Posts by J.B.
Playing the Days Away
Despite the increased workload due to our self-imposed quarantine restrictions, the sanctuary has been a kind of oasis lately. If you have to ride out a pandemic, you could do worse than to be stuck with these goofballs.
Read MoreLife in the Time of Coronavirus
Many of you are likely wondering about the risk of the COVID-19 coronavirus to the chimps. This is something we are taking seriously, given our proximity to the known areas of community transmission in and around Seattle. While we don’t know precisely how this virus would affect a chimpanzee, we are determined not to find…
Read MoreCleaning Up
Honey B, like many other sanctuary chimpanzees, enjoys cleaning. Last week, we did a “deep clean” of one of her indoor enclosures and spent time scrubbing the track to the door that leads to the upstairs play area. Honey B watched us intently and later decided that the door track needed just a bit more…
Read MoreFall in Love with Mave
Today, we present the Fall in Love with Mave video (link above)! As you know by now, becoming a Pal to one the of the chimpanzees or bovines at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is one of the best ways to support their ongoing care. In the spirit of the day, we hope there are a few people out…
Read MoreFlying Foxie and other assorted tales
The Seven got off to an early start on Young’s Hill this morning, taking advantage of a short break in the near-constant rain we’ve been having this winter. Jamie took some of her breakfast to go, perhaps leading Missy to regret not saving any of her own. Negra and Foxie waited for their neighbors to…
Read MoreUntil Tomorrow
Today was unseasonably warm. The girls took off shortly after breakfast for the first of many patrols. Burrito, on the other hand, cursed the mild weather and set out to eat every last patch of snow before it was too late. Recently, the Washington State Department of Transportation released an image from their camera on…
Read MoreCooperative Feeding
Willy B is a thief. Bear in mind, it’s a very minor blemish on his otherwise flawless character. And he’s certainly not the first chimpanzee in history to steal. But it is a problem. At each meal, Willy B takes what is his and then helps himself to everyone else’s. You can get away with…
Read MoreEndless Fun
Willy B never seems to tire of playing with his slinky.
Read MoreA welcome distraction
I’m happy to report that our patient is doing very well. He’s taking his meds without too much cajoling, leaving his bandage on, and even playing with his caregivers. This last procedure doesn’t seem to have phased him much at all. It may even feel like a relief. Typically, chimps in recovery require lots of…
Read MoreLaughter is the (second) best medicine
Over the last few days, we have been arranging play dates for Burrito. He still has a stubborn, slow-healing injury on his toe that needs to resolve before he can rejoin the rowdy gang of girls (who are in the midst of a thunderous group display directed at their three neighbors as a write this).…
Read MoreGrape Thief
The girls have been so sweet towards Burrito during his recovery. You know things are returning to normal when they stop doting on him and start trying to take advantage of him.
Read MoreMidnight bagels
Whenever a chimp is in the clinic for a procedure, I can’t wait for it to be over so we can put them back into the recovery room. But as soon as we get them in the recovery room, I almost wish they were back in the clinic. That’s because in the clinic, we have…
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