Lunch

By Elizabeth | June 8, 2017 |

Considering one human is responsible for keeping seven hungry chimps happy at meals, most of them go remarkably smoothly.

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The Den Mother

By Elizabeth | June 1, 2017 |

For as long as we’ve known Jody, she’s been incredibly confident and independent. Her happy place is lying alone in a big nest of soft blankets. But somewhere along the way, she has become very invested in taking care of her chimp family. She works hard to make sure the group stays together. This spring,…

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Cooling Off

By Elizabeth | May 25, 2017 |

Volunteer caregiver Becca brought out the mister today, and it was a hit (though Jody wasn’t sure at first).

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Fine Dining

By Elizabeth | May 18, 2017 |

There’s nothing quite like savoring a raw onion on a spring afternoon with the birds chirping in the background.

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Trying Something New

By Elizabeth | May 11, 2017 |

Almost six years after Young’s Hill opened, there are still parts of the two-acre outdoor habitat that Negra hasn’t explored. She seems to feel safer and more comfortable with a roof over her head. When she does go outside, she tends to stick close to the building in case she gets spooked and needs to…

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Here Comes the Sun

By Elizabeth | May 4, 2017 |

The last two days have seen the first genuinely warm weather we’ve had in Cle Elum after a long winter. All of the windows and doors of the chimp house are thrown open, allowing a gentle, warm cross breeze to waft through the building. I think Jody’s dreamy expression speaks for all of us.

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The View From the Bottom

By Elizabeth | April 27, 2017 |

In chimpanzees, personality and dominance often go hand in hand. The alphas aren’t always the biggest and strongest individuals; they’re often in charge because they want to be in charge. (Despite some of the benefits conferred, not everyone is interested in running for president.) At CSNW, Annie is the lowest in the hierarchy. She also…

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