The other day, as the chimps were entering the front rooms for breakfast, we noticed that there was a blanket lying in the track of one of the pneumatic doors. This prevents the door from closing all the way, so we asked Jody if she would grab the blanket for us. Without hesitation, she walked over to the door and pulled the blanket out, dropping it on the floor and out of the way. No begging, no bartering…just a kind gesture from Jody. If only every day were like that!
northwest
Dancing with Negra
Negra loves to watch us dance. Usually we initiate the dancing, but yesterday, as Diana was walking past the front rooms, Negra clearly indicated that she would like to be entertained. So we obliged! As we started dancing, Negra came down from her bed and danced along with us in her own special way.
Jamie sometimes disapproves of us having too much fun with the other chimps, as you can tell from her scowl in this video. Thankfully, she chose not to spit on us this time.
Negra playing chase
If you received our latest e-newsletter, you know that Negra has been a little more active lately (if you don’t get the e-newsletter, you can sign up here). I thought I’d post another photo of Negra and Missy playing chase around the climbing structure. Missy usually has only one speed (fast), but she was nice enough to slow things down a bit for Negra’s sake. Afterwards, Negra took a well-deserved rest.
Easter Party
The chimps had a great party today, complete with Easter baskets and treats courtesy of their wonderful friends and supporters. There were plastic eggs filled with nuts and dried fruit, homemade bagels and muffins, even cornbread peeps! Of course, there were also plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, including eggplant, cucumbers, green onions, and coconuts, which we were able to purchase because of your Easter party donations.
It was rainy and gloomy today, so most of the party was set up inside. However, Annie realized that we threw some treats in the outdoor area and she got to enjoy them all by herself. Burrito grabbed one of the coconuts and clung to it for dear life. When he first came to the sanctuary, he didn’t know how to crack one open, but he must have learned from Missy because today he cracked open his first!
Many thanks to all who contributed to the party!
Missy (and Annie)
Donnie’s Day
Today we’re remembering and celebrating a special person on what would have been his 62nd birthday: Donnie Pfeiffer. Donnie was the brother of one of Foxie’s most dedicated supporters, Karen Young. Since Donnie was an archaeologist, we created a special “dig site” for the chimps to celebrate his birthday. We put fresh straw in the outdoor enclosure and scattered treats so that the chimps would have to hunt for them. For more fine-tuned digging, we also put out raisin boards and big blocks of ice with cranberries, raisins, and apples frozen inside. Jamie and Missy have been working on excavating the cranberries all day. Donnie also founded the Vermont Wooden Game Company, so we gave the chimps lots of wooden toys today too. Among other things Donnie was a world adventurer, a free spirit, an animal lover, a decorated veteran, and a very dedicated brother, son, and father (to his three pups!). Happy Birthday Donnie!
Spring!
Finally! Here are a few shots of the chimps enjoying the beautiful weather. It’s been right in Negra’s “sweet spot” – between 65 and 75 degrees – so she’s been outside a lot.
We had a forage outside for lunch – lots of broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers. The last photo is of Foxie with a “whimper face”. I’m not sure what she was whimpering about; she probably lost one of her trolls for a moment.
