Posts by J.B.
Missy the Ghost
They say there’s a ghost that haunts the playroom at CSNW… By the way, if you’re wondering about Negra – she is feeling much better today and has regained her appetite and her energy. We’re going to keep her separated from the group for at least one more day to make sure she stays off…
Read MoreNegra’s surgery
If you read Diana’s blog post on Saturday, then you know that Negra recently sustained an injury to her toe that we’ve been closely monitoring. After careful consideration, we decided that we needed to intervene surgically to help speed the healing process and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Yesterday, our amazing volunteer veterinarian, Dr.…
Read MoreBurrito’s 34th Birthday Bash
Burrito is so easy to shop for. All he ever wants for his birthday is food. The other chimps were more than happy to help him celebrate. Of course, it’s not a real party until someone gets upset. Even when there’s more than enough to go around, someone (ahem, Jamie) has to take more than…
Read MoreNegra takes play very seriously
Negra, the grumpy 43-year-old Queen of the Cle Elum Seven, plays differently than the other chimps. Usually, she plays at one quarter speed. You can often see her playing gently with Missy in the loft or greenhouse while they are waiting for breakfast. Missy does her best to play at Negra’s pace, and the look…
Read MoreChristmas in the Chimp House
What a day! Thanks for giving these chimps a reason to celebrate. It is such a joy for us to see your support transformed into pant hoots, food squeaks, and hugs. Happy Holidays!
Read MorePlayful Foxie
Foxie has been playing nonstop the last few days. From aerial acrobatics to wrestling to whatever the heck she and Jamie and Jody are doing in this video, Foxie sure knows how to keep her family entertained.
Read MoreSlo Mo Dominance Display
What’s more terrifying than a chimpanzee dominance display? A dominance display in slow motion. The chimps have been crazy all day. Burrito can become very sexually aroused when the girls have their swellings, particularly when all three girls who cycle are in estrus at the same time. But because he was raised by humans (like…
Read MoreThe Joy of Things to Come
For chimpanzees, true happiness is found most often in moments of anticipation. I love watching them play as they wait in expectation of a good meal or an exciting treat.
Read MoreQuality Control
Jamie gets a special kind of pleasure from trying to destroy things that I have just repaired.
Read MoreOn Young’s Hill
For Jamie, patrolling Young’s Hill is serious business. Tell that to Jody, Foxie, Annie, and Missy, who all seem like they’re having a little too much fun.
Read MoreBalancing Act
I snapped a few photos of Foxie this morning as she strolled through Young’s Hill with Dora the Explorer on her back. In the wild, infants will cling to their mothers’ backs. Dora, on the other hand, is no help at all so it’s up to Foxie to keep her balanced up there. As I…
Read MoreThe Fountain of Youth
…is the friendship between these two chimpanzees. Both in their ’40s and showing no signs of slowing down.
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