Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Missy

Come on an adventure with Missy!

by

The wild greens growing on Young’s Hill are in full bloom, practically covering the chimps’ structures in certain areas. When the chimps decide to go foraging, it’s difficult to even see them in the tall growth.

Jamie and I headed out for a walk around the hill this afternoon, her following the path she’s worn down walking, and me following the path the humans have worn down accompanying her. At the last minute Missy came running out of the greenhouse after us, taking a pit stop in the shade of one of the structures. Missy often likes to wait for us to reach the top of the hill so she can (naturally) run all the way after us.

web_missy_hold_ladder_shade_yh_kd_IMG_3895

Once Jamie and I reached the top of the hill, Missy decided to brave the heat and made a mad dash behind us to forage in the largest wild mustard patch:

web_missy_run_up_yh_I_kd_IMG_3896

web_missy_run_up_yh_II_kd_IMG_3897

One can imagine the awe she must feel looking at all that’s available to her:

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_I_kd_IMG_3902

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_II_kd_IMG_3903

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_III_kd_IMG_3904

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_IV_kd_IMG_3905

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_V_kd_IMG_3907

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_VI_kd_IMG_3908

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_VII_kd_IMG_3909

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_VIII_kd_IMG_3910

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_VIV_kdIMG_3913

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_X_kd_IMG_3919

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_XI_kd_IMG_3920

web_missy_wild_mustard_patch_XII_kd_IMG_3922

She was beside herself after collecting her huge feast of wild greens and ran straight to the new climbing structure to enjoy them while taking in the view. I could just make out her food grunts of happiness:

web_missy_mouth_open_eat_greens_new_structure_kd_IMG_3927

I didn’t notice until writing this, but you can just see Foxie and Mademoiselle Dora (down in the lower right corner) photo-bombing. (Yes, when I arrived this morning I found them happily reunited.) 🙂

web_missy_eat_wild_greens_new_tower_kd_IMG_3930

In search of the perfect snack

by

Can we all agree that we love snacks? I mean, fresh fruits, vegetables, smoothies and primate chow is usually enough to elicit foot grunts and high pitched food squeaks from the Cle Elum Seven. But, come spring, the chimpanzees tend to head out to Young’s Hill specifically to find wild plants (and bamboo) to snack on.

In the wild, chimpanzees are known to spend between 6 to 8 hours foraging for food each day. The amount of time varies during the seasons, depending on when fruits are ripe and how far apart the food resources are. And although chimps are primarily frugivores (fruit-eaters), they do supplement with leaves, buds, flowers, bark, seeds, roots, insects and occasionally meat. JB’s blog in mid May describes in more detail some of the plants these chimps gather from Young’s Hill, their 2 acre outdoor enclosure.

This morning, Negra made her way out toward the middle of Young’s Hill before sitting down to snack.
web_Negra_backside_walk_up_YH_kh_IMG_2101

web_Negra_walk_tall_grass_bamoo_YH_kh_IMG_2107

Sometimes she is hard to find on the hill; disappearing in the tall grass and bamboo.
web_Negra_top_head_exposed_tall_grass_bamboo_forage_plants_YH_kh_IMG_2116

web_Negra_sit_tall_grass_bamboo_YH_kh_IMG_2122

She did save one of the plants to bring back to the Greenhouse to enjoy out of the direct sunlight.
web_Negra_eat_wild_plant_sit_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3813

Missy ran to the top of the hill to gather her plant snacks to bring back to the Greenhouse.
web_Missy_bipedal_forage_wild_plant_in_mouth_YH_kh_IMG_2114

Annie also harvested a wild plants from Young’s Hill today. This is the one she was after this morning.
web_Annie_forage_plants_mouth_profile_YH_kh_IMG_2099

Each of the chimps spent time on Young’s Hill today. And each time I saw them come back to the Greenhouse with more plants. It’s wonderful that these chimpanzees have the outdoor space to display some of their natural behaviors, including foraging for wild plants.

Captured Moments

by

It’s the day after the 2015 HOOT! Gala fundraising event and we couldn’t be more thrilled! The event was such a huge success and we cannot possibly begin to thank all of you enough for your continued support for the Cle Elum Seven!! It is truly a blessing to know there are so many people that make up this sanctuary family! It’s clear that people near and far have fallen in love with these seven chimpanzees! I’ll leave the details of the event for Diana to write about on the blog later this week. Be sure to tune in for highlights from the big event!

Here are some moments we captured of each of the chimps from today.

