Posts by J.B.
The 5th Annual Running of the Cows – and more Bray photos!
If cows had a national holiday, this would be it. A little further down the mountain, Cy’s group continues to explore the Bray. Here are a some photos from the past few days – you’ll notice that there are a lot of Rayne, and that’s because she spends more time out there than anyone else.…
Read MoreWelcome to the Bray
(or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Step on Grass) It finally happened. Cy’s group stepped out of the chute and entered the Bray. It was a very different experience than watching the Cle Elum Seven enter Young’s Hill for the first (or even second) time. It may be because the Californians are a…
Read MoreA Morning Stroll
Very few things appeal to Negra more than sweet spring grass. There’s an abundant supply just outside the greenhouse door, so she doesn’t have to travel far for her favorite seasonal treat. This morning, however, she was also inspired to take a leisurely stroll around the hill. As you might guess from her rather pale…
Read MoreSaying Goodbye
Note: The video above may be difficult to watch, especially for those of you who have known and loved Jody either in person or through this blog, as it shows her family reacting to her death. But I hope you can find a time when you feel able to share in our experience of saying…
Read MoreBack to Work
I’m happy to report that our team of contractors have picked up where things left off last fall with regard to construction on the Bray. We don’t have a firm completion date yet but it should be fairly soon! While they complete their fence work, we’re taking the opportunity to build upon Ryan’s Lookout, the…
Read MoreTwo Ways to Play
Missy and Burrito love to play at the top of the hill. For some reason, the Seven do most of their playing indoors. In fact, they are at their most playful in the tiny little front rooms, especially when they are waiting for us to finish cleaning their playroom. Not that it matters where they…
Read MoreHeart Week
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of illness and mortality in captive chimpanzees. As many of you know, we’ve been treating Burrito since 2012 for hypertensive heart disease. What you may not know is that Cy also suffers from cardiovascular disease – in his case, dilated cardiomyopathy. To better manage his symptoms and slow the…
Read MoreEaster Forages!
Today’s forecast called for rain but it held off long enough to sneak in a quick breakfast forage for the Seven. Carrots, beets, Swiss chard, and potatoes were scattered across the hill. Burrito (with Missy and Annie in the background): Negra: Foxie (with Annie in the background): Jamie: Missy: Jamie, enjoying one of the purple…
Read MoreNegra’s Adventure
We often get asked why the chimps do particular things, and I always think to myself—with apologies to all you Trekkies out there—”Dammit, Jim, I’m a primatologist, not a psychoanalyst!” Primatology is largely concerned with species-wide patterns of behavior, but in sanctuaries we are dealing with individuals with unique histories and personalities. I’ve spent much…
Read MoreAn Afternoon Assortment
It’s a typical afternoon here at CSNW. Gordo was just yelling at Willy B, which led Willy B to intimidate Terry, which caused Terry to yell at Willy B, which led Honey B to yell at Gordo. And now they are all grooming together with Cy. I can hear the breathy panting and teeth clacking…
Read MoreJamie’s New Book
A supporter named Simon recently sent Jamie a very thoughtful gift in the form of a customized paperback about boots.
Read MoreA Man for All Seasons
I’ve gotten used to the fact that Burrito now goes on more walks (or runs, actually) than Jamie, but I still can’t get over how comfortable he’s become in inclement weather. Earlier this week we had snow off and on throughout the morning, and when Burrito told me to meet him outside for a run…
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