Missy

In memory of Joseph and Carlene’s anniversary

March 31, 2015 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Joseph Garza, in memory of his late wife, Carlene, and this day, which would have been their 15th wedding anniversary. Joseph and Carlene have done so much for the chimpanzees and even though Carlene is no longer with us physically, both she and Joseph continue to make an immense difference in the chimps’ lives. Joseph shared this beautifully heartfelt message about today:

“On this date fifteen years ago, Carlene K. Olsen-Paul and I exchanged vows to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part. Little did we know that the latter would come much too soon.

She captured my heart with the first look into her eyes and at that moment I knew that I was looking into the soul of the love of my life. The Lord gave us almost 20 years together, 14 and one-half of those as husband and wife. They weren’t all easy, but I would give anything to have even the worst day back again just to hold her in my arms again.

Carlene K. Olsen-Garza, you are my soul mate and I know when my time comes you will be waiting for me and we will once again be reunited, but this time for eternity. Til then, I love you my angel.”

Joseph, thank you so much for sharing such a special day with not only the chimpanzees, but all of us. We are immensely moved that you not only continue to carry Carlene’s passion for the chimpanzees in your heart, but have made it your own as well. Our thoughts are with you today as you remember your dear wife and the beautiful life you shared.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

March 30, 2015 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Linda Goodwin, in honor of her niece, Laura Chadduck’s, birthday! Linda shared this message about Laura:

“My niece, Laura, lights up every room she walks into with her positive energy and empathy. All who know her love her, and she’s a true animal lover as well as avid [Seattle] Sounders fan!”

Linda, thank you so much for choosing to make a difference in the chimpanzees’ lives while celebrating Laura on her birthday! We are so touched that you would think of them.

Laura, thank you for caring about animals and being such a positive presence in the world. We hope you have the happiest of birthdays!

Our resident athlete, Missy:

Afternoon Routine

March 29, 2015 by Keri

The chimpanzees have developed their own daily routines. Typically, they are at their highest arousal level in the morning time. That is also when they seem to be the most active, often times playing, displaying and greeting one another and caregivers. After breakfast, the chimps spend time building nests with the new blankets, checking out the new enrichment, playing and venturing out onto Young’s Hill. After lunch, the chimps’ arousal level shifts. Most of the chimpanzees either enjoy their afternoon with a siesta, or by grooming themselves or one another. Other chimps demand to go on walks around Young’s Hill.

This afternoon was no different. I caught Annie enjoying her afternoon siesta in the Greenhouse. She looked quite content on the deck and briefly interrupted her resting time to groom Missy before closing her eyes.

Foxie took her time to enjoy her chow one piece at a time.

Jody spent a large portion of her afternoon grooming her hands and arms.

Negra sat on the bottom platform for a few minutes after lunch just looking around before heading inside to get comfortable in her blanket nest.

Missy and Burrito were busy grooming one another while the other chimps were resting.

And what do you think Jamie was up to? She was busy looking for someone to go on a walk with her of course.

Thank you, Leanne!

March 27, 2015 by Katelyn

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Leanne Preble! Leanne shared the simple, but beautiful message that she wishes for this day to be in honor of “Hope. Love. Home…Sanctuary.” These simple words hold profound meaning for each of us. And we are privileged to witness on a daily basis what can happen for individuals when these things are provided. But we can only imagine what they truly mean for each of the chimpanzees after all they have endured.

Leanne, thank you so much for sponsoring this day to celebrate the chimpanzees and their lives in their sanctuary home. And may all those still awaiting their sanctuary be held in our thoughts as well.

The hope in Jamie’s eyes:

The love of best friends, Annie and Missy:

and Burrito and Foxie:

Jody, at rest in her home:

Negra, at peace in sanctuary:

Photos of the Day

March 26, 2015 by Elizabeth

Annie (with a mouthful of alfalfa) watching BFF Missy explore Young’s Hill:

Foxie:

Jamie admiring caregiver Debbie’s boots:

Jody:

Burrito grooming Foxie:

Missy in her element:

Negra in hers:

We can’t all be as cool as Missy

March 25, 2015 by Katelyn

The beautiful Christmas tree that we bought for the chimpanzees (with the hopes of planting it for them when the weather warms up) has been taking a bit of a beating since the holidays. It’s currently living in the greenhouse, but seems be diminishing in size. We’ve seen Negra and Jody munching on it occasionally, and the other day Debbie captured these photos of Missy trying it out. In my mind it would be a pretty pokey snack, but I guess not in the mind of the chimpanzees.

If you’ve been following the blog awhile you may have seen us mention that Missy is really a “chimp’s chimp.” She usually prefers the company of her chimpanzee friends, particularly her best friend, Annie, to that of humans. It’s always a special treat when she chooses to engage with us in a sudden game of chase or asks us to groom her. But just to make sure we aren’t getting too ahead of ourselves, she often gazes about nonchalantly even when in the middle of a play session, just playing it cool, almost as if to say she’s not “really” engaging with the humans.

Missy’s aloofness also transfers to our attempts at getting photos of her as you can see in these. If we are lucky she sits still long enough to let us get a couple of shots, but she won’t often make eye contact for long. It’s just Missy’s way and we love that it’s always her choice to engage or not. And it makes those rare moments of Missy’s attention that much more of an honor.

A Day in the Rainforest

March 23, 2015 by Elizabeth

Today’s enrichment theme is Rainforest Day, and we did our best to turn the sanctuary into a tropical paradise. Volunteer caregiver Becca arrived this morning with her arms full – she brought a giant roll of green paper for a canopy and many rolls of streamers.