Negra sat on the bridge in the Playroom looking toward the window that overlooks the neighbor’s farm.

web_Negra_profile_look_out_sit_catwalk_PR_kh_IMG_3334

Jamie photo bombed this picture of Negra, as she made her way down the railing to where I was standing taking photos (I didn’t notice she had done that until reviewing the pictures).

web_Jamie_photobomb_Negra_catwalk_PR_kh_IMG_3335

Jamie on her way down the railing.

web_Jamie_slide_down_railing_PR_kh_IMG_3336

Jamie checked out her surroundings on Young’s Hill.

web_Jamie_sit_hold_pole_structure_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2080

Annie spent some time grooming her leg while in the Greenhouse this afternoon before walking in the tall grass on Young’s Hill.

web_Annie_groom_self_leg_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3354

web_Annie_walk_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2059

Missy enjoyed a cup of water…

web_Missy_hold_cup_water_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3359

…and then groomed herself.

web_Missy_sit_groom_self_leg_Annie_groom_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3368

Jody took full advantage of the quite afternoon and warm temperature to rest before going back out on Young’s Hill.

web_Jody_rest_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3327

web_Jody_closeup_face_sleep_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3326

Foxie lounged with one of her troll dolls on her belly before making her way up to the new climbing structure on Young’s Hill.

web_Foxie_closeup_eyes_lie_down_platform_GH_kh_IMG_3364

web_Foxie_hang_climbing_structure_YH_kh_IMG_2056

Burrito made his way back toward the Greenhouse from the newest climbing structure by walking bipedal in the tall grass.

web_Burrito_walk_bipedal_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2058

web_Burrito_walk_bipedal_tall_grass_YH_kh_IMG_2060

Foxie’s in charge now!

by

The chimpanzees were ready and waiting for the door to Young’s Hill to be opened this morning after breakfast. With chow bags in hand, they all filed out of the raceway and headed straight for their new climbing structure. And Foxie was leading the way, with purpose and intent in every step! Everyone else just fell in behind her, even boss lady, Jamie.

Foxie, followed by Annie, Burrito, Missy:

web_foxie_lead_annie_burrito_missy_up_hill_kd_IMG_1978

Jamie catches up (crossing over the log):

web_foxie_annie_burrito_missy_jamie_yh_II_IMG_1980

web_foxie_annie_missy_burrito_jamie_yh_II_IMG_1981

Look at these chimps! Jody joins the troop in the lower right corner:

web_missy_annie_foxie_burrito_jamie_jody_IV_kd_IMG_1983

And today, Negra brought up the rear! She remained a rebel and chose not the follow the others initially, instead sticking closer to the greenhouse to forage in the grass:

web_negra_head_up_yh_kd_IMG_1988

Foxie was the first to climb the tower as well, and all except Negra joined her under the roof as they ate their chow together. I can’t express how amazing it was seeing them all sitting together in perfect calm and peace, taking in their new view. Unfortunately, by the time I reached them with the camera, all had started heading back down the hill except Jamie:

web_jamie_sit_tower_kd_IMG_1997

Once again, even the boss was following Foxie:

web_jamie_foxie_explore_kd_IMG_2015

But who do you think I spotted walking out from under the new structure? Oh, just Negra! Today she decided to see what all the fuss was about I guess and although she didn’t climb the structure, the fact that she walked all the way to the top of the hill to see it was incredible. As she calmly ambled back down the hill she was beside herself at finding a huge patch of wild mustard to eat:

web_negra_profile_sit_wild_mustard_yh_kd_IMG_1999

web_negra_behind_wild_mustard_kd_IMG_2000

I could barely see her, but she finally peeked out at me:

web_negra_sit_wild_mustard_look_kd_IMG_2001

The chimps have spent the entire day traipsing all the way up to the new structure, hanging out on the towers, and then coming back down and cooling off with a nap in the cooler play room. I think they may be adjusting to the additional exercise! Once rested they would all head back up again. And so it was all day. Play, repeat, play, repeat.

At the end of the day we had a gorgeous thunderstorm roll through. I went out to check on the chimpanzees as they typically head for the chimp house at the first sound of thunder. Almost everyone was back in the greenhouse, even Jamie, but when I looked up at the towers I spotted Foxie, Annie and Missy, showing no fear or nervousness, seemingly watching the storm in awe. I couldn’t believe it!

Annie and Missy chose the covered tower to observe from:

web_missy_annie_watch_thunderstorm_tower_kd_IMG_2034

And Foxie? Out in the open, all on her own, braving a thunder clap as she peeked over the edge of the railing. I adore this photo:

web_foxie_peek_over_tower_storm_kd_IMG_2038

web_foxie_watch_thunderstorm_tower_kd_IMG_2039

My heart has been full to bursting all day at the sight of the chimpanzees embracing their new options with such courage, determination, security and joy. I keep thinking about the contrast their view of the world held seven years ago, living in a windowless basement in cages no bigger than a bathroom stall. Imagine the awe and wonder they must feel now.

web_tower_view_thunderstorm_kd_IMG_2040

New views, new perspectives

by

What an amazing day we’ve had here at the sanctuary! Everyone worked so hard to complete the chimpanzees’ new structure on Young’s Hill early and even had it ready in time for a chimpanzee inspection and lunch forage.

web_new_structure_top_of_hill_jb_IMG_3199

The chimps were SO excited as we opened the raceway to the hill, pant-hooting, food grunting, and hugging each other in excitement and reassurance. Everyone filed out and quickly made their way to the top of the hill to check things out. Surprisingly, Missy wasn’t the first person on the structure, but she wasn’t far behind Jody, Annie, and Jamie who led the way. And just to warn you, you may have to look a little harder to see the chimps in some of these photos, but we hope it gives you an idea of their new perspective on things!

