Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

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Drama and Dora on the Bray

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I mentioned this incident in a comment on my blog post from last week. There was some interest from blog readers to see the footage of this fight in which Dora is interested enough to go onto the Bray, but apparently only wanted to watch, not participate, as she made a break for it when the intensity increased.

Dora can be a force when she does get involved in conflicts, so it’s just as well that she chose to stay out of it this time.

While fights are not uncommon, even in groups like Cy’s that fight more than the average, the amount of time they spend in conflict is minuscule compared the amount of time they spend in friendship.

Most of their days are filled with comfort and joy… which is why we are holding the third annual Comfort and Joy Quid Pro Throw online auction from October 31 – Nov 20. We will be adding items throughout, so check in daily.

*New this year* – if you register for the Comfort and Joy online auction, you’ll be a guest (virtually) at Lucky’s birthday on November 6th! So, don’t delay, register today.

 

Chimp Crazy Documentary on HBO

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On Sunday, August 18th, the first episode of a new four-part documentary called Chimp Crazy will debut on HBO and stream on Max. You may have already seen the trailer or seen promotions about the series.

It was produced by Eric Goode, who also produced Tiger King.

I am guessing a lot of you are now saying to yourself that there’s no way you will be watching it.

I completely understand that response, especially after watching the trailer, which includes some difficult clips:

Though it will surely be sensationalized and is meant to bring in viewers who are watching for entertainment, we’ve heard that it also tells the story of why primates should not be pets. It has the potential to make a positive difference, reaching people who don’t already care about this issue. See the page on the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) website about the documentary.

We want to know if you plan to watch, if you’d be interested in joining a discussion group about the series, and if you are aware of a bill in Congress right now, the Captive Primate Safety Act, that would protect primates from these types of exploitative situations.

Fill out this questionnaire to let us know your thoughts. 

I know regular readers will want to know that Willy B is doing fine after his little procedure yesterday (does the fact that chimpanzees bite each others digits off provide a reason why they do not make good pets??!!).

I went up to check on him through the window of his private suite last night and we were also watching him on the security cameras. He had a long and deep sleep.

Chad reported that Willy B was raring to go back with his group this morning, against Dr. Erin’s orders. Willy B is notoriously difficult to give medication to, but the determined and creative staff managed to get him to take his meds in sweetened peanut butter today.

Here’s a photo Ellen just took of him in his recovery room, looking at his reflection in her phone (and, full disclosure, licking his stitched up toe, not pictured):

 

World Chimpanzee Day 2024 Celebration

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Happy World Chimpanzee Day. I’m so glad there is a day to think about and celebrate our closest living relative, and it’s so fitting that July 14th is the anniversary of when Jane Goodall arrived to what was to become Gombe. Dr. Goodall has changed the world for chimpanzees, and has made millions of people aware of how extraordinary they are as a species and as individuals. We are all part of her legacy of scientific discovery and advocacy.

Ten Seconds

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Every ten second counts at the sanctuary. What was your favorite 10 second clip from the video? Isn’t it exciting to see Mave and Honey B outside??!! It still takes a little bit of drama for them to go out, but today Mave ventured out in between actual conflicts, which I think was a first!

You too can make ten seconds count by voting for the subject of Sue Cartwright’s next portrait in our poll (either by voting in the poll below, or if you don’t see it, vote here).

Vote now and vote again if you feel strongly about your choice.

Bonus points for letting us know if you have a particular photo that you’d like her to use as reference – let us know on our Contact Us form! Even bigger bonus points if you know of an artist who may want to make a donation to an upcoming fundraiser.

Good Advice from Burrito & Honey B

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There are times when Burrito and Honey B take themselves very seriously, maybe Honey B more than Burrito these days, but they both have a lightheartedness that is admirable and contagious.

My takeaways from these clips:

Burrito doesn’t need an audience – he can crack himself of up at any moment.

Just look at the delight that Honey B’s friends/family react with when she is showing the jovial side of her personality. Everyone was on board!

It’s a good lesson for all of us.

 

Grooming Party

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Since you are reading this, you likely know that grooming is an important activity within a chimpanzee group, whether that group is in the wild or in captivity. Because us humans are a part of their social network, we take part in grooming with them, both as the groomer and the groomie (is groomie an actual word? grooming receiver is perhaps the more technical phrase).

Grooming, like many social behaviors, can be somewhat contagious, in that if you see some friends grooming, you might join in or you might find someone else to groom with you.