Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Play

Sundaze at the Sanctuary

by

Sundays are all about relaxation. At the Sanctuary, we want to make sure our residents feel comfortable, and trust me, today is all about comfort and relaxation. Check it out:

Burrito had another fun game with his scooter, but unfortunately, a wheel came off. Luckily, Burrito was completely content with his 3 wheeled scooter and now just gets to bring the wheel everywhere with him:

A few days ago J.B. shared some pictures of Annie wearing a waistband and today she is still rocking it! Annie is having a blast today foraging on the hill and grooming with friends, all while sporting the waistband:

Even the boss decided to take a break and relax on a platform in the front rooms. It is the perfect area to lay around and relax while still staying alert:

Save

Save

A new friend for the chimps!

by

Last week we welcomed our new part-time staff caregiver Kelsi to the sanctuary! She has been busy learning the daily routine around here and is now getting to know the chimps!

This afternoon Burrito was more than happy to demonstrate proper chase protocol for her:

And how to give a good (and safe) back rub:

And boss Jamie taught Kelsi how to model new cowboy boots for her. Note that Jamie is sitting comfortably in the shade, while Kelsi knows her place in the direct sun:

Keep an eye out in the next couple weeks for Kelsi’s own blog posts as she starts writing about her adventures in care giving at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest!

Friends

by

The majority of our chimp house volunteers have no direct interaction with the chimpanzees. The caregivers you see on our blog playing with the chimps or serving them meals are either staff or specially trained, long-term volunteers. Volunteers are typically with us for at least a year before they are eligible for this training. The training process lasts several months, and volunteers are required to commit to at least another year as volunteers after that.

These volunteers learn not only how to safely interact with the chimpanzees, but how to be good chimp friends. They learn chimp behavior and etiquette so that they can communicate with the chimps in their own language and integrate seamlessly into the social group. They become important and stable parts of the chimps’ circle of friends.