Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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Lucky Day

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I recently was graced with a sweet and fun play session with Lucky! See today’s video to join in on the fun. Usually when Lucky wants to spend time together, she invites me to groom, so this was an extra special treat. She loved being tickled with a durable spoon, and we drew a small crowd of chimps as the play session went on who wanted to join in on the fun…Gordo, Cy, and Terry all wanted to be involved at different points (and got some one-on-one time once Lucky and I were done!). I’d like to credit my original chimp friends from Chimp Haven (Agnes and Juan especially) for teaching me all the best chimp tickle spots. Lucky seemed to approve.

I thought I’d also provide a brief George update as I know he has many friends that are wishing him all the best. He is getting more and more comfortable in his new home and exploring his surroundings by the day! We have been thrilled to see him start nesting (to learn more about nesting and see it in action, see previous posts here and here), both with blankets and paper. We learned that he enjoys paper towels and uses them to wipe his hands and face, especially after his morning smoothie to take care of that pesky smoothie mustache.

It’s easy to see how George has captured the hearts of so many, he is such a sweet and gentle individual. We are enjoying getting to know him, and hope you all are enjoying getting to know us and the other 15 chimpanzees, 3 cows, and one very handsome barn cat (aptly named Barn Kitty – pictured below) who also call CSNW home! We are so happy to have you here!

The Magic of Dora

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As J.B. discussed in a recent blog, Willy B, Mave, Dora, and Honey B are currently living together in a subgroup. We are and will continue to monitor the subgroups to determine what our path forward will look like, but for now I wanted to share some wins with you all!

As I’m sure you’ve noticed (and will see in today’s blog video), Honey B and Dora are keeping up with their rigorous play schedule. Mave joins in at times, but seems to prefer the quiet moments grooming with Dora. Willy B has been noticeably more playful with caregivers, engaging in more games of chase and his newfound love of being tickled with a long-handled spoon (Caregiver Krissy even got a play face from him while tickling him recently! Somewhat blurry proof included below)!

The other morning, as we were preparing for our team huddle to discuss the day, we heard chimp laughter. We all looked to the cameras and saw Willy B and Dora playing! We saw with our own eyes the magic of Dora. Willy B can play a little rough at times, and some of his playful slaps were getting to be too much. With some chimps, this would have easily escalated into a fight, but Dora kept giving him opportunities to alter his play style and be more gentle, then eventually screamed at him to let him know that was enough. The scream was brief, Willy B stopped what he had been doing, and just a few minutes later they were back to playing again. Dora seems to often bring out the best in those around her with her playful spirit and tolerance of weirdness. I’m glad to report that she is doing well in this current subgroup, and am grateful for her silly side and the patience she extends our oftentimes awkward friend, Willy B.

Morning Play!

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This morning, Jenna and I were cleaning the playroom when we were greeted with delightful chimpanzee laughter coming from the front rooms.  Can you guess who?  Of course, it was Burrito and his good friend Foxie!  Wrestling, poking, tickling, biting, pushing, pulling…all the things required for a raucous play session.  We really wanted to capture this fun time without catching the ire of the fun police.  How do you think we did?

Jamie & Burrito’s Day of Friendship

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They really did play for a good amount of time while Anna and I cleaned their playroom. I was very glad to get the clips I did!

As you can see from the video, the snow from yesterday was short-lived. I saw Annie walking up the stairs to the playroom loft with a big handful of snow. It’s good that they love to eat it!

Tickle Therapy

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It looks like today will be Burrito’s last day on restricted activity. Which is great for him, obviously, but a relief for the staff, too, because we can’t keep up with him. He’s just too playful. Thankfully, Nurse Jody took another shift this afternoon and tried to tickle him back to health.

Earlier in the afternoon, we tried to offer Burrito some lunch. It did not go as planned.

He was convinced that it was playtime, not lunchtime. Soon his onion was a toy and he began laughing to himself.

He tossed his green pepper aside and rolled the onion around the room.

He insisted that I stop serving lunch and join him.

He thought it was the funniest onion ever.

It was!

But then he noticed the lettuce on the table behind me. Lettuce is good.

Maybe even better than playing?

Yup.

Oh, but that onion!

Our thanks go out to all the amazing Produce Patrons that keep Burrito and the gang supplied with delicious food (and, er, toys?). Learn how you can be a Produce Patron here.