Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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Missy’s Perfectly Playful Day

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Missy is having a really good day. She and Annie enjoyed some grass together first thing this morning.

 

Later, they played chase at the very top of the new structure.

 

For lunch, they sat next to each other eating some beets.

 

Missy often does things for the sure joy of movement, like this tightrope walk and dismount on some fire hose.

 

Missy shared her good spirits this afternoon by inviting me to play a game of tug-of-war with a blanket. She does this by pushing a blanket under the caging and giving a casual glance at her prospective play partner. Often these tug-of-war games are gentle, but she loves a serious match once in a while. Today, she was being particularly vigorous and I was left having to let go of the blanket when she was pulling very hard, which resulted in her falling backwards. She seemed to find this quite funny, so we repeated it several times.

Watching Missy today was a reminder to get outside, embrace the little moments, and have some laughs with a friend or two.

Work Play Work

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Well today was full of anticipation! By 9 am J.B. and our amazing volunteers were out building this SPECTACULAR climbing structure and yes that word does have to be in all caps because it is that stunning. The structure has a little bit of everything for every chimp and these chimps could not wait to get out on Young’s Hill and check it out! However, the chimps could not go out on the Hill until it was done. They waited so patiently and found ways to stay busy! Jamie monitored the volunteers cleaning and the volunteers helping with the structure, Neggie napped in the nice and toasty Greenhouse, Burrito played chase, and Missy, Jody, Annie, & Foxie played some wild games! Jody was half pilo all day just from all the excitement, she was so excited she was even playing like crazy with Missy today. For not being able to go on the Hill most of the day these chimps were in great moods!

Jody a little pilo:

Negra:

We really put our volunteers to work today:

Volunteer working hard:

The chimps loved the final product:

 

A playful way to start the day

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As I arrived this morning, I found Negra and Burrito grooming on a bench in one of the Front Rooms. This is a popular morning spot since it has a view of both the driveway and the kitchen.

Despite how this looks, Burrito is not in fact a vampire. He is actually more of a Tasmanian Devil. But at this point in the day he is still a very sleepy Tasmanian Devil.

As the other staff and volunteers arrive, Negra looks toward the kitchen and greets them with a soft grunt, and Burrito follows suit.

The arrival of the volunteers means the workday has begun, and that in turn means that breakfast will soon be ready. Breakfast always puts Negra in a good mood so she begins to play.

Negra has a rough style of play. The others tolerate it because of her status, and because they all know that it is a special occasion when Negra plays. Soon she is playfully but forcefully pushing Burrito’s head against the wall.

She thinks that is a lot of fun.

Burrito thinks a bit less of this game and he eventually slips away, so Negra settles for a patented Negra move – the head-butt to the belly. Let the day begin!

Spring has Sprung

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Spring has sprung and there is nothing but happy chimps here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest! We had chimps (Negra and friends) baking at the top of the platform in the Greenhouse, Missy asking for the barn doors to be open, Foxie playing wild games of chase, Jamie walking on the Hill & enjoying lots of grooming sessions with her boots, Burrito and Jody hanging out & grooming all day, and Missy and Annie chasing all over the place. Foxie was nice enough to let me get another photo shoot in and Jamie also let me get a few snaps before we started a game of chase this morning!

Foxie:

Jamie:

Jody staring out the Raceway towards the Hill:

Sun’s Out Chimps Out

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The chimps were on the move today! Jody was running around the Hill with her gals, Missy was ripping up and down all the structures, Jamie was walking and exploring with everyone, and Foxie was pushing herself to the limits. While Jamie and I were out on a walk Missy, Annie, Jody, and Foxie we not far behind. Annie and Missy made it to the Twister and climbed all the way to the top. Jody got to the top and decided to come down; however, Foxie was cautious and went up part way only to climb back down, but that did not stop her from trying again! Once all the other girls left Foxie even climbed up the Twister on her own and got most of the way up, that girl is brave! After, Foxie met Missy up on the suspension bridge structure, Missy was feeling silly and sneakily and took Foxie’s doll and ran away (trying to instigate chase). Foxie slowly followed after her (don’t worry eventually Miss did give the doll back). All in all it was a fun and silly day at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest!

Missy and Annie on top of the Twister:

Foxie (with doll), Missy (middle), Annie (front) walking towards the next structure to explore:

Foxie climbing the Twister alone and was getting pretty high, maybe the highest she has ever gone:

Foxie carefully climbing down after a big accomplishment:

Foxie and Missy hanging out/playing on one of the climbing structures (about when Missy steals that little doll):

After a slow fun game of chase, Missy gives the doll back to Foxie (Foxie behind the tree):

Jamie exploring:

Jamie and the squad (Annie and Missy):

Handsome Burrito (he didn’t stay long outside):

After climbing all morning Annie laid down to relax and make some bird noises:

Jamie using a tool to get the big nuts out of the Playroom windows:

Missy also used a tool to get some big nuts:

Missy:

Negra enjoying some sun: