Posts by Elizabeth
Play Initiation 101
When you’re the most playful guy around, you quickly perfect your play initiation strategies.
Read MoreHappy 40th to Foxie!
Foxie is the youngest 40 year old I’ve ever known. In chimp years, she’s an old lady. But this old lady is a backflipping, pirouetting, chasing, wrestling whirlwind. She is happy and silly and loving and kind. On the chimps’ birthdays, we do our best to make their days as joyous as possible, and Foxie’s…
Read MoreSnapshots
It’s been a warm, sleepy, happy day at the sanctuary. Here are my favorite snapshots from today. Negra waking up in the greenhouse this morning: Boss Jamie with a rare playface: BFFs Annie and Missy grooming: Burrito in a quiet moment: Foxie and Dora: Jody enjoying some wild plants she harvested from Young’s Hill:
Read MoreStarting the Day Off Right
Fruit smoothie is a perpetual highlight of the chimpanzees’ day.
Read MoreBurrito and Becca play
One of Burrito’s favorite activities in the world is playing with his caregivers. Sometimes you can’t even walk by him without him stomping his foot and inviting you to play. This afternoon I caught him and volunteer caregiver Becca in a silly game.
Read MoreFoxie Gets a New Doll
The Loners
The Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees had lived together in the lab for a few years before they came to the sanctuary, so they were already an established group when we met them. Like any family, theirs contained a range of personalities. Some were dominant and some were submissive, some were serious and some were fun-loving,…
Read MoreEating
There’s something about watching chimpanzees eat that immediately brightens my mood. Here are a few short clips from today’s lunch.
Read MoreJoy in the Afternoon
If you’re having a bad day, this video will help. If you’re having a good day, it’s about to get even better.
Read MoreSnuggling in the Forecast
You wouldn’t know it’s July by the weather in Cle Elum today. It’s cool and overcast, and we’ve had some intermittent light rain. For the chimpanzees, this is a perfect excuse to snuggle up with some soft blankets. Annie: Jody: Burrito:
Read MoreHappy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July from the Cle Elum Seven!
Read MoreNothing Much Going On
If you follow our blog regularly, you might get the impression that the chimpanzees are always up to something. And they do spend a lot of time playing, eating, grooming, and exploring. But they also enjoy downtime.
Read More