Posts by Diana
Favorite staff photos
J.B. and I played a bit of a trick on Elizabeth, Debbie, Katelyn, and Keri recently. I asked each of them to send me their favorite photos that they had taken, with the reasoning that I wanted to do an end-of-year “staff photo picks” blog post. Our real intention was to get them a Christmas…
Read MoreMissy in winter light
Today, the day after Christmas, was absolutely gorgeous! Clear skies and very little wind, which meant the chimpanzees got to spend some quality time on the hill. And a gorgeous day makes for beautiful photos of the chimpanzees. Before taking a look at the photos below, be sure you’ve watched the video from yesterday’s holiday…
Read MoreAre Chimpanzees Picky Eaters?
People are often curious what foods the chimps like. The Cle Elum Seven as a group are not very picky – not nearly as picky as other chimpanzees I’ve known. The bulk of the food we provide for the chimps is raw (or sometimes baked or otherwise cooked) fresh produce, and almost everyone eats almost…
Read MoreThis video of Annie and Missy grooming will make your day better
Though not rare, I still love watching these quiet and loving moments between Annie and Missy. If you are having a bad or stressful day, this video will make it better:
Read MoreSnuggling up with blankets: A retrospective
This post may reflect what I would like to be doing on this cold and damp day… In any case, below are some photos – some oldish and some newish – of the chimpanzees getting snuggly with blankets. We give out at least 60 blankets a day. Sixty is a somewhat arbitrary number, but it’s…
Read MoreVideo and Image to Share for #GivingTuesday
If you read this blog, you hopefully also get our e-newsletter, so this video may have landed in your inbox early this morning. #GivingTuesday is the big kick-off to holiday giving for nonprofits, so we wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out! Please share the video now with your friends via email, Facebook, Twitter,…
Read MoreJamie’s Winter Distraction
This morning, as usual and despite the cold temps, Jamie was eager to take a walk. I got a boot and proceeded to walk up the hill to meet her (me on the other side of the fence, of course). At first I couldn’t find her, then I spotted her on one of the climbing…
Read MoreOn the 5th Day of Thanks
This thanking business is so much fun! Today we are sending loud, boisterous chimpanzee-style pant hoot thanks to all of the foundations and organizations who have supported the sanctuary with grants. The sanctuary does not receive any government support. While the majority of cash donations to the sanctuary come from individuals, we have also been…
Read MoreOn The 2nd Day of Thanks
Yesterday, J.B. introduced you to our Seven Days of Thanks by posting about the dedicated, full-of-heart staff caregivers that give so much every day to the chimpanzees. Today, I would like to shout from the highest mountain a thank you to the founder of the sanctuary, Keith LaChappelle, all past board members, and our current…
Read MoreChimpanzee Pretzel Play
We have said it before – and I’ll say it again now – no one, whether human or chimpanzee, can bring out the goofiness in Jamie like Foxie can. This video is a must-see if you need a little boost to your day. And here’s that chimpanzee pretzel photo:
Read MoreProfessional Photographers in the Making
Back in August, I posted some photos taken by winners of the photography experience at the sanctuary that was a popular item at our HOOT! gala. So popular, that we gave it away twice to the top two bidders. A few weeks ago, the second pair of bidders came to have their experience. I’m very…
Read MoreSo Like Themselves
This morning I was contemplating how we as humans view chimpanzees and how my own views of chimpanzees have changed after getting to know many different personalities. And then I got to the computer and saw these photos that J.B. had taken this morning while strolling with Jamie and Missy. I know most of you…
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