Missy

Is it Winter?

January 28, 2018 by Kelsi

The chimps and I are still in disbelief that it is 42 degrees in January! Jamie and I have been going on nice leisurely walks (Missy did joined us but after a while she would sprint off). Missy has been out all day running everywhere, climbing on all the outdoor structures, and balancing on ropes. Annie and Missy enjoyed sometime together on the Hill playing follow the leader and wrestling in the Playroom. Foxie took her dolls outside and soaked in the warmer weather. Foxie and Jody later went far out on the Hill and explored together. I couldn’t catch Burrito in any photos but he also had been out and about on the Hill and of course played chase in the Green House! And Neggie made some very cozy nests today and laid near the Playroom windows to feel the warm sun shining in.

Missy running on Young’s Hill:

Missy:

Annie staring out towards the Hill:

Annie:

Jamie also running on the Hill with Missy:

Jamie:

Negra:

Movement

January 24, 2018 by Anna

In general, the chimpanzees make difficult motion look so simple and easy. Here are just a few of my favorite photos of strength, flexibility, finesse, coordination, speed, and balance.

Among the sun spots

January 22, 2018 by Katelyn

Despite snow and storms being predicted these last couple of days, we woke to a sunny, but frosty cold day. And ALL the primates have been soaking in the light:

Jamie surveying her frozen Queendom:

She climbed around licking all the melting frost off the structures:

And just hiding out for a bit of privacy while her staff wait patiently in the wings:

Foxie among the sunspots in the greenhouse:

Beautiful Missy in a rare moment of tolerating the camera:

Annie wasn’t up for eating cold snow and decided to sit in the sun and wadge paper from her chow bag instead:

Even, unbelievably, the Queen made a run OUTSIDE for a snow snack:

Foxie grimacing from the cold on her way back to the greenhouse. In her rush to get back she dropped three of her dolls outside, but several minutes later she scurried back out to collect them and take them to warm up in the chimp house:

Cold winds couldn’t stop the boss from her duties, who figures we can always run to stay warm:

Girl Gang

January 21, 2018 by Kelsi

Today was for the ladies. I found Negra, Jamie, Jody, Foxie, & Missy all grooming each other while we cleaned the playroom (Annie was off doing her own thing), it could not have be a better time than to sit in a line and groom each other for an hour or so. Grooming is a very important aspect in chimp behavior and these ladies made sure to get their fill today!

Negra being groomed by Jamie:

Negra and Jamie noticed my presence and stared at me while I snapped some photos:

Jamie later had Missy tell me to get lost:

Negra, Jamie, Jody, & Foxie (Missy left shortly before this):

Well, of course Burrito wasn’t to far away:

Thank you, Gabi!

January 18, 2018 by Katelyn

Today was sponsored by Gabi Ford with the simple, but heartfelt sentiment: “I get so much enjoyment from seeing the Cle Elum 7.”

Gabi, thank you so much for your gift for the chimps and contributing so generously to their lives. I am pretty sure you speak for us all. While we are all here together to ensure the chimps receive as much as possible to thrive and flourish in their lives, it’s incredible to see what a source of hope, love, compassion, inspiration and pure joy they are for so many of us.

Negra:

Foxie:

Jamie:

Missy and Annie:

Jody:

Burrito:

Nice Day for a Walk

January 15, 2018 by Kelsi

When I arrived at CSNW this morning I was greeted by a nice long kiss by Jamie and breathy pants from the chimps. Jamie gestured for me to put a boot on and she broke into a game of chase. Jamie lead me outside to the greenhouse, where she ran up to door Y and insisted I open it so we could finish our game of chase on Young’s Hill. However, we close off the Hill at night for the chimps and before I can open any door there are checks that I have to do. But, trust me – I got her out there in good time! Today was a pretty mild winter day (which might explain some good moods this morning) and the chimps took full advantage of it. Jamie and Missy spent most of their day on Young’s Hill, and who could blame them! Jamie especially was loving this warmer winter weather! Jamie and I played games of chase inside, games of chase outside, we did countless walks, and spent sometime just sitting outside. Because we were outside for most of the day I was only able to capture a few photos.

Jamie eating some broccoli in her nest: