Posts by Diana
Unexpected Gift
Do you know the word lagniappe? It’s an American French (think Louisiana) word. From my perusal of dictionary definitions it refers to a bonus “something” given to a customer when they are making a purchase. It’s now used in broader terms and refers to any unexpected bonus that comes with something else. I’m glad I…
Read MoreToday is for Jill White
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Jill White by Thyra Rutter. Here’s what Thyra shared about her friend: I can’t think of a better way to honor one of my most beloved mentors, Jill White than by sponsoring a day of joy for the chimps at CSNW! Jill was one of the…
Read MoreSense of Humor in Chimpanzees
Someone recently donated two cardboard forts for the chimpanzees. Mave and Willy B had a really good time playing in and destroying theirs yesterday, while the group of seven left theirs intact to see another day. It’s hard to tell in the photo below, but these are big forts – big enough for a chimpanzee…
Read MoreValentine’s Thank You Video
Enjoy your day tomorrow! As the video above expresses, everyone here is incredibly grateful and honored that you choose to spend your time on this blog and thinking about the chimpanzees and bovines at the sanctuary. I received an unexpected call today about a Valentine’s Day gift that I will be sharing tomorrow to e-news…
Read MoreVideo Clips of the Day
I didn’t have anything that I felt could be a stand-alone video, so I decided to throw together a bunch of clips taken as we were going about the day today (ok, one was from yesterday). I hope you enjoy it!
Read MoreIce Escapades
Today was another unseasonably warm January day! The morning frost shrank away in the face of the formidable sun, and the chimpanzees went exploring. Missy was all over the hill – running, climbing, frolicking, and looking for icy treats. There are a few hanging tires on the hill that Missy knows harbor special gifts. In…
Read Moreout of the shadow
In the past, we’ve described Burrito as being tentative and unsure about things. It took a while for him to join Jamie on her perimeter walks of Young’s Hill. In July of 2013, about ten months after the 2-acre enclosure was complete, J.B. writes that Missy, Annie, and Jody were often seen taking part in…
Read MoreWeird and Routine
Since Anna included it in her Top 10 Sanctuary Videos of 2020, you may have been reminded recently of the video of J.B. and I in the gator racing Jamie at sunset. Thanks to J.B.’s transcription, you know I said, “This is the weirdest job.” That’s true, in many ways. The weird, however, has a…
Read MoreTop Caregiver Posts of 2020
Being a caregiver for captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary is not always easy. It can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Burn out and compassion fatigue are not unusual. As someone who has worked at varying levels within sanctuaries, I know the difficulties as well as the many perks. I’m so grateful for those who choose…
Read MoreHappy Birthday to Margaret!
Today we have another sponsor-a-day in honor of the one and only Margaret, also known as artist Margaret H. Parkinson, creator of many amazing paintings, including the now iconic Negra in the Sun. This painting has been recreated on stickers, wine bottle labels, and canvas prints for supporters, and also has inspired other artists like…
Read MoreChristmas Party Bonus Photos
We took hundreds of photos during the various parties yesterday, no exaggeration. I combed through them today and selected a few I just had share. Burrito unwrapped one of the many gifts and decided to wear the raffia ribbon for a while. Then he donned a new leopard print scarf The tree in the greenhouse…
Read Morewhat to my wondering eyes should appear
I don’t want to bury the lead here – something newsworthy and heartwarming happened today, but I do feel that it requires a little bit of set-up… The morning greeted us with calm and fair weather after a very windy night, so J.B. decided we should take advantage of the unseasonable warmth and throw a…
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