Posts by Anna
A different doll for Foxie!
Foxie goes through phases where she takes special interest in one of her dolls. When it’s not being tossed playfully to caregivers, this purple haired doll has been by her side for weeks: It’s pretty different than her usual loves, not a Dora or a troll doll, but something that we’ve never seen before. After…
Read More7 eyes
Prepare yourself for the hardest chimpanzee identification test of your life! I present to you, a closeup on each of the Cle Elum 7’s eyes. First one to correctly identify all seven eyes, gets bragging rights!
Read MoreThe Deputy
As many of you know, Jamie considers herself the boss of all the primates that surround her. She rules with an iron fist, not always clear about what she wants, but definitely firm that she NEEDS it NOW. Missy in a one-on-one interaction with a caregiver can range from playful to aloof, all while being…
Read MoreLate September
There’s nothing quite like a Fall forage on Young’s Hill! Annie: After eating his forage bounty, Burrito quietly went back out on Young’s Hill to watch the girls finish up. Foxie: Jamie scanning the grass for more food. Jody was serious about carrots and kale! Missy kept herself busy! Negra actually stayed out for quite…
Read MoreDessert for chimps
The chimpanzees have a very healthy diet consisting of primarily raw, fresh produce. In the morning they enjoy a fruit smoothie (with protein powder), two servings of fresh fruit, a handful of unsalted peanuts and their chewable vitamins. Lunch is a little bit simpler, with three servings of fresh or sometimes cooked vegetables. We end…
Read MoreGrooming with Missy
Missy is a “chimp’s chimp.” That means she likes to spend most of her time with her fellow chimpanzees rather than engage in a lot of human interaction. This is actually a great thing, and we encourage the chimps to spend more time with their group mates, rather than always looking for human attention. Ideally,…
Read MoreWelcome Fall!
Yesterday was the first day of Fall, and like most of us, the chimps love the mild weather that comes along with it. Today we had PERFECT sunshine, a light breeze, and 65 degrees! The chimps couldn’t get enough, each taking advantage of the weather in their own way. Multiple long walks were taken by…
Read MoreCreative style
Burrito demonstrates the many uses of knee-high rainbow tube socks. The chimps receive a selection of enrichment each day and sometimes they make a few non-traditional style choices.
Read MorePlay-by-play
Every good game begins with a standoff.. Annie vs. Missy Then someone starts running… The chase is on! Missy runs after Annie! Don’t forget the aerial acrobatics! Check out Missy’s play face! A little bit of hand holding during intermission… And then chase again! This time Missy leads the way!
Read MoreWelcome rain!
The structure we call “Twister” is a favorite pit stop for Jamie on her walks around Young’s Hill. It offers 360 degree views of the sanctuary property. This morning she spent some time taking in the scenery between rain storms. Fall is just around the corner!
Read MoreOutdoor sanctuary
Cooler temperatures at the sanctuary mean more frequent (and fast paced) walks on Young’s Hill!
Read MoreMissy & Negra
Yesterday during breakfast, volunteer Jake and I watched Missy build an elaborate nest out of blankets and a hanging fire hose which she wove around her blankets in a tight circle. Just as Missy was putting the final touches to her bed, Negra approached with her chow bags in hand and promptly took over Missy’s…
Read More