Posts by J.B.
Going gray
People often mistake the white hair around a chimpanzee’s mouth and chin for a sign of old age. This “beard”, however, is part of a chimpanzee’s normal coloration and is generally present at birth. But many chimpanzees do go gray as they get older. Over the last ten years, we’ve watched Foxie’s patches of gray…
Read MoreSnake Hunters
Everyone has a role to play when a snake is discovered on the hill. Watch this video to see how the gang dealt with today’s intruder. Featuring: Annie as THE SPOTTER Jamie and Foxie as THE HUNTERS Burrito and Missy as EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Jody as JUST OUT FOR A SNACK Negra as SLEPT THROUGH THE…
Read MoreBreaking Ground
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest’s Bring Them Home expansion project officially got underway this morning. A few years ago, we launched a campaign to expand our chimpanzee facility so that we could take in more chimpanzees in need. We knew it would be an ambitious project for an organization our size; what we didn’t expect, however, was all…
Read MoreSnake Patrol
As you may have read on the blog, the chimps recently encountered a snake in one of the bamboo groves. The snake was clearly still on their minds on they ventured out onto the hill this morning. They had all night to think about how scary it was and to dwell on the fact that…
Read MoreRock Solid
Foxie is funny when it comes to climbing structures. While the other chimps enjoy shaky bridges, rope nets, and fire hose hammocks, Foxie tries her best not to set foot on anything that isn’t completely solid and firmly attached. One time I watched her rescue a troll doll that was laying in a fire hose…
Read MoreWake up, Negra, it’s Animal Sanctuary Caregiver Day!
Negra simply wasn’t ready for this day to start. After a brief hello, she started drifting back to dreamland. She tried her best to get out of bed, but it was just too comfortable. What’s the point of getting up, anyway? It would be at least another ten minutes before breakfast would be ready. Ten…
Read MoreStill young at heart
It’s easy to tell when Missy intends to engage her best friend Annie in a sudden game or wrestle & chase. It’s not quite a smile on her face. It’s more like, “hold my drink…” This morning, she chased Annie up and down and all around the play structure. They play-punched and play-kicked while they…
Read MoreKeeping up with Jamie
Join grad student interns Carly and Grace as they take a break from cleaning and preparing meals to walk and run around Young’s Hill with Jamie. I was very excited to get to use our new gimbal (a fancy handle that steadies your videos – especially when running) that a wonderful supporter purchased from our…
Read MoreThe Joys of Spring
Long, lazy walks around Young’s Hill. Endless amounts of fresh, sweet grass and dandelions. Drifting off to sleep to a chorus of songbirds.
Read MoreThe Phoenix
Diana and I recently had the pleasure of reading Phoenix Zones, a new book by a good friend of the sanctuary, Dr. Hope Ferdowsian. In it, Hope shares the lessons she’s learned about building strength and resilience throughout the course of her incredible career as a human rights physician and animal advocate. The book is…
Read MoreA playful way to start the day
As I arrived this morning, I found Negra and Burrito grooming on a bench in one of the Front Rooms. This is a popular morning spot since it has a view of both the driveway and the kitchen. Despite how this looks, Burrito is not in fact a vampire. He is actually more of a…
Read MoreMorning on the Hill
The volunteers set out a forage on the hill this morning. After an initial course of smoothie, vitamins, and peanuts, the chimps went outside to search for pieces of orange, plum, grapefruit, and banana as well as some primate chow. Jamie (below and at the top of the post): Negra: Burrito, confronting the dilemma faced…
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