Posts by J.B.
The gift of knowing Foxie
I’ve met very few people in my life capable of spreading joy as infectiously as Foxie. Even the act of saying her name coaxes your mouth into a tiny smile. That so much happiness can come from a life rooted in so much tragedy is nothing short of a miracle. Save
Read MoreHow to get away with anything
Burrito has seen a lot in his 34 years – he was born in a laboratory, raised as a pet, shipped off to a circus, and then put back into Hepatitis vaccine research for two decades. But perhaps his biggest challenge came when he was finally able to join a social group. Chimpanzees who were…
Read MoreAnimal Sanctuary Caregiver Day
Caregivers are the heart and soul of every animal sanctuary. To recognize their vital contribution to the well being of thousands of rescued animals around the world, the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance has teamed up with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to create a day in their honor. Today, we are proud to…
Read MoreKeeping Busy
Jamie spent over twenty years in barren laboratory cages with nothing to do. These days, she is almost never idle…when she’s not playing with her chimpanzee friends or patrolling her two-acre enclosure, she invents projects for herself with the dozens of enrichment items set out for her each day.
Read MoreThank you, Keri!
We’re sad to announce that caregiver and master-of-all-things-enrichment, Keri Heniff, is stepping down from her role as a part-time staff member at CSNW. The good news, however, is that she’s not really going anywhere – Keri will continue to make the long drive from Leavenworth to care for the Cle Elum Seven as a volunteer.…
Read MoreThe Things We Carry
A few months ago, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest was invited to contribute to an exhibit in the Museum of Culture and Environment at Central Washington University. The exhibit, entitled “The Things We Carry,” would feature objects of significance to the members of our local community. Our community, of course, includes seven chimpanzees, and you’d be hard…
Read MoreSimple pleasures
The other night I watched Negra eat dandelions as the sun began to set over Young’s Hill. I wish it could be spring forever.
Read MoreNew heights
Negra wasn’t the only one trying something new yesterday. As I stood near the top of Young’s Hill, I saw Burrito walking towards me with a sense of purpose. When he reached the top, he turned and went straight for the Twister climbing structure. Without hesitation, he climbed straight up. As far as we can…
Read MoreCinco de Mayo!
Listening to Burrito food squeak never gets old.
Read MoreSelecting the right boot
Jamie loves to patrol her 2-acre enclosure in the company of her caregivers. But before the walk begins, she has to select the right boot for us to wear.
Read MoreDetails
Annie was kind enough to let me take some photos of her in the greenhouse this afternoon during lunch. In close, tight shots like these, my attention is often drawn towards some of the differences between us – notice her protruding brow ridge, her flat nose, her elongated palms and fingers, her small thumbs, and…
Read MoreCurling up with a good book
Humans aren’t the only ones that like to curl up with a good book on a rainy morning. The chimps spent the early part of the day on Young’s Hill, but before long the rain had them retreating back inside to the cozy greenhouse and playroom. Jamie returned to find a new book, one of…
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