Chimpanzee Paparazzi

The next time a stranger asks me what I do, I think I will answer that I’m part of a paparazzi team for some high-profile niche celebrities, focusing on positive images and stories. The camera was clicking away when I was taking these photos of Queen Negra today: Co-paparazzi J.B. captured this image of the…

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strolling through the years

I had so many thoughts going through my head when I was taking the walk in the video above. I believe that the true beauty in this world is in these small, transitory moments and recognizing how quickly time passes. I feel it with the seasons too. I see the leaves changing, their colors taking…

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Queen of Brussels (Sprouts)

Please enjoy these photos of Queen Negra obtaining Brussels Sprouts on a gorgeous fall day. She got in some calisthenics during the forage. Bonus: Jamie and red peppers in the tall grass

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engineering challenges that create fun perspectives

Designing chimpanzee buildings is not an easy task. There are so many functional needs to take into consideration, not to mention having to make everything virtually indestructible as well as fun for smart and strong chimpanzees. For our most recent construction, in order to connect the two new greenhouses to one another so that chimpanzees…

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Deep Breaths

It’s been a stressful week. Intros are tough! They can be exhilarating and heartwarming, but there’s a whole lot of anxiety that permeates almost every moment for the staff. Our colleague Jen Feuerstein left last evening, with some suggested next steps for us. When the staff is all back together, we will regroup and make…

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The Storm Before the Calm

Last night I heard a new take on a familiar phrase while watching PBS NewsHour. Jonathan Capeheart, while referring to something political, said the phrase, in a very deliberate way, “The storm before the calm.” I often get phrases or little bits of lyrics in my head that repeat without me even realizing it, and…

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HOOT! is tonight!

Here we are, skipping another in-person event due to the pandemic. In-person events are a lot of work, but there’s an unmistakable energy that happens when you get a group of people together in one space with a common mission and a drive to give. The crucial funds raised are of course the main focus,…

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Three Exciting Things!

1) HOOT! online bidding opened today. More items will be added throughout the week before the event, which will stream live one week from today, Saturday, September 18th at 6:00pm PT on Facebook and YouTube. Learn more and see the current auction items available for bidding now on the HOOT! auction site. 2) The Lucky…

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On to the Next Challenge

This post is both about the great staff at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and about the chimpanzees who they care for; the chimpanzees who lead the way towards embracing challenges and demonstrating resiliency. I’ve been incredibly impressed with our staff during the last few of years of challenges and uncertainty. We’ve done some hard things and…

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Burrito is the light in all of our lives

You’ve probably seen a video just like this in the past if you’ve been following the blog for a bit, but playing with Burrito never gets old. Head nod along as you watch the video above!   Bonus photo of Mave:  

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Play During Intros

The video says it all. It was a relief to see Honey B with Rayne and Lucky today and with Dora yesterday. She was different with each one of them, and of course it wasn’t non-stop play, but the play was definitely the highlight!

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Nothing’s Wrong

Burrito was trying to convince us in earnest today that we was completely fine and ready to get back into the mix of things, despite his very recent ordeal. Dr. Erin gave the okay for him to spend some quiet time with Jody, who was eager to check out his recovery digs and see if…

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