Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

young's hill

Are you ready to race?

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In case you haven’t heard the news, we are only 10 days away from our first ever Race for the Apes! On Sunday, May 20, folks will be gathering at Rotary/West Ellensburg Park for a 5K run and troll stroll along the Yakima River. Whether you are a serious runner or simply a troll enthusiast (troll-stroll participants are encouraged to adorn their outfits accordingly), all are welcome, and it’s sure to be a blast.

In case you need inspiration on how to appropriately train for such an event, you could get some pointers from the Cle Elum Seven.

Serious runners may train for months and months, like Missy, who has been training since September 20, 2011. Currently her low speed on the hill appears to be approximately 15mph.

And when Missy’s running, Annie is usually not far behind her!

For you troll stroll participants, Foxie can show you how it’s done:

Perhaps even Negra found Foxie’s troll strolling inspiring today. She “strolled” out on the hill a bit further than usual and just sat down to take in the view! She’s been reluctant to go out much until this past week, and even then she would only run out to grab some grass and immediately retreat into the greenhouse to enjoy it. Knowing that she “strolled” a bit further and is getting comfortable enough to take in the amazing view is very exciting for all of us!

Here she is on the move!

So, in honor of the Cle Elum Seven, tighten those shoelaces and get ready to Race for the Apes! We hope to see you there!

Motivation

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As many of you probably already know, Negra hasn’t been going out on Young’s Hill much since last fall. Obviously, we cannot ever truly get inside of the chimps’ heads, and I’m sure Negra’s lack of interest in the hill is due to many different factors. I imagine 35 years in a small laboratory cage would make 2 acres seem extremely intimidating (it is intimidating!) plus we know she isn’t much of a fan of cold weather, so lately she has preferred to hang out in front of the chimp-proof glass windows in the Playroom with a blanket over her head (who can blame her when it’s that cold really?). But with the warmer weather and the vibrant fresh grass, she’s found just enough motivation to get herself out there, even if just for a minute.

Negra in her transfer cage en route to CSNW in 2008:

Negra today:

Delicate Jamie

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Sometimes Jamie can be quite destructive, with her great displays that show her domination, and her investigations of enrichment. So in contrast, I really love how delicate she looks with this small cherry tomato in these pictures from the other day. (I also really love the amazingly vibrant green grass in the background!)

Another day in paradise

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Today is day 3 of unseasonably gorgeous weather (high 70s!) here in Cle Elum. The chimpanzees have been out on Young’s Hill for a couple of hours now and show no signs of tiring of it. (As I write this, Jody is lying on her belly in a patch of shade munching on some grass.) Here are some photos from this afternoon:

Foxie has collected several of these wine vines to bring into the greenhouse with her:

Annie brought in a blanket she found on the hill for her nest in the greenhouse:

Burrito has been watching the goings-on from his new favorite hangout by the treat rock:

Spending Earth Day on the Earth

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Today was Earth Day and thankfully it was an absolutely beautiful, almost summery, day for it! It’s been around 75 degrees this afternoon and very little wind (which we get a lot of around here!) so I gave the chimps Young’s Hill as early in the day as possible. We didn’t have a full-fledged party, but it’s pretty surreal to think that after decades of bars and concrete, finally the chimps truly got to celebrate Earth Day on the grass and with no bars overhead.

Missy and Annie spent some time sitting on the grass in the shade

Foxie climbed up high to enjoy the view

Jamie and volunteer caregiver Stephanie went for a little walk around the perimeter of the hill

And Burrito climbed up a climbing structure he hasn’t explored yet

It must feel so good to have blue skies overhead with no bars!

Grass underfoot

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These pictures just remind me how awesome it is that the Cle Elum Seven now get to spend time with grass under their feet after decades of small barren cages. Even after 7 months, it is still so amazing to see them out there.

Spring on the hill

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The grass is turning green, flowers are beginning to bloom and the wind is blowing. I think it’s official- Spring has finally sprung here in Cle Elum!

Even though the chimps don’t enjoy the wind too much, they’ve still been spending more time out on Young’s Hill. Here’s a photo J.B. took the other day of Missy enjoying the view. I just love seeing them in the green grass.