Posts by Anna
Coming in for a landing
More evidence that Missy may actually have built in springs in her knees.
Read MoreThe “missing” chimpanzee
This morning as we invited the Cle Elum 7 back into a fresh clean playroom, there was no sign of Negra foraging for pumpkin seeds or making a big nest in the loft. Nor was there any sign of her basking in the sunny greenhouse. The only clue we had to her location was the…
Read MoreWaking up
Humans share numerous behaviors with chimpanzees, including the tendency to yawn after just waking up. I can’t seem to stop yawning myself when I look at these photos of boss Jamie.
Read MoreJust two friends having a great time
I can’t decide which is better, Burrito’s play face, or Foxie squishing Burrito’s belly. You decide.
Read More10 (ish) Seconds of pure contentment
Each morning we start the chimpanzees day by serving a snack in the indoor areas. This snack is usually a pretty good motivational tool so we can close off the Greenhouse for some cleaning. To unlock an area for humans to enter it, we need that enclosure to be chimp-free and securely closed off, but…
Read MoreIntruder!
Jamie was particularly adamant about patrolling Young’s Hill this morning. Mostly so she could keep an eye on a visiting neighbor. After a little while, this neighbor seemed a bit lost, so Diana made sure he found his way home. And Jamie helped. Jamie received backup from some of the other chimps, including a rather…
Read MoreJamie v. Snowman
Today I thought it would be a good day to see some never before seen photos from a couple months ago. Volunteer caregiver Holly built a delightfully cute snowman in the portrait studio and Jamie took it upon herself to dismantle it: The first thing to go was his icicle nose. Then after a quick…
Read MoreA wadge
In the wild, chimpanzees will store chewed up fibrous materials (called a wadge) in their bottom lips. This way they can suck every last bit of juice out of tough, chewy plants. Just like their free-living counterparts, the Cle Elum 7 wadge fibrous things such as alfalfa cubes, pine tree needles, cattail leaves and other…
Read MoreThe impersonator
When we train new volunteers and interns to identify the Cle Elum 7, we emphasize the importance of ignoring circumstantial evidence. Does that chimp have a blanket over their head? Yes. Who likes to cover themselves with blankets? Negra! If we see a chimpanzee covering themselves with a blanket can we positively ID that chimp…
Read MoreA perfect spot
If you are Jamie, your perfect spot at the sanctuary is out on Young’s Hill performing a perimeter patrol. If you’re Missy, you are also out on Young’s Hill, just moving at light speed! If you’re Annie, your favorite spot is on a high platform with the sun on your face (with Missy close by…
Read MoreMore tomatoes please!
Missy is good at communicating her top lunch priority with caregivers.
Read MoreOk… Now it’s spring!
It’s not officially spring in Cle Elum until Negra eats her first handful of fresh green grass on Young’s Hill.
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