Posts by Anthony
The Forest for the Trees
It’s been a busy week at the sanctuary, but that’s not stopping us from feeling a little bit of holiday cheer. For the most part, the holidays don’t interrupt our operations. First and foremost, the chimps need the same amount of specialized care that they always do. Additionally, the ongoing construction of new chimpanzee areas…
Read MoreThe Return of the Queen
Yesterday’s big milestone came as a surprise to us all. If you have not yet read Diana’s descriptive account of the shocking event, you can do so by looking at yesterday afternoon’s blog post. For those of you who are wary of hyperlinks (or just too lazy to open up another tab in your browser),…
Read MoreThrough a Window
Windows are cool. They let us keep an eye on the residents but, more importantly, also serve to give the chimpanzees a current view of their surroundings. The chimps use them to socialize with the neighbors, survey the property, and monitor human activity. Today, I took some photos of the chimps from outside their areas.…
Read MoreJust a Couple of Wishes
What a week! Sunday was weird, Monday was better, and Tuesday and Wednesday were both busy and fun. It’s been another busy day of construction projects, produce shopping and delivery, routine cleaning and caregiving, and planning for the winter holiday season. Speaking of which, we’d love if you all took a moment to consider purchasing…
Read MoreSunday, Crummy Sunday
Sundays are usually quiet around here but today was unusually busy and a bit chaotic. We experienced some of those bright moments that we expect when working around happy and healthy chimps, but we also encountered a few unexpected hang-ups that ensured this day would not go as smoothly as we initially hoped. These days…
Read MoreBovine Thanksgiving
The sanctuary’s four rescued cattle have a pretty good life. During the colder months, the bovines live in the winter paddock. Although it’s not as expansive as their full complex of pastures, this smaller area contains everything they need to stay happy and healthy. They have 24/7 access to fresh hay, heated water, and a…
Read MoreThe Bud Box
Primates and Bovines Most of our staff were, at one point or another, either primatology students at nearby Central Washington University (CWU) or interns at the university’s Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute. People are often surprised to learn that CWU students can specialize in primate behavior at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional certificate level. It’s…
Read MoreTerroir
As I drove through the canyon on my way to the sanctuary this morning, I thought of a passage from science-fiction author Jeff VanderMeer. Natural places are no different than human cities. The old exists next to the new. Invasive species integrate with or push out native species. The landscape you see around you is…
Read MoreRiding the Waves
The chimpanzees began their morning with a raucous exchange of displays between the two neighboring groups. Screams, barks, drumming and hoots reverberated throughout the Chimp House. The neighbor effect is very real. The following breakfast services were predictably tense. On one side of the building, Jamie was irate that the poor human caregiver wouldn’t give…
Read MoreWilly B is Never Going Back Inside And We Are Going To Be Out Here Watching Him Forever
Chad and I have been taking turns sitting out by the chute this afternoon, so that’s where I’m currently stationed while I hammer out this blog post using my iPhone’s Notes app. As many of you already know; three chimpanzees currently reside in the new wing of the Chimp House: Honey B, Mave and Willy…
Read MoreThe Wonder of Progress
It’s been a crazy year, but it’s been very exciting for us to witness the steady progress on the new enclosures. We’ve shared a few updates on the blog over the past few months (1, 2, 3) so that you all can get glimpses of the expanded Chimp House and see how the chimpanzees are…
Read MoreThe Mystery of Love
Yesterday, Diana had some thoughtful musings on the sanctuary’s blog and invited you all, our followers and supporters, to ask questions. One topic that came up several times, as it has in the past, is that of chimpanzee reproductive behavior. I’d like to thank you all for giving me an excuse to write this blog…
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