way! We truly appreciate you including the chimpanzees in your celebration of life. From all of the primates here at CSNW, we hope you have a wonderful day and that all the good you share with others returns to you tenfold! Happy Birthday!!
Jody always knows how to celebrate each day with joy:
