New Friend
June 6, 2021 by Sam -
Hi everyone! My name is Sam and I am one of the new caregivers here at CSNW. Originally, I am from Ohio and I moved to Washington to attend Central Washington University to obtain my Masters degree in Primate Behavior in 2016. During that time I was an intern/volunteer at CSNW and this started my path in the direction of chimpanzees. After graduation I moved to Georgia to work at Project Chimps and was a caregiver there for the past 2 1/2 years. I am beyond excited to be back in the Pacific Northwest and here at CSNW working with these amazing chimpanzees, humans, and cattle!
This past month I’ve been learning the routine and enjoying the beginnings of building friendships with these 10 chimpanzees. Jamie has been keeping a close eye and making sure I’m being trained correctly. Grooming my boots in the afternoon is also a strict part of the training process. Burrito has been helping to build my cardio and Honey B has been making sure I am always on my toes.
I have a couple photos to share with you, as I have started practicing with the camera.
Burrito between play sessions
Jamie keeping an eye on things from her comfy nest
Jody enjoying an orange for breakfast
Honey B watching watching us do checks
Betsy relaxing in her summer pasture
43 Comments
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Hi, Sam. Welcome!
Thank you!
Welcome Sam! Glad you’re enjoying Burrito’s cardio training program and that the girls are keeping you in line.
Thank you! Yes they are all keeping me very busy.
Hi Sam, Great to meet you. We welcome you back to the northwest and especially to NWCS.
And who needs a Peloton exerciser when you have Burrito. LOL
Judy
Nice to meet you too! Haha yes, he is my workout routine now.
Hi Sam. Sounds like they are lucky to have you. Sounds like you will be getting plenty of exercise!
Lots of excerise!
Hi Sam,
Welcome back, and thank you for all your hard work.
Great pictures, the one of betsy is especially beautiful.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos!
Great to here from you! Best of luck on this great adventure!!!
Thank you!
Welcome Sam you are very lucky to be working with these amazing animals. Good luck and God Bless ?
Thank you!
“The anthropologists got it wrong when they named our species Homo sapiens (‘wise man’). In any case it’s an arrogant and bigheaded thing to say, wisdom being one of our least evident features. In reality, we are Pan narrans, the “storytelling” chimpanzee.” (Terry Pratchett, The Globe). Looking forward to more of your “stories” Sam, and maybe a pic or two of you 🙂
Thank you for the nice quote!
Hi Sam, nice to hear from you. Thanks for the pics.
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos!
Hi Sam! I am so very happy to meet you through the blog. Wonderful getting to see the chimpanzee people and bovine folks through your eyes. I am so jealous of your wise and wonderful experience and career path. Embrace every experience and every single minute at CSNW. (And invest in comfortable running shoes to keep up with Burrito!!)
It’s so nice to meet you too. Thank you so much for your kind words. I do need to invest in some new running shoes just to play with Burrito!
Hi Sam!
Nice to “meet” you!
Originally from MI, but we’ll let that slide, I don’t watch spirts, anyway! 😉
Jamie STILL has her eye on you! Any idea of when she submits grades?
Nice to “meet” you too! Haha, yes we can let that slide.
I think Jamie is still working on my final grades. Lots of tests involved.
Welcome Sam. Nice Blog and Awesome pics. Enjoy! Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you so much!
Welcome Sam. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your dream job with all the wonderful people and special animals at CSNW. Lovely photo of Betsy!
Thank you! Betsy is such a lovely lady.
Welcome, Sam! Thanks for an enjoyable blog entry for us out here in the cosmos. Of course Jamie has a shoe between herself and the camera! I’m sure she’s keeping a points system and will let you know when you’ve earned enough to have special treats. It’s wonderful you’ve come back to all of “us” to share your talents, energy and expertise and enthusiasm.
Thank you so much! It’s nice to be back. Jamie was napping on the boot earlier in the day too!
Hi Sam! It’s nice to meet you. Love the photos.
Thank you and nice to meet you too!
Welcome, Sam, I enjoyed the blog and the pictures! I look forward to seeing more from you. In my opinion, you have one of the best jobs anywhere.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.
Hello, Sam! Nice to meet you. Lovely pics, especially of Betsy.
Nice to meet you too! Thank you, she is beautiful.
Beautiful photos Sam, thanks for sharing them with us. Can’t wait to hear all about your unique experiences at CSNW.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.
Hi Sam! Welcome! Thanks for all you do and enjoy yourself you have a wonderful job!
Thank you! I really enjoy this career.
So glad you are at CSNW, Sam! I was born and live in Ohio (Columbus) as well. Never been to the Pacific Northwest, I know it is beautiful up there.
I attended undergrad at Ohio State! Nice to meet a fellow Buckeye.
Welcome (back) Sam. I love the picture of Jamie ‘watching’ from behind her boot.
I also love this photo! She was napping with her head on the boot too.
Hi and nice to meet you, Sam! So funny that usually when a person starts a new job they’ve got one boss to worry about. You’ve got 10 who I bet are more demanding that your human ones. cheers!