Posts by Diana
Cautiously Carefree
The chimpanzees still don’t do much lounging on Young’s Hill. They spend quiet moments outside, to be sure, but it’s rare to see any of them just fully relax like they do when they’re indoors. Even when we’ve put out blankets, we haven’t seen them really nest. Perhaps because they spent decades living indoors in…
Read MoreA Subtle Hint from Jamie
Last week, you may recall that I had a difficult time choosing a subject for a blog post. Well, here’s an explanation of one of the reasons why. The enrichment theme for that day was “reading day” and Jamie took that to heart. She seemed particularly enamored with a Dwell magazine. I even saw her…
Read MoreMissy’s Rumination
When presented with an edible landscape, what is one to do? Perhaps first, a moment of reflection: And then a careful up-close contemplation: And, finally, a decision:
Read MoreA Picture Worth…
I had the hardest time decided what to do for the blog today. There were many moments worthy of sharing and even more thoughts floating around my head. I could have written a novel. Instead, I decided to let the two images below speak for themselves. What do you see? Burrito: Negra: Lord Byron’s poem…
Read MoreTwo Small Words
I’ve been writing these two small words over and over lately: Thank you. Donors to the sanctuary made our year-end fundraising soar to new and unexpected heights, and we have been quite busy sending out thank you letters and donation receipts. I love to write those words, and I love thinking about each person as…
Read MoreBoyish Charm
Burrito, the one male chimpanzee at the sanctuary, is turning 36 tomorrow! When describing Burrito, I wouldn’t be able to count how many times I have said his age and then inserted the caveat, “but he acts more like a teenager.” When he arrived to the sanctuary in 2008 at age 26, even then he…
Read MoreBlown Away
Wow, everyone! I am overwhelmed. It’s difficult to find the words to express my gratitude and amazement and joy at the outpouring of support for our very ambitious year-end fundraising campaign. Thankfully, Katelyn found some beautiful words yesterday. This lofty year-end goal started with a donor who came to us with a big offer and who…
Read MoreFleeting Moments
This morning the sanctuary was encased in a thin layer of delicate ice. Here’s Annie taking in the scenery: Each tiny twig and blade of grass seemed to have suddenly discovered an independence, briefly standing on it’s own, separated from the whole: It was clear this was going to be a very temporary state –…
Read MoreA Gift for Jamie
We know Jamie and what she likes pretty well. It’s a great feeling to see her so happy with a gift we created just for her. If you’ve been to our galas in Seattle (next year’s is June 15, 2019!), you might recognize some of the pieces that were included in her gift.
Read MoreTis the Season
One frequently asked question we’re asked, well, frequently, is how the chimpanzees cope with snow. Snow is not a part of wild chimpanzees’ environment, to be clear. However, save for maybe a few months as infants for Negra, Annie, and perhaps Jody, the seven chimpanzees here know nothing about the life and environment of wild…
Read MoreWho’s in charge here?!
If you read the recent article about the sanctuary published first in the Pacific NW Magazine of the Seattle Times, you probably noticed that my role was written about in the beginning of the piece. It was a really good article and also explained the founding of the sanctuary and the host of volunteers and…
Read MoreJody’s armfuls, a retrospective
There’s just something satisfying about watching Jody carrying her loot back to the greenhouse.
Read More