northwest

Zen Sand Garden

January 18, 2014 by Diana

Supporter Michelle C. recently sent the chimpanzees a very unique gift – a piece of the Florida beach along with some little shovels. Today we set up the gift from afar in the sandbox table.

Looking at the set up reminded me of those zen sand gardens that are sold to business executives. This one, of course, catered to Jamie (note the boot).

There’s a video in the middle of this post of Jamie truly looking pretty zen as she played in the sand. The other chimps weren’t sure what to make of the stuff. They’ve had sand before (one of my favorite memories is Jody laying in the sandbox in the greenhouse on “Spa Day” ). But the chimps had probably never encountered the soft white sand of the Florida beaches.

Jody and Foxie getting a closer look:

Annie joining the inspection:

Jody digging in:

And Jamie getting zen:

A different view of the forage

January 17, 2014 by J.B.

We put the GoPro camera out on Wednesday to film some of the forage. I shouldn’t be surprised by anything the chimps do anymore, but I’m still amazed at how quickly they notice that the camera has been placed in its housing. You can’t get anything past them.

someone has a secret for Foxie

January 11, 2014 by Diana

I wonder what it is..

Lending a hand

January 10, 2014 by J.B.

We joke about Jamie being the boss of the sanctuary, but behind the scenes, it’s Jody that keeps this place running.

As I was putting this video together, it dawned on me that I has posted a similar video a few years ago. Just goes to show that some things never change.

In Memory of Dr. Mel Richardson

January 3, 2014 by J.B.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Dr. Mel Richardson.

Dr. Mel is and will always be part of the heart and soul of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. He joined the Board of Directors in the spring of 2008, prior to the chimps’ arrival, and was instrumental in developing the philosophy of care that guides us today. He continued to oversee the care of the Cle Elum Seven for the next five and half years with boundless love and unwavering dedication.

During his visits to the sanctuary, Dr. Mel won over the chimpanzees and humans alike with his southern charm. He welcomed phone calls from worried staff at all hours, which he handled with patience and understanding. His calmness and reassurance during uncertain times is something we will always appreciate. And his vast knowledge and decades of experience – from zookeeper to veterinarian to activist – made him one of the most trusted members of the organization.

If his easy smile didn’t immediately win you over, his countless stories surely would. He seemed to have lived multiple lifetimes, soaking up every bit he could, and he never stopped planning for the next adventure or the next opportunity to offer his expert but humble assistance.

Dr. Mel dedicated his life to helping animals, and he was especially committed to seeing formerly abused and neglected captive exotic animals thrive in sanctuaries. Remarkably, the health and happiness of the Cle Elum Seven are but one small part of his amazing legacy. From Rwanda to Cle Elum to Bolivia, he traveled across the globe to help animals in need.

The chimpanzees at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest are fortunate to have an amazing team of veterinarians dedicated to their care, and you can rest assured that they are left in good hands. But we will all feel the void that Dr. Mel has left, as we mourn the loss of a kind, courageous, and compassionate soul.

Thank you, Dr. Mel.

Today is for Don Young

January 2, 2014 by Diana

A giant Happy Birthday to Don Young today! Don’s wife Karen is sponsoring today in honor of Don’s 75th birthday and shared these sentiments: “Happy 75th to my wonderful husband, Don, who has so generously supported my chimp passion so that it is now his passion as well! Here is to you and a chimp party in your honor! Love, Karen.”

The chimpanzees celebrate Don and Karen every day when they step onto Young’s Hill – the two acre habitat that the Youngs helped to fund. They also funded the greenhouse project, the termite mound on Young’s Hill, and contributed generously towards the medical clinic.

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest simply wouldn’t be what it is without their help, and we can’t thank them enough.

We’ll be throwing a BIG party for Don today – check back on the blog later for photos, or get the blog posts in your inbox by subscribing – just scroll down on this page below all of the announcements, etc., put your email address in the box below the words, “Subscribe to Blog via Email,” and then click “subscribe.”

In the meantime, watch the video below of the chimpanzees first day on Young’s Hill: