Posts by Elizabeth
Jamie the Warrior
It’s turning into the Weekend of Jamie on the blog, but we all just continue to be so amazed by how she handled (and even participated in!) her medical procedure on Friday. She’s back with the group now, resuming her Young’s Hill walking schedule, and doing great. Her strength and resilience will always be an…
Read MoreAnnie at rest
This is what peace looks like:
Read MoreTug of War With Burrito
Burrito is a guy who isn’t afraid to get a little silly. This afternoon he talked caregiver Whitney into a long game of tug of war.
Read MoreA Quiet Life
All Negra wants is a quiet life. Some people live for drama and excitement, but Negra’s not interested in any of that nonsense. She stays out of group conflicts, she keeps to herself, and she surrounds herself with comfort and warmth.
Read MoreIn Need of Nothing
Jamie is a restless soul. She’s rarely at ease. That isn’t to say she isn’t happy; she just requires near constant attention and enrichment. We could probably use an entire extra caregiving staff just to fulfill Jamie’s complex social needs. But once in awhile the stars align and we find Jamie in a moment of…
Read MoreDowntime
Burrito is a man of action. Most of his days are spent playing chase or tug of war with caregivers, displaying, or bouncing up and down in anticipation of his next meal. But once in a while you just have to sit quietly and bite on stuff.
Read MoreIt takes a village…
The Cle Elum Seven are lucky to have an army of humans at their disposal who all contribute directly to their well-being. Chimp house volunteers make sure the chimps always have good, healthy food, interesting enrichment, plenty of blankets, and a clean and safe place to live. A few dedicated volunteers are chosen to continue…
Read MoreTo Annie on Her 41st Birthday
Dear Annie, You haven’t always had it easy. Your first thirty years on Earth were full of fear, pain, and boredom. A lab cage is no place for anyone. Even now in your sanctuary home, you have your struggles. Being the lowest in the hierarchy isn’t easy. But we have watched your anxiety diminish and…
Read MorePortraits
After a summer full of heatwaves in Cle Elum, we’re greeting this week’s cooler temperatures (and even rain!) with open arms. Today the chimpanzees have been making the most of the break from the heat and spending lots of time outside on Young’s Hill. While adventure is great, it’s important to mix in some quiet…
Read MoreFarm to Table
Lunchtime at the sanctuary might be the most peaceful time of day. The chimpanzees have settled down from the morning excitement, and are usually grooming one another or playing quietly when we bring out the lunch tray. This afternoon’s lunch included some cucumbers and tomatoes straight from the sanctuary’s vegetable garden, lovingly maintained by volunteer…
Read MoreHappy Birthday, Missy!
It’s hard to believe that youthful, exuberant, energizer-bunny Missy is turning 40 today. She might be in the running for World’s Most Sprightly 40 Year Old Chimpanzee. Missy makes us smile everyday with her enthusiasm for life, her legs that never stop running, and her complete devotion to her chimp family. Today, we celebrate her.…
Read MoreYou Can’t Please Everyone
Our caregivers make a valiant effort to juggle all of the chimpanzees’ needs, personalities, and moods. Some days it goes better than others.
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