Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Find someone that looks at you the way Annie looks at Missy. But make sure you have separate hobbies or something like that because, to be honest, Annie can be a bit clingy at times.
Seriously, Annie is a completely different person than she was when she first arrived over 14 years ago. She’s far more confident and secure. And I would attribute that in large part to the thousands upon thousands of hours she has spent grooming with her best friend Missy.
As the newest staff member, I have spent the last four months building my relationships with the chimpanzees. I was fortunate enough to be a student intern here in 2019-2020 (up until the pandemic), which means I had previously met Jamie’s group, as well as Willy B, Honey B, and Mave when they were just a group of three. However, I was not trained to interact with the chimps as an intern, so all my relationships truly started when I joined as a staff member.
I do believe that knowing the dynamics of Jamie’s group previously, as well as having glimpses into the personalities of Willy B, Honey B, and Mave, has helped me transition into my role. Throughout my training and up until now, I have tried to be intentional with my time with the chimps. I want them to know I care and that they are my priority. I want them to know I am happy to be here. While some days cleaning takes up a lot of our time, every day matters to them. Even if I don’t spend quality time with each chimp every single day, showing up every day matters to them. Greeting them every morning and every time you see them matters. Every little thing I have done has helped and will continue to help build my relationship with each of the chimps.
I have had a few moments recently that meant a lot to me, so I captured a photo during/after with my phone.
For example, Missy is very particular with the humans she chooses to interact with. She would much rather spend time with her chimpanzee friends. The other day, I went out to the Greenhouse to play chase with Burrito and Missy was out there as well. She was looking out to Young’s Hill, appearing deep in thought. Out of nowhere, she flung her back around and pushed it up against the caging, which is a signal that she would like to be groomed. To say I was shocked was an understatement! This was the first time Missy had initiated an interaction with me. I took full advantage of the opportunity and groomed her back for several minutes. Burrito gave me a look like he knew it was unusual for Missy to interact with me and patiently waited until I was done before he started playing chase again.
I captured this photo with my phone after so I would never forget this moment.
Burrito and Missy:
On Tuesday, it was a rainy day and everyone was absolutely stoked about it. The cooler temperatures, even for just one day, are so appreciated this time of year. During the afternoon, I went on a walk around Young’s Hill with Burrito. When we reached the top, Burrito sat down and was taking in the view. Or maybe he was letting me catch my breath after the steep incline, we may never know. Either way, it was a beautiful moment I knew I wanted to capture, so I would never forget.
A few days ago, Foxie dropped her dolls down to me. These are two of her absolute favorite dolls out of her collection. As you can see, they’re her brand new birthday dolls! You can tell they’re new if they still have clothes on (her preference). Something inside of me feels extra special when Foxie gives me the things she loves the most. I quickly snapped this photo while Foxie was waiting for me to toss them back to her, while sitting up in the “Loft” of their Playroom. I didn’t want to forget this.
To be honest, there are so many moments working this job that are so special. I’m sure if we asked all caregivers out there, they would all have photos like these ones so that they don’t forget the special moments. And mine are just from the past week!
*Bonus photo of Rayne – Here is proof that Cy is not the only fan of magazines!*
I captured a few random moments from the day.
A common question people ask is if we put pools out for the chimpanzees (particularly in the summer) to sit or swim in. Yes we put out troughs, buckets and small pools of water out for them. However, swimming (or even standing) in shallow water is not something they like to do.
Most chimpanzees avoid water submersion of any type at all cost. Chimpanzees have dense muscular bodies that make them terrible swimmers and really adept sinkers. Perhaps you may have seen water moats carefully designed at zoos and sanctuaries to keep chimpanzees from escaping their enclosures. These moats usually include an additional barrier to prevent the chimpanzees from accidentally falling in the water. There are a few exceptions to this rule of course, but none of those exceptions live at CSNW.
That being said, the chimpanzees at this sanctuary love to enjoy water in other formats.
They love to eat water in its solid form. Here’s Cy:
Jamie in particular likes a good misting:
Here’s Rayne getting hydrated during Gordo’s birthday party earlier this week:
The chimpanzees have access to water spigots in their enclosure 24/7. Here Honey B drinks straight from the tap:
Jamie fills her watering can at the spigot so she can have her beverage “to go”:
Foxie uses a straw to enjoy a drink bucket that’s placed outside her enclosure:
Above you will also find a video of Missy and Burrito “fishing” for sunflower seeds as an afternoon enrichment project. Notice how Missy perches on the edge of the trough and strategically positions herself so she doesn’t get her feet wet.
We are on the edge of a big heat wave coming our way next week so we will certainly be working at keeping the chimps extra hydrated and comfortable in the coming days. Stay cool friends!
Missy invited me to play chase up the hill this afternoon. When we reached the top, she veered off into the tall grass with a look of determination.
She climbed atop one of the mounds.
And then walked out onto the log bridge.
From there, she scanned the area.
Then she disappeared into the weeds.
When she emerged, it was clear she had found what she was searching for: a yellow goatsbeard flower and a handful of prickly lettuce leaves.
With an equal sense of purpose, she marched through the grass to Jamie’s Tower.
She climbed the ladder and perched on a support.
There, overlooking the river canyon, she munched on her prickly lettuce.
When she was done, she met up with her best friend, Annie, and returned to the chimp house, saving the flower for later.
This morning when we walked into the chimp house, every chimp was super playful! Gordo was bunny hopping around, Annie was playing chase with Burrito and her caregivers, Missy was chasing Jody, Jamie was playfully foot stomping to her caregivers, Dora and Mave were playing, and chimps on both sides were grooming in the greenhouses. Every day at the sanctuary is a great day because the chimps are safe, secure, and cared for, but that does not mean that every day is sunshine and rainbows. Obviously,the chimpanzees have their own feelings and moods, just like us. Some days we walk in and one group is displaying, while the other group is calm. Other days it’s loud everywhere you go. However, most days you get a balance of some calm with a little bit of displaying from time to time. And then you get a day like today, where both sides of the building are just silly and playful!
While most people wanted to play, Negra wanted to sleep all day:
We are running pretty low on magazines. If you have any laying around, I am sure Cy would love to take them off your hands!
As many of you know Missy is what we call a chimps’ chimp. She will have these amazing long play sessions with her chimp friends. But as for us human friends she will bless us with a play session from time to time. So when you get to play it doesn’t matter how long it lasts, it’s just special that it happened!
Bonus photos!
Jody enjoying some yellow goats beard flowers:
Negra foraging for grass:
Gordo was hanging out in the sunny warm Riverview greenhouse. Look how handsome he is!!
Gordo grooming himself:
