Posts by Elizabeth
Foxie
There is something endearingly childlike about Foxie. She is sweet (and sassy) and playful and full of joy. She sometimes stares deeply into her caregivers’ eyes, seemingly mesmerized. She loves her chimp family and wants everyone to get along.
Read MoreBurrito enjoys his lunch
One of the unfortunate aftereffects of the anesthetic drugs Burrito received for his exam last Friday is that his stomach has been a little upset. For a guy who normally loves food above all else, this is the ultimate cruelty. Luckily for Burrito, and for all of us who love to watch him love his…
Read MoreIn Memory of Bryan Riner
Today is sponsored for the chimpanzees in memory of Bryan Riner by his wife Judy and son Dax. Judy says: This day of sanctuary is in memory of my husband Bryan Riner. Bryan died on Thanksgiving Day 2014; today would have been his 76th birthday. Over the last two years of his life, he became…
Read MoreBurrito
Lunch with the chimpanzees
Most meals at the sanctuary go remarkably smoothly considering we have seven hungry and eager chimpanzees to serve at once. Occasionally, someone swipes someone else’s food or a scuffle breaks out, but more often than not, peace reigns. That’s not to say that all the chimps always wait patiently, though. In this video, you’ll see…
Read MoreBurrito and Becca
Burrito can’t get enough of playing with his human friends. This afternoon he kept volunteer caregiver Becca busy.
Read MoreImportant Rituals
Jamie has trained her caregivers well. She has created an entire routine centered on her many-times-a-day perimeter walks around Young’s Hill, and her human friends are required to participate in this routine fully. (For a video of the entire process from start to finish, see this post.) After a perimeter walk, she usually meets her…
Read MoreToday is for Shaun Brinsfield
Tracy and Bruce sponsored today for the chimpanzees in honor of their friend Shaun Brinsfield, who introduced them to the chimps and the sanctuary years ago. Shaun, we can’t thank you enough for spreading the word about the Cle Elum Seven – you never know who’s going to connect with these amazing individuals and change…
Read MoreNight bags
Chimpanzees can be loud. When they’re calm, they’re silent, but as soon as there’s any excitement in the group, you’ll hear a chorus of pant hoots or food grunts or screams. Nothing says excitement at the sanctuary like meal time. In addition to the usual food grunts and food squeaks, you might hear attention-getting sounds…
Read MorePlaying with Dolls
Troll dolls play many roles in Foxie’s life. They are a source of companionship, comfort, and not least, fun.
Read MoreJamie’s Paper Throne
One surefire way to enrich a chimpanzee is to give her several rolls of paper.
Read MoreNew Adventures for Negra
The Negra we know so well is happiest when snuggled up with a pile of blankets. She likes warmth and comfort and predictability, and avoids unnecessary exertion. You would not call her adventurous. She usually looks like this: But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees, it’s this: Never assume…
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