Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
In today’s video, watch as Honey B explores her group’s outdoor habitat, the Bray! She seems to be gaining confidence in exploring this large outdoor space every day, and it is wonderful to watch.
Below are some lovely photos shared with us by a supporter, Christiane Leibrandt, who captured these beautiful images of Honey B during a recent visit to the sanctuary.
Thank you for these gorgeous photos, Christiane!
This morning Negra was peacefully enjoying her peanut butter pine cone…
When there arose such a clatter…
Not pictured: Burrito’s raucous display making the “clatter.”
Negra’s whimper of concern
And outstretched hand seeking reassurance from the photographer
Back to business
Still best to keep eyes on that wild roommate…
Initially, I had today’s blog all planned out in my head. I was going to write about food peering, a behavior where a chimpanzee stares intensely at the food another is eating in hopes of that individual sending some their way. I was inspired to write about such topic based on this photo I got yesterday of Willy B food peering at Honey B for her coconut.
However, as I went to take some photos during lunch service, Negra had other plans for her subject. During lunch, Negra had me stand at the corner and rub her back during the whole lunch service plus some. And to clarify, by “rubbing her back” I mean with one of our approved safe physical contact methods called Knuckle Rub.
That coupled with a biweekly staff meeting, I was not able to have enough time to write out a lengthy blog or get photos of some food peering. The Queen has spoken and I, her dutiful servant, must oblige.
Here are the very few photos I was able to get today:
Foxie and Negra giving each other a kiss during dinner
Cy watching Willy B, Rayne, Terry, Gordo, and Lucky out on the Bray
Both Rayne and Gordo were able to find some coconut husks leftover from yesterday’s celebration
And a photo of the thunderstorm that was rolling in, though it quickly dissipated
Lastly, we added a whole bunch of things to our Wish List ranging from masks for caregivers to keep the chimpanzees safe from human pathogens, two-way radios for staff and volunteers who work in the Chimp House, and new enrichment items for our residents! If you are able and willing to, please take a look at the items needed to help maintain our quality care of these magnificent beings. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
Something spooked Mave in the Oakwood Greenhouse yesterday. Can you guess what it was?
Here are some bonus photos from today! Today’s was absolutely gorgeous with the weather in the 50s! So Negra’s group had a nice lunch forage on Young’s Hill!
Annie!
Jody!
And Queen Negra!
And Nutmeg for good measure!
For today’s blog, there really isn’t any theme or story. Just a random assortment of photos I was able to capture today before our monthly staff training.
And then there is Terry…
Don’t forget to check out our wish list! Christmas is fast approaching and things are being added almost daily to help us throw them a wonderful party this year! We are also in need some of the Shutterfly gift cards. We use these for multiple things, including purchasing Jamie’s custom made book of the caregivers’ XtraTuf boots.
Annie has always had a nervous disposition. In the years immediately following her arrival at the sanctuary, she was prone to bouts of acute anxiety akin to panic attacks. Thankfully, these have become less and less frequent over the years but they still occur on occasion. While it’s hard for us to say exactly what sets them off, they appear to be triggered by tension or ambiguity in social relationships. It’s hard to be a primate, as we all know too well.
This afternoon, I spent some time photographing the chimps as they quietly patrolled the hill, foraged for browse, and climbed the various towers and play structures. At one point I noticed Annie nearby with her hair standing on end. I could tell something was wrong.
She began to pant-hoot softly, each hoot trailing off into a whimper. Alone, she walked hurriedly to a climbing structure and began to climb the ladder. But she turned back before reaching the top.
Soon her whimpers grew into screams.
Her walk became a sprint.
She was alone and desperate for reassurance.
There’s only one person that Annie looks to in moments like these.
Just then, Missy emerged from the greenhouse and into Annie embrace.
And like that, Annie’s face began to soften.
And her breathing began to slow.
As Katelyn mentioned recently, the relationship between Annie and Missy can be complicated at times. Thankfully for Annie, there are still times when it is predictably straightforward and simple. Because Annie is the kind of person that needs someone to lean on.
Another garter snake saga, in which everyone learns a very important lesson: Foxie will take care of it, but you would do well to give her a wide berth.
