Terry is someone who really loves to spend quality time with his human friends. Many volunteers and staff can attest that Terry will go to great lengths to get your attention, and if you can’t interact with him yet (interactions with the chimpanzees require multiple levels of training first), he will let you know of his displeasure with that situation by spitting water at you, often aimed at your boots. Many of the other chimps in Terry’s group also want to spend time with their human friends, so it can be tricky to make time for everyone. I had some extra time the other afternoon, so I sought out sweet Terry. In today’s blog video, come along for an afternoon of Terry!
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Afternoon Fun with Gordo and George
We recently celebrated George’s first anniversary of sanctuary living! From our first blog announcing his arrival, his first ventures into the chute then the greenhouse and finally the Bray, meeting new friends for the first time (his now group-mates Cy, Terry, Rayne, Gordo, Lucky, and Dora, as well as Mave and Willy B), then living full time in his new group and navigating the social intricacies of chimpanzee life, mastering the art of nest building, his first sanctuary Christmas, and his first birthday in sanctuary, George has accomplished so much in his short time here, and there’s so much more to come!
It has been incredibly rewarding to watch him build relationships with other chimps throughout the introduction process, and even more rewarding to watch him live life within a social group. To say he and his progress have impressed us would be an understatement. Cy and Rayne have been his greatest teachers, as we had hoped an anticipated before beginning the introduction process. What was unexpected, but has been the best surprise, was his fast friendship with Gordo. In today’s video, come along for an afternoon of fun with Gordo and George!
Jamie and Foxie: It’s Complicated
Jamie and Foxie have a complicated relationship.
As the Alpha, Jamie rules with a bit of an iron fist, and often takes advantage of her position. Foxie is at the bottom of the social hierarchy and, because of this, is often targeted during conflicts. However, that doesn’t mean that Jamie and Foxie don’t spend quality time together, grooming and playing.
Today was one of those days! At least as far as Jamie was concerned..
If you have the time, check out these old blogs that highlight Jamie and Foxie’s play sessions!
https://chimpsnw.org/2010/05/foxie-and-jamies-epic-play-session/
https://chimpsnw.org/2011/01/jamie-and-foxies-wild-play/
https://chimpsnw.org/2011/04/troll-play/
https://chimpsnw.org/2014/11/chimpanzee-pretzel-play/
The Importance of Friends
Due to Negra’s reduced mobility, she has not been living within her group as a whole, but gets visits from friends each day. In today’s blog video, see Negra enjoy some quality time with her good friend, Burrito.
I Get by With a Little Help From my Friends
The mood around the sanctuary has been more serious the past few weeks as we navigate Negra’s mobility challenges. Quality time with the chimpanzees is my antidote for the toughest of days, and I have been finding a lot of joy in the little moments with the chimps. In today’s blog video, come along for some of these moments of joy.
Bruce certainly helps, too!
Jenna pets Bruce.
Bruce takes a rest in Krissy’s lap.
Ellen’s New Boots
There are several chimpanzees at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest that love a cool pair of shoes, or a new pair of boots. Some of the usual suspects include Terry, Lucky, and of course Jamie!
Recently, caregiver Ellen got some new work boots. Guess who couldn’t wait to see them in action?
This And That
A while back, I posted a blog that included what I called “lousy photos“. The photos that we take throughout the day that don’t make it on the blog. This also happens with videos. You never know when you’ll catch a great moment, or have your phone knocked out of your hand! Or in my case, knocked into the drain.
Today, I’ve compiled a few videos that weren’t enough, for one reason or another, to warrant their own blog post. Willy B plays with a box, Rayne forages on the Bray, Ellen and Gordo play, and Honey B works on her nest.
