Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Missy

Missy in action

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Missy was enjoying a game of keep-away with Jamie and Annie today. First, she came running into the outdoor area with a bag over her shoulder. I don’t know what was inside – it may have been enrichment that the volunteers put out, or she may have stuffed the bag with coconuts. In any case, she was challenging the other girls to take it away from her. After going back inside, she reemerged with a single coconut, clutching it like an NFL running back. Missy and Foxie seem to be the only individuals who know how to crack coconuts, so I think Missy enjoys making everyone wait until she’s ready to open them.

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Lessons from chimpanzees

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When I am feeling down, I think about the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees at CSNW and everything they have been through in their lives.

I am amazed and humbled that Jody, after decades of living in a small cage in a medical laboratory, after having seven babies taken from her, can still enjoy relaxing in the February sun, holding her feet:

Jody outside in the sun, holding her feet

and Foxie, who endured research protocols, five babies being taken from her, and periods of social isolation, can greet each day with the desire to play with her caregivers and her chimpanzee friends

Foxie with playface, tickling Jamie

and Missy and Annie, who spent years without each other, can decide to sleep in together, napping in the side-by-side nests they created in the playroom

Side-by-side nests made by Annie and Missy

When I think about my chimpanzee friends and their lives, I realize I have little to complain about. And, if I can remember to live for today as they do, each day should include relaxation, happiness, play and companionship.

Bubbles, glasses, and something suspicious

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This morning we put out a large bucket of (non-toxic) soapy water, thinking the chimps might want to do some cleaning. Jody had other ideas:

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The chimps were also very interested in the eyeglasses (with plastic lenses) that we put out:

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Missy, of course, wore her sunglasses on the back of her neck:

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Annie seemed content to sit quietly and watch everyone else have fun:

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Later, Jamie decided to pull the Christmas tree out of the tire….

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….which uncovered something interesting and a little bit scary. Maybe a bug they hadn’t seen before?

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Playing chase with Missy

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Missy loves to play chase outside. It’s not fair for us humans, though. The outdoor enclosure is built into a hillside, so while Missy just runs from one side to the other on flat ground, we humans have to run up a hill, around the back side, and back down again. Meanwhile, we can hear Missy laughing in anticipation of our arrival. When we finally get there, Missy has already taken off again.

As fun as it is for us to play chase with the chimps, we much prefer when they play together.