The new structure is the highest on the hill at about 16 feet high and the chimps’ view is incredible! Annie was one of the first to go up and take it in. She looks so small!:

web_annie_top_tower_view_jb_IMG_3210

Annie looking below the tower:

web_annie_tower_look_down_jb_IMG_3236

Jody was fearless and explored the entire structure with confidence and her new found athletic skills (she is on the shaky bridge as Annie watches from the platform):

web_jody_new_bridge_annie_platform_jb_IMG_3214

Burrito foraged in the gorgeous new bamboo below the structure initially:

web_burrito_forage_new_bamboo_jb_IMG_3248

But it wasn’t long before he joined Annie and Missy (walking on the hand railing, naturally) up top:

web_burrito_missy_annie_new_tower_kd_IMG_1914

Jamie on the bridge:

web_jamie_walk_bridge_jb_IMG_3237

As we’ve previously written on the blog, it wasn’t that long ago that Foxie wouldn’t have felt comfortable exploring this new structure right away. She initially foraged and assessed the situation from below with her troll. But it didn’t take her long to climb right up and explore:

web_foxie_walk_tower_view_jb_IMG_3231

web_foxie_tower_look_camera_jb_IMG_3229

Never one to take the easy way, Missy climbs one of the posts:

web_missy_climb_pole_to_tower_jb_IMG_3243

Those six small, black, specks on the structure are all of the chimps except Negra. This view is from the top of Young’s Hill looking toward the chimp house and the roof in the lower left hand corner is the barn:

web_all_six_on_new_structure_jb_IMG_3218

It took a bit for Negra to decide to leave her comfy nest and venture onto the hill to see what all the excitement was about. Being the clever woman she is, she chose to enjoy the forage closer to the greenhouse, which really was pretty smart given that she had it to herself. This was one of the only sightings of the Queen as she disappeared in the tall grass and shade:

web_negra_tall_grass_forage_kd_IMG_1908

And you can probably guess who the speck of a fearless woman in the following photos is…Missy, of course, had to test out tightrope options. After all, why be boring and take the bridge between the towers when you can walk across on the fire hose? (Honestly, I think we all had to remind ourselves today that even though we shuddered seeing them so far off the ground, they were doing what chimps are meant to do!):

web_missy_walk_tightrope_new_bridge_jb_IMG_3284

web_missy_tightrope_bridge_II_jb_IMG_3285

Her best friend, Annie, waiting to greet her at the other end:

web_missy_tightrope_to_tower_jb_IMG_3291

web_annie_greet_missy_after_tightrope_jb_IMG_3292

If you look closely, that tiny looking chimp walking on the hand railing of the tower is the boss lady, Jamie:

web_jamie_walk_hand_rail_view_jb_IMG_3223

Jamie takes in the view of her kingdom:

web_jamie_side_look_view_tower_kd_IMG_1924

web_jamie_stand_handrail_look_camera_kd_IMG_1928

In two weeks time we will be celebrating not only Negra’s birthday (June 13th), but the chimpanzees’ 7th year in sanctuary. It’s hard to believe how far they’ve come since they arrived. The ghosts of themselves they arrived as, the fears, anxieties, and uncertainties they carried, are shadows of who they’ve become. Shadows that grower fainter by the day. We are profoundly thankful to all of you who have made this possible for the chimpanzees and can’t wait to share all that lies ahead with you.

Seconds, Thirds and Fourths…

by

We put out a lunch forage on Young’s Hill this afternoon and everyone but Negra went outside right away to gather their favorite foods. Some of the chimps made their way back to the Greenhouse to enjoy their tasty morsels out of the wind, while others stayed out eating and foraging along the way. After they had their fill, most of the chimps stayed in the Greenhouse and either napped or groomed one another.

I went out a few times to check on them throughout the afternoon and each time one or more of the chimps was back out on the hill, foraging for the pieces they didn’t find earlier. I love lunch forages because they last all afternoon.

If you were given a choice between raw carrots, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, onions, brussel sprouts, mixed peppers or mushrooms, which would you choose?

Annie seemed to really like the combination of carrots, sweet potatoes and primate chow (by the mouthful).
web_Annie_mouthful_forage_YH_kh_IMG_3032

Missy bypassed the veggies and harvested some fresh green plants to eat on her second outing.
web_Missy_forage_wild_plant_in_mouth_YH_kh_IMG_3028

And on what may have been Missy’s fourth trip out onto the hill to look for left overs, she came back to the Greenhouse with a handful of raw mushrooms.

web_Missy_closeup_face_eat_mushrooms_chow_GH_kh_IMG_3050

web_Missy_closeup_face_profile_eat_mushrooms_GH_kh_IMG_3067

web_Missy_eat_chow_sideways_look_GH_kh_IMG_3039

Negra did eventually brave the wind and spent time eating primate chow and grass before returning to the Greenhouse.
web_Negra_profile_walk_YH_kh_IMG_3026

web_Negra_walk_YH_kh_IMG_3021