young's hill

First Responder Days

July 22, 2017 by Anna

The sanctuary is no stranger to relying on the kindness of our community’s first responders. In 2012 we were faced with the terrifying Taylor Bridge Fire, a huge wild fire that threatened and destroyed many homes in our area. Last year another smaller fire broke out on a nearby property.

We know that wildfire is a risk during the summer in this area, and the chimp house was built with that in mind. We have emergency plans in place and now have a sprinkler system that surrounds the building. Still, for each of these events, we were very fortunate to have the Kittitas County Fire Department protecting the chimpanzees’ home. We are incredibly grateful for their service to the community. This year we arranged a couple of special visits for the county’s first responders to come meet the chimpanzees and get more information on our building and property. Last weekend Kittitas County Fire District #7 came out.

Of course, Ellie/Buttons had to say hello to some of her old friends:

And today we welcomed District #1 from Thorp. As soon as Jamie saw the black rugged boots everyone was wearing, she took off on a walk around Young’s Hill and we all accompanied:

Most of the other chimpanzees also came out to see what was going on.

Today’s amazing group from Kittitas County Fire District 1. It was so nice to meet everyone in a non-emergency setting!:

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Jamie and Her Squad

July 12, 2017 by Kelsi

Jamie wrangled up some of her favorite human and non-human friends for a walk around Young’s Hill. Missy followed right behind Jamie while Foxie came for a hot minute and turned back. Jody had plans of her own today. While we all walked, Jody foraged for some plants. Check it out!

Jamie’s squad:

Jody enjoying her forage while Burrito fixes his hair:

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Sundays Are For The Girls

July 9, 2017 by Kelsi

Today is a mild 85º. The perfect day for a forage and napping!

Negra enjoying a forage on the hill today:

Jamie nesting with one of her favorite boots:

Annie in the greenhouse enjoying the weather:

Negra forages

July 1, 2017 by Anna

The chimpanzees all have different techniques for foraging out on Young’s Hill. Most of them will take multiple trips and comb every inch of the ground and structures for every bit of produce and primate chow.

This is not Negra’s technique.

When Negra forages she usually heads for one area and picks up whatever she can see, then heads back to her comfortable nest in the greenhouse. Being active and exploring (even if it means more food), is not Negra’s normal style. She has more of a one and done technique, and you might imagine she doesn’t always come away with a ton of food. This afternoon’s lunch forage paid off big for her though. When we opened the door to Young’s Hill, she rushed to just the right spot and made off with a whole bushel of fresh carrots.

A selection

June 28, 2017 by Anna

Each day, caregivers put out carefully selected enrichment items into the enclosures for the chimpanzees to enjoy. Objects like clothing, crayons, magazines, paper, and kids toys are placed around to try and peak the chimps’ interests (or sometimes to just give them something to throw). There are two types of enrichment items that are an absolute requirement for each enclosure: Foxie’s dolls and Jamie’s boots. No area at the sanctuary is fully enriched without at least one cowboy boot and a Dora or troll doll.

Into the wild green yonder

June 26, 2017 by Katelyn

The grass is so tall now the chimps literally step into it and disappear at times. I don’t think I will ever do anything less than treasure those moments as glimpses into the wild that will always live in their hearts: