Posts by Elizabeth
On Duty
Boss Jamie has a long list of (mostly) self-imposed duties, including (but not limited to) monitoring the whereabouts and activity of all living beings on her domain. No matter where she is, she always knows where you are. She’s also responsible for ensuring strict compliance with all rules and protocols. She oversees all volunteer training.…
Read MoreRelax!
A year ago yesterday we posted this video of Jamie exploring a sandbox. Jamie takes her job as boss very seriously, and she doesn’t often sit back and kick her feet up, so to speak. But something about sifting through the sand seemed to captivate and relax her. And watching this video captivates and relaxes…
Read MoreAdventure Interrupted
Jamie may be the leader of the Cle Elum Seven, but Jody is the den mother. She always looks out for the other chimps – making sure they’re safe and accounted for – and sometimes this means “collecting” them if they venture too far outside. This morning Negra seemed in the mood for a little…
Read MoreBreakfast with Negra
Negra knows how to make a good thing last.
Read MoreLunch
We continue to be amazed by this spring-like winter we’re having in Cle Elum. Today’s sun has made the greenhouse nice and toasty for the chimpanzees. Volunteer caregiver Jake found the chimps in a grooming huddle up on the platform when he brought lunch out this afternoon, but they were happy to take a break…
Read MoreThe Queen Needs Her Rest
We give the chimpanzees 70 clean blankets each day. I wouldn’t be surprised if Negra claims over half of those for herself. One of the perks of being the Queen…
Read MoreWhatever the Boss Says
Volunteer caregiver Becca swung by the sanctuary today to drop off some produce for the chimpanzees. It was supposed to be a quick visit but as soon as Jamie spotted her, she recruited her for a couple of runs (runs!) around Young’s Hill. After the perimeter runs, a grooming session in the greenhouse was in…
Read MorePositive Reinforcement Training progress
We’re still plugging away at our Positive Reinforcement Training program and the chimps continue to make strides everyday.
Read MoreFashion Show
Jamie loves to watch her caregivers model boots for her. Sometimes this process lasts ten or fifteen minutes. Jamie is by no means a passive audience – she lets us know which boot she wants us to put on which foot, and she makes sure we keep the fashion show moving at a steady clip.
Read MoreJungle Day
In celebration of today’s winter solstice, we threw a jungle party for the chimpanzees. Why? Because we can! After the food, the highlight of the party was the giant stuffed animals collected and sent to us by some good friends of the chimps. Stuffed animals this large are a rarity around here – most of…
Read MoreLiving It Up
Some might say that it’s undignified for those in their golden years to be so silly, but the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees don’t think so. (And neither do we.)
Read MoreBuilding Trust
Out of all the humans who work and volunteer at the sanctuary, only a handful have any sort of physical contact with the chimpanzees. Those who do must go through months of safety training first. Chimpanzees are incredibly strong and unpredictable, so we take these safety rules very seriously. Even the chimps’ wonderful local vet,…
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