Posts by Elizabeth
Here’s Looking at You
I was taking a few close-up photos of Burrito enjoying his chow bag after lunch today, and he realized that he could see his reflection in the camera lens. He seemed pleased with what he saw.
Read MoreYou Win Some, You Lose Some
Jamie lost a fight this morning. (Don’t worry – only her pride was injured.) Volunteer caregiver Denice and I were cleaning the playroom when shrill screaming broke out in the front rooms. I didn’t see what started the fight, but once I got to a place where I could observe, I could tell that some…
Read MorePlaying with Caregivers
Our preference is always that the chimpanzees turn to each other when they’re looking for company, but we’re always here for them in case they want some human time.
Read MoreThe Power to Captivate
I’ve been working closely with chimpanzees for over a decade now, and sometimes I forget how unusual my job is. Just like anything you do day in and day out, being a chimpanzee caregiver starts to feel routine after awhile. Not boring – never boring! – but routine. It’s such a strange and amazing little…
Read MoreA Day of Meals
One of the things that brings the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees the most joy is food. In order to keep the chimps as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible, we focus on nutrition and variety (and taste, of course!). Here’s what the chimps ate today. Breakfast: Breakfast is usually the most…
Read MoreJamie the Fighter
I spend more time with the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees than I do with most people in my life. I know them as the curious, playful, independent, opinionated individuals that sanctuary has allowed them to become. I did not know Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, and Negra in their former lives as lab subjects,…
Read MoreAn afternoon on the hill
Today after lunch I stepped outside to see what the chimpanzees were up to. I found Annie all alone on Young’s Hill, having a quiet moment. Considering Annie is the lowest chimp in the hierarchy, she’s looking awfully confident these days. A while later, boss Jamie (right) came outside and Annie offered her a submissive…
Read MoreFoxie and the bandana
This morning Foxie demonstrated how to have fun with a bandana in 11 easy steps:
Read MoreZzzzzzzz
I caught Annie drifting off to sleep in the playroom this afternoon. These photos sure make a nap seem appealing.
Read MoreWhat’s a little face-kicking between friends?
Annie and Missy almost didn’t go outside for lunch this afternoon because they were having too much fun kicking each other in the face and biting each other’s feet.
Read MoreJamie After Hours
Jamie has been making the staff earn their keep this summer and fall. After the other chimpanzees have made their nests and settled down for the night, and just when it’s normally time for the caregivers to go home, Jamie decides she would like some more time outside. She takes walk after walk after walk…
Read MoreSmall Pleasures
I think one of the pleasures of sanctuary that brings Jody the most joy is being able to harvest her own plants from Young’s Hill.
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