Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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snow

January Sunshine

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I recently read that a warm, sunny January in the Pacific Northwest, means a long, grueling winter is on the horizon. In other words, the snow is coming. While my source wasn’t exactly scientific, I am still hoping that this isn’t true!

This morning, it was 19 degrees (F) when we arrived to open the Chimp House – the coldest morning we have had this season! However, the sun came out to play today and man, it felt so nice! Even the chimps went out to explore their outdoor spaces to soak up the sunshine.

We will take all the sunshine we can get! We hope spring will be here soon! Homestretch.

Stay warm out there!

Chimpanzee Locomotion (in Snow)

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Yesterday, Krissy posted a video of Rayne getting snow snacks following our first snowfall here at the sanctuary on November 17th.

You can tell in that video that the sky was a bit overcast. With a few notable exceptions, that’s how the sky has looked for most of this winter so far. The appearance of the sun receives a great deal of excitement from the humans these days.

And today, it was visible!

Perhaps Missy and Annie were equally excited for the sight of the sun because Ellen spotted them on one of the climbing structures on Young’s Hill.

I was able to climb up to the top of the observation deck and snap some photos of Missy walking back inside.

There was a path shoveled from a couple of weeks ago for the chimps to follow, but, still, they had to get their hands and feet in the snow some.

When I was looking at the photos I took, what came to mind is the way chimpanzees move.

Most often, when on the ground or a flat surface, chimpanzees are quadrupedal. That means they walk on both their hands and their feet. Their particular quadrupedal walking utilizes the flat part their feet, like humans, and the knuckles of their hands.

Chimpanzees can also walk bipedally like humans, just utilizing the bottom of their feet and allowing their arms to hang by their sides (or hold a bunch of foraged food like the photo of Missy below).

Their heads sit differently on their spine than humans and their hips are different, so bipedal walking is not as easy for them.

Missy, however, often does a “jump through” movement, especially when traversing the outdoors. In scientific circles this is known as “crutch-walking.”

You can see it in the photos below. Her arms are parallel and she pulls both of her feet through her arms at the same time.

After doing that once or twice, she moved on to the more common quadrupedal locomotion:

Rayne and Snow

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On November 17th, 2024, we had our first snowfall!  (I’ve been waiting for my opportunity to share this sweet video with you and today is the day!)

Rayne was very excited to get outside, but was unsure of the snow on the decking of the chute.  She made it to the end of the chute without touching her feet to the snow, but then she had a decision to make.  Will she brave the cold snow on her warm feet to do a little exploring?  You probably already know the answer.  That Raynie is quite the explorer!

Three Short Stories

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To understand the impact of the first story in today’s video requires the background of yesterday’s blog post by Jenna. So go read that first if you haven’t yet.

Can we talk about celebrating another year of Burrito??!! Tomorrow’s bash is going to be a celebration focused on the things he likes most in life, and we hope you’ll join us here on the blog tomorrow evening to see how charming Mr. B celebrated his 42nd birthday.

A Much Needed Moment of Calm

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Phew!  How are we feeling on this 3rd day of the new year?  A little tired?  In need of some rest and relaxation?  After the hustle and bustle of the last couple of months, I was happy to come across Terry, Willy B and Cy having a calm moment in the greenhouse.

I invite you to take a moment with these three.  Sit back, get comfy, take a deep breath and enjoy the tranquility of 3 friends enjoying a serene moment while sharing snow snacks.

The Fortunate Demise of Three Snowpersons

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For a little caregiver fun, we would like you to decide which snowperson is the best. You can base your decision on whatever subjective aspects you choose (though please do let us know how you based your decision).

All three seemed equally enjoyed by the chimpanzees. Please leave your votes and commentary in the comments!

Hat Snow Person:

 

Reclined Snow Person:

 

Lettuce-Head Snow Person:

Thanks for playing along!

CSNW’s Winter Activities

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We often get asked what the chimpanzees do throughout the winter. Despite what you would expect, the chimps do go out in the snow, but for shorter durations. It’s been snowing here all day with zero breaks and I don’t believe anyone has ventured out to their outdoor enclosure because of how much snow is coming down. However, days like these don’t occur all winter (thank goodness!) so usually the chimps aren’t cooped up for long. One of my favorite parts about living in central Washington is that usually there is a long enough break for all the snow to melt before the next snowfall.

Today, I put together a video highlighting some of the things the chimps get up to during winter months. It’s not too different from their daily routine, but with a few seasonal bonuses! The chimps stay pretty busy, despite the winter weather!

Also special shout out to Ellen G. for winning the Three Peas in a Bed sheet for the chimps, featuring Lucky, Dora, and Rayne! Cy’s group was given this sheet today and I imagine Rayne may scoop it up later for her nightly nest, because sheets are her favorite.

Lastly, most of our Amazon Wishlist has been bought already (THANK YOU!!!!) but there’s still a few more things we’re hoping to get before Christmas. Here is a link if you’d like to help. We appreciate it so much!

Stay warm, everyone!