Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Grooming is a daily occurrence at the sanctuary. The chimpanzees groom each other, which facilitates social bonding, but they also groom themselves. Most of the chimps will use their fingers or lips for grooming, but Missy has a preferred tool: a splinter of wood that she “harvests” from one of the greenhouse climbing structures especially for the task.
And a photo of Missy’s foot, just because:
As J.B. showed in his blog post the other day, for Jamie, springtime at the sanctuary also brings drag racing season. And folks, though we know you just saw a fantastic video of Jamie racing the Gator around Young’s Hill, she continues to outdo herself.
Former staff, now volunteer caregiver, Keri, was with us yesterday and as we were headed back to the barn on the Gator after caring for the cattle, we looked up to see Jamie, hair standing on end in excitement (pilo), stomping her foot and clapping her hands. This is Jamie speak for, “Let’s race!!” So we were off! Be sure to watch for the downhill portion of the track. Pure gold.
Did you guys ever have rainy day recess? That is what today felt like, except the chimps did have access to outside. Some people like Jamie went on a few walks (or sprints with the Gator) but in general the chimps kind of all decided to spend most of their day at the top of the platform in the Greenhouse or playing in the Playroom. Today, I got a few special moments caught on camera. My favorite is Jamie wearing a troll scarf and reading a magazine with boots in it. As Jamie is flipping through her magazine Jody approaches her. Jody has a loose bottom lip and is a little pilo. Jody looks longingly into Jamie’s eyes. Jody reaches out to groom and hesitantly Jamie accepts the offer and they groom for about 10 minutes. After, Jody comes over to us caregivers for some reassurance and then climbs up the Playroom caging to nest. Jamie casually goes back to flipping her magazine like nothing ever happened.
Here are a few extra photos I got today!
Jody cozy in her nest:
Burrito with one of his favorite toys:
Foxie was very excited about playing troll toss, which was what happened immediately after these photos:
Foxie later took a nap on the floor but she had no use for blankets:
Today was sponsored by dear friend of the chimpanzees, Arlene, in honor of her husband, Michael, on their anniversary! Arlene shared this very lovely message about her gift:
“Today is our 29th Wedding Anniversary and I would like to sponsor today in honor of my husband. Michael I am blessed to share my life with you. Thank you for all you do for me and so many others, including animals as well as people. Love you always.”
Arlene and Michael, what a gift to celebrate so many years together! Happy Anniversary from all of us here! We’re so fortunate to have you as part of our chimp family and thank you, from our hearts, for helping to provide so many years of family and love for the chimps. Happiest of days to you both!
Burrito and Negra:
(Don’t worry, Burrito’s only yawning here 😉 ):
Jamie loves to run but humans are just too slow – that’s why she gets so excited to race us in the Gator.
Burrito Chimpanzee, AKA Mr. B., AKA Bub
Age: 36
Favorite foods: Pasta, baked sweet potatoes, most foods that exist in this world!
BFF: Foxie
Special talents: Dramatic displays, speed eating
Favorite place to nap: curled up near his friends or quietly with his back to a wall
Favorite activities: Playing chase and tug-o-war with caregivers, eating!
Favorite food puzzle: Peanut butter treat buckets
We seem to have (temporarily) skipped right over the dreary days that usually accompany early spring and catapulted directly into that warm sunshiny bliss we’ve all been looking forward to. The chimps have welcomed it with open arms.
They all bustled outside as soon as I opened the door to Young’s Hill this morning.
Fair weather Negra made an appearance to soak up a few rays.
Or possibly just to eat that last bit of winter that remains:
Welcome spring, we missed you!
