Posts by Diana
The Tightrope Walkers
Jamie and Missy have somewhat different life histories, but they definitely share some things in common. Missy was born in a laboratory in 1975 and used both for hepatitis vaccine testing (and likely other types of biomedical research) and also for breeding. She had four infants, but she did not get to raise any…
Read MoreMore firsts after ten years
The featured photo (the one at the top of the page) literally brought tears to my eyes this morning. Well, not the photo itself, but seeing Negra in the grass with that very relaxed face. She has come so far in the last ten years, and has made new strides just in the last two…
Read MoreConflict
We had a question recently on YouTube wondering if the chimpanzees fight less than other groups. It made us realize that we really don’t share that part of their daily lives much. I tried to provide some answers as to why in this video, but maybe there are other reasons that are less obvious (number…
Read MoreIndependence
When the chimpanzees first had access to the two-acre Young’s Hill enclosure in 2011, it was pretty intimidating for some of them. Annie, Foxie, and Negra were among the more wary of the large space and unfamiliar surroundings. In those early days, J.B. wrote about Annie’s reluctance and Missy encouraging her and about Negra seeking…
Read MoreHOOT! Success and Negra’s Aging Backwards
Last week at this time the chimpanzees were partied out, Katelyn was watching over the sanctuary, and the rest of the staff and a ton of volunteers and supporters were having the annual fundraising party in Seattle. HOOT! 2018 brought in more funds than any previous event. The night-of fundraising was over-the-top and many people…
Read MoreMissy’s Perfectly Playful Day
Missy is having a really good day. She and Annie enjoyed some grass together first thing this morning. Later, they played chase at the very top of the new structure. For lunch, they sat next to each other eating some beets. Missy often does things for the sure joy of movement, like…
Read MoreEndearing Photos of the Day and Special Sanctuary Supporters
This post includes photos of the day along with information about this year’s HOOT! sponsors. First, in case you didn’t see this little video on Facebook, take a look and share: In reference to the video, the sanctuary continues to provide a wonderful and full life for the chimpanzees and is poised to expand only…
Read MoreWhat’s Happening on the Hill?
The chimpanzees spent their afternoon watching volunteers Andy, Ray, John, and Drew help J.B. construct a new play structure on the hill! Foxie: Missy: What do you think it’s going to look like? There seems to be a lot of math involved: Does this help? You’ll just have to wait…
Read MoreHappy Birthday, Sandra!
Alex Purins sponsored today’s day of sanctuary for Sandra to wish her a happy birthday.
Read MoreA Special Visit and Some Special Ordinary Moments
There are so many little moments in any given day that we caregivers find endearing or funny or amazing or otherwise noteworthy. Early this morning, for example, I saw Burrito sampling the grass for the first time this spring. I was overjoyed because I know what’s to come in the next couple of months –…
Read MoreHappy Birthday to Julie Poppoff!
The Poppoffs are a one of our favorite families, so we’re pretty happy to be a part of wishing Julie Poppoff a “Happy Birthday from Mom & Dad!” from Mike Poppoff and Gay Dorsey who sponsored this day of sanctuary in her honor. We go way back with the Poppoffs. as you can see in…
Read MoreTropical Party on a Rainy Day
The chimpanzees had a pretty great day today. Foxie got a new doll this morning. For lunch, they had a tropical party courtesy of their friends Oliver Mazner, Jeremy Mazner, and Karen Emmerman Mazner, who won a “Throw a Party for the Chimpanzees” auction item at last year’s HOOT! event. The chimpanzees had no…
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