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Play

Pausing for Connection

September 17, 2025 by Kelsi

As caregivers, our days are often jam-packed. We’re constantly on the move: cleaning, doing laundry, serving meals, washing dishes, training, doing more cleaning, and currently working on introductions with George throughout the week. With so much going on, it can be hard to slow down.

Yesterday, while I was cleaning in Greenhouse 2, Gordo and Cy each came over separately to play chase and hang out by the shared window, between Playroom 2 and Greenhouse 2. It was such a nice pause in the middle of a busy day, a reminder of what this work is really all about.

Foxie is especially good at getting her caregivers to take a break and spend time with her. She has her own way of inviting you in: she drops her doll and makes raspberry sounds until you pick it up and hand it back to her. But, before she’ll take it, you have to play. She loves being tickled with her doll, seeing you hug her doll, playing “troll ski,” or having her head gently rubbed with her doll’s head. Once she’s satisfied, she takes her doll back and strolls off on her way.

These moments that pause the busy routine to connect, are what make the work so meaningful.

Here is a portrait series of Foxie with Disney Simea (from Moana 2):

Lucky resting on a bench:

Gordo checking himself out through my camera:

The ever so handsome Cy:

Filed Under: Cy, Foxie, Gordo, Lucky, Sanctuary Tagged With: Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cy, Foxie, Gordo, Lucky, Play, Sanctuary

A Day of Play (Contest)

August 31, 2025 by Diana

I’d count this contest as a success for everyone! Watch the video above and let me know if you agree.

Towards the end of the day, there were a few names not checked off, but J.B. swooped in and got Mave to play, Chad had a  play session with Honey B, and Jamie decided she would indulge me. I did show Annie my toes (she really likes bare feet). She acknowledged them, but perhaps wasn’t impressed enough to take my lead towards playing. There’s always tomorrow!

Bonus photos of Jamie with her forage haul that she brought into the greenhouse and put in a box.

Filed Under: Caregivers, Chimpanzee Behavior, Dora, George, Jamie, Latest Videos, Lucky, Play Tagged With: caregiver playing with chimpanzee, contest, Play

George Meets Gordo

August 30, 2025 by Ellen Brady-McGaughey

We have been continuing introductions of George to members of Cy’s group. He recently met Gordo for the first time, and it was a great start to building their relationship! See today’s blog video to watch George and Gordo play, groom, and relax during their first meeting.

Filed Under: George, Gordo, Grooming, Introductions, Introductions, Play Tagged With: george, Gordo, groom, introduction, Play

You Again!

August 20, 2025 by Kelsi

George is one incredible chimp. So far in this intro process, he has surprised us with his adaptability, patience, and maturity that we didn’t know a 21-year-old could have.

Introductions are a process and not every chimp comes in feeling confident, even if it’s gone well in the past, and that is to be expected. Just like us as humans, we may carry anxiety about the unknowns of meeting a new person. It can take a few meetings to get comfortable with or understand an individual. This past Friday, Cy and George visited again for their third introduction. Their first intro was great, their second they both did fine, but overall we would describe it as a, meh. But this third visit, there was no hesitation at all. Cy and George right off the bat were ready to have the door open to see each other. George even let Cy groom him, which is something George seems to be trying to get more comfortable with. Though, we can’t be sure of the full reason, George did live alone for a few years and hasn’t been a recipient of grooming with another chimp for quite awhile, which is a very big component of bonding for chimps.

We are so proud of George for his progress, and we’re excited to see how his relationship with Cy continues to grow.

Filed Under: Cy, George, Grooming, Introductions, Latest Videos, Play, Sanctuary Tagged With: Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Cy, george, Play, Sanctuary

Raffle Ticket Mischief

August 6, 2025 by Kelsi

Last Wednesday, I put out a whole roll of raffle tickets for the chimps, but specifically Burrito. I wasn’t sure if anyone would actually play with the tickets, but if they didn’t play with them, they could be used for nesting! But, of course, Burrito being the silly, playful chimp he is, couldn’t resist getting his friend, Foxie, in on the fun. It’s no surprise—his antics are always a little contagious!

Filed Under: Burrito, Foxie, Latest Videos, Play Tagged With: Burrito, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Foxie, Play, Sanctuary

Morning Play With Annie And Burrito

July 26, 2025 by Krissy Brasfield

Often times, while cleaning, we hear the joyful sound of chimpanzee laughter.  How are we to continue when, nearby, chimpanzees are tickling, biting, poking, kissing, wrestling and pinching each other into hysterics!?

Today was one of those days!

Spend some time with Annie and Burrito and you’ll be sure to have a smile on your face!

Filed Under: Annie, Burrito, Chimpanzee, Friendship, Play Tagged With: Annie, Burrito, laugh, Play

Solo Entertainment

July 6, 2025 by Krissy Brasfield

How much fun is it to watch a chimpanzee entertain himself?  Pretty fun!

Who do you think is featured in this video?

Hmmm?

 

 

Filed Under: Chimpanzee, Enrichment, Play, Willy B Tagged With: ball, box, Enrichment, fun, Play, Willy B

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Cle Elum, WA 98922
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509-699-0728
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EIN: 68-0552915

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