Posts by Elizabeth
A Walk in the Snow
The chimpanzees have been making the most of the paths we made through the snow this weekend. As soon as the door to Young’s Hill was opened this morning, Foxie, Annie, Missy, and Jody set out to explore.
Read MoreIcicles
The chimpanzees continue to enjoy the spoils of winter.
Read MoreA Dietary Staple
There’s one item that’s part of any self-respecting Pacific Northwest chimpanzee’s diet.
Read MoreMorning Exercise
When Anna opened the door to Young’s Hill this morning, the chimpanzees couldn’t get out there fast enough. It’s a crisp, sunny morning – the perfect weather for exploring outside with your friends. Foxie, Annie (kissing Foxie’s hand), and Missy: Negra, who usually prefers the warmth of her nest, got out and found a little…
Read MoreBehind the Scenes
Morning is the busiest time at the sanctuary. Here’s a photo tour of the first few hours of the day today. Coming up the driveway to the sanctuary, you can see (L-R) the trailer that houses our mobile medical clinic (which will soon be replaced with a stationary medical clinic in the new expansion), the…
Read MoreSnowy day activities
It’s a beautiful, snowy day in Cle Elum, and the chimpanzees are cozying up in the warm playroom. I caught Jamie in the middle of making a nest (and doing some repair work on a wagon) in one of her favorite nesting spots.
Read MoreHome
Every chimpanzee deserves a territory – a home space worth defending. One measure of welfare in a captive chimpanzee is whether they demonstrate territorial behavior. If they take ownership over their home, that’s a sign that they consider it home. Here at the sanctuary, boss Jamie does the work of defending her family’s home. Every…
Read MoreThe Many Uses of Snow
Jamie’s been in a bit of a mood today. She spent much of the morning pelting unsuspecting humans with snow. Eventually, though, she happily settled down in a huge wrapping paper nest and decided she’d rather eat snow than throw it (much to the humans’ relief).
Read MoreWorking for it
The Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees are usually cooperative. But sometimes they make us earn it.
Read MoreCasual Dining
This short video has it all: Missy and Burrito contentedly enjoying their lunch, lots of satisfying crunching sounds, and Missy peeling her carrot with her teeth like it’s no big deal.
Read MoreThen and Now
Negra in the lab: Negra today: Sanctuary has given Negra peace, safety, and dignity. She now knows the sensation of the sun on her back, of curling up with a mountain of warm blankets, and of being loved. There are currently hundreds of pre-sanctuary Negras who have no idea that there’s another kind of life.…
Read MoreAll You Can Eat
Chimpanzees love to forage. There’s something very exciting about knowing that a bunch of delicious food is scattered across a wide open space and that you are welcome to as much of it as you can hold. It’s like a treasure hunt with a tasty reward. This afternoon we took advantage of the sun and…
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