Posts by Anna
Scenes from a sunny lunch
The chimpanzees are very in tune with what time of day it is. When meal times roll around, you can usually spot several individuals waiting expectantly in the playroom, peering through the window to the kitchen to get a look at what’s on the menu. Negra was prepared for lunch a little early today. She…
Read MoreA very classy party
Yesterday we received a huge donation from a generous supporter. Produce and enrichment, oh my! One of the boxes contained decorations for Halloween/Jamie’s birthday set for a couple of weeks from now, while one of the other boxes was a massive collection of black and white themed decor. Of course it seemed right to throw…
Read MoreSerious business
As you may already know, the sanctuary has an enrichment calendar that we follow in order to enhance the lives of the chimpanzees on a daily basis. In the morning when we clean each area, we may put out lots of paper for them to nest in, or maybe we will put out all the…
Read More“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.”
“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” -William Cullen Yesterday was an exciting day at the sanctuary as we had some of our first fall quarter interns from Central Washington University come for part of the day. The chimpanzees were interested in all this activity and staff were busy training the new recruits. Today is a…
Read MoreWalks with friends
This afternoon I went searching for chimpanzees to take photos of in the greenhouse. There were none to be found as everyone except Negra (who was napping in the Playroom) had gone on a Young’s hill adventure together. I heard rustling in the bamboo forest on the hill and Jody was first to emerge. Followed…
Read MoreFirst signs of Autumn
The last few weeks at the sanctuary have been a glorious transition into the first signs of Autumn. We’ve had chilly nights and bright, sunny warm days. Today, Katelyn served some of the final cherry tomatoes from the garden. As the summer vegetables wind down, fall’s bounty comes into full swing. The chimpanzees have already…
Read MoreNaps vs. Exercise
As caregivers, we love to see the chimpanzees doing an activity. We try and provide them with enriching toys, food, and other things to bring something new and exciting into their lives. Like Elizabeth said yesterday, Jamie is always looking for something to do and we do our best to satisfy her. The rest of…
Read MoreBetween Storms
Today at the sanctuary we received several genuine downpours of rain. Not just sprinkles or mist, but actual, much needed rainfall! The chimpanzees spent the rainy part of the day inside, either sleeping in their warm nests in the playroom, or hanging out in the cooler, covered greenhouse. In a particular break in the weather,…
Read MoreLittle neighbors
In preparation for today’s blog, I revisited a few of the past posts about the different types of fauna that the chimpanzees have experience with in the Cle Elum landscape. There are plenty of birds and insects to be seen. As well as some deer and the neighboring horses. Of course there is Ellie the…
Read MoreSanctuary Vantage Points
One of my all time favorite views of the sanctuary is from the top of Young’s Hill. From this spot you can see the Cascade Mountains and the Yakima River. You can see extensive forests of pine trees as well as the hustle and bustle of cars and trains going by. If you are lucky,…
Read MoreFirst Impressions: Foxie
This post concludes the series on my first impressions of the Cle Elum 7. Last but surely not least, I get to write about Foxie chimpanzee. Jamie did not make this an easy photography session for me today. The boss kept insisting I model a selection of new cowboy boots that she just received. I…
Read MoreFirst Impressions: Annie
Just after the chimpanzees had eaten lunch, I wondered into the greenhouse to find Annie, Negra and Missy napping on this cool afternoon. I had a mission to take photos of Annie because she and Foxie are my final “first impressions” blog candidates. Annie was doing some interesting yoga-like stretches that I wanted to photograph,…
Read More