Posts by Anna
That first look
Jody is deeply concerned about organization and routine. When the chimpanzees are asked to move out of an area for cleaning in the morning, Jody hangs back to make sure every last chimp has exited. Sometimes she is even helpful to the staff, grabbing blankets that blockade a doorway or ushering out a reluctant family…
Read MoreTwo moments
Two simple moments of peace for you on this November day. Annie: Negra:
Read MoreFrom blue cement floors below, to blue skies above
Just over eight years ago, the Cle Elum 7 were living in the windowless basement of the Buckshire Corporation in Pennsylvania. Their entire world consisted of four attached 6×6 cages. Here’s a little perspective on just exactly what that meant for the chimpanzees: Take a moment and imagine only being able to climb as high…
Read MoreThe reason
“The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other,… but to be with each other.†― Christopher McDougall
Read MoreThe struggles of blog photography
Each day of the week, sanctuary staff members trade off the responsibility of being the Lead Caregiver for the day. The Lead Caregiver is tasked with keeping to the routine of the day, moving doors to close off an area for cleaning, and taking photos and writing for the daily blog. Some days the blog…
Read MoreFour Seasons of Sanctuary
JB’s post yesterday got me thinking about how much the sanctuary really transforms each season. In winter we have the always enriching snow. Annie takes a moment outside on Young’s Hill before grabbing an icy snack: In Spring we have bright green grass and thriving lush plants. Negra forages: In summer we have hot days…
Read MoreRelationship Status: It’s Complicated, with Jamie Chimpanzee
Jamie chimpanzee is a domineering individual and her good friend Foxie is well aware of it. During forages, Jamie pulls rank and controls a great deal of the space around her. She will gather her forage bounty together, sometimes in handfuls, often using a container to keep a hand free for foraging. The other chimpanzees…
Read MoreFoliage with Foxie and a friend
Each day this month, Autumn seems to get just a bit more vivid at the sanctuary. This morning dawned with a new icy snap in the air and thick frost on caregivers’ car windshields. After the chimpanzees ate breakfast, the inviting sun took the edge off the chilly air and Young’s Hill became a warm…
Read MoreRunning with flair!
Sometimes the chimpanzees choose to incorporate enrichment into their usual games (for added fun). This morning, Missy raced around Young’s Hill while wearing a white infinity scarf. Speaking of enrichment… have you checked out our Database of Chimpanzee Enrichment? We are still looking for ideas from other chimpanzee care facilities. If your organization has an…
Read MoreMissy in her sanctuary
At Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, each of the chimpanzees have found their own personal happiness and comfort. Sometimes happiness comes in the form of an object like cowboy boots for Jamie or troll dolls for Foxie. Sometimes happiness comes in the form of an activity, like Burrito playing chase with his caregivers. For Missy, happiness is…
Read MoreWelcome NAPSA!
Today was an exciting day! Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest had the honor of hosting some amazing passionate humans of the primate sanctuary community! This past week, the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) held their 2 day conference (this year in Tacoma, Washington). Sanctuary founders, directors, coordinators, caregivers and allies discussed a diverse number of topics…
Read MoreMirror Mirror
It may be hard for some to believe, but Jamie chimpanzee can be a bit, ahem.. self centered. A good example of this is when she is watching videos (generally displayed on a phone or tablet). She has a general interest in most videos, but as soon as she sees herself in one of those…
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