Posts by Elizabeth
Lazy Burrito
Mornings in the chimp house are a flurry of activity. Staff and volunteers clean the chimpanzee enclosures from about 9:00 when we arrive until lunchtime at 1:00. It’s usually not until after the chimpanzees are served lunch that we have a moment to sit down. Except for the coldest part of winter, the chimps typically…
Read More4th Annual Love a Chimpanzee Day
Supporter Monica Best has taken sponsoring a day of sanctuary to a whole new level. Four years ago she declared April 23 Love a Chimpanzee Day and has sponsored the day every year since then. (Today also happens to be Monica’s birthday!) Love a Chimpanzee Day 2013 began with a breakfast of pears, strawberries, lemons,…
Read MoreMissy
I don’t think a day has gone by since I started working at CSNW in 2008 that I haven’t found myself completely charmed by Missy. She is full of contradictions – small but mighty, serious and goofy, independent and socially adept. Physically, she is petite and a little stocky with not much in the way…
Read MoreDigging
After lunch this afternoon, Debbie and I hung out for awhile in the greenhouse with the chimpanzees. Jamie seemed restless. She went into the building for a moment and returned to the greenhouse with a hand shovel and proceeded to dig. Annie, who is always a big fan of digging, couldn’t resist joining her.
Read MoreFoxie and Dora
It’s very rare to see Foxie without at least one doll keeping her company. In fact, when new volunteers are first learning to tell the chimpanzees apart, they can always tell Foxie by the troll doll or Dora the Explorer she’s carrying. She carried this Dora doll in her mouth for much of the afternoon.
Read MoreCommunication
We often refer to one of the chimpanzees “asking” us for something – Jamie frequently asks us for a cowgirl boot, Foxie for a troll doll, etc. Luckily for us, the absence of speech does not always impede communication. The chimps have a wide array of behaviors they use to get our attention: foot stomps,…
Read MoreBreakfast al fresco
We posted this morning that supporter Vicky Miller sponsored today for the chimpanzees. To celebrate Vicky’s day, and to take advantage of today’s beautiful sunny weather, we set up a breakfast forage in the greenhouse. Meals at CSNW are served in one of two ways: a caregiver can serve food to one chimp at a…
Read MoreIn Memory of Richard Miller and Dakota
Vicky Miller sponsored today “in memory of my dad and sweet dog who died this day in 1999. Forever in my heart.” Thanks, Vicky, for thinking of the chimpanzees while honoring your loved ones.
Read MoreIn Memory of Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty
Joan O’Flaherty has sponsored today in memory of her parents, Ned and Noreen. Ned and Noreen were two years apart in age, but they were both born on March 1. They had a great love for animals, conservation, and the environment, and Joan thinks they would have been big fans of CSNW and the Cle Elum…
Read MoreHappy Birthday, Kim Rogers!
Kim Rogers has sponsored today in celebration of her 50th birthday, and she wants “to recognize it by wishing a good, long, healthy life to [the] chimps.” The Cle Elum Seven stay healthy by enjoying lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Jody adores Brussels sprouts: Such a sweet and thoughtful way to celebrate your…
Read MoreFor Bill Schwartz
Today is Bill’s birthday, and Tina Shih has sponsored the day in his honor. Tina says that Bill has been a great friend for over 25 years. Here’s to lasting friendships (and to birthdays)! Thanks to Tina for thinking of the chimps, and happy birthday, Bill!
Read MoreHappy Birthday, Pam!
Joanne Pierce sponsored today for her friend Pam Dauphin’s birthday. Joanne says that Pam loves chimpanzees. We’re with you, Pam. Happy day to both Pam and Joanne!
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