Posts by Keri
A Place to Rest
These photos of Annie really stood out to me as I was going through the photos taken of the chimpanzees from today. There is something about Annie’s utter relaxation that shines through. I mean, granted, I’m a sucker for watching the chimps resting and sleeping; I don’t know many people who wouldn’t be. But what…
Read MoreFresh Picked Greens
There has been a lot of talk these past few weeks regarding spring and the emergence of fresh green grass. Warm weather (minus the wind) and the appearance of the fresh grass signify the onset of spring here at the sanctuary. Most spring mornings the chimpanzees can be found lounging on the deck in the…
Read MoreCommunity
I could not help but feel incredibly moved this morning, as myself and volunteers Erin and Tanya were cleaning the Greenhouse portion of the chimpanzee’s living quarters. There is a brightly colored painting with supporter names on the one main wall that caught my attention and I stopped to really look at it. There are…
Read MoreSometimes choosing the best photos is hard
In any given day I may take one hundred or more pictures of the chimpanzees and secretly hope that at least half do not turn out. It’s not that I do not want one hundred pictures of the chimps, it’s just that it is so much harder to go through them and select the ones…
Read MoreCelebrating Easter Chimp Style
How did the chimpanzees celebrate the Easter holiday this year? In pure chimp fashion, of course (meaning, a lot of food, enrichment and a good ol’ fashion Easter egg hunt on Young’s Hill). Some of the party preparations included festive blankets, streamers, boxes in the shape of bunnies, books, toys, Easter baskets, bags and eggs.…
Read MoreAfternoon Routine
The chimpanzees have developed their own daily routines. Typically, they are at their highest arousal level in the morning time. That is also when they seem to be the most active, often times playing, displaying and greeting one another and caregivers. After breakfast, the chimps spend time building nests with the new blankets, checking out…
Read MorePicking the Right Boots
Sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly what Jamie wants and other times she makes herself quite clear. Many of you who follow the blog know by now that Jamie loves her boots. She especially loves having her caregivers put them on and join her on a walk around Young’s Hill (humans on…
Read MoreA Morning of Play
All of the chimpanzees have been in a playful mood today despite the rain. Shortly after arriving this morning, I spotted Missy and Annie playing chase in the loft and along the catwalk areas of the playroom. I could hear the echos of them foot stomping on the floor and their breathy pants (laughter) as…
Read MoreTime, Energy and Thought
A lot of time, energy and thought go into building and maintaining friendships. Usually, there is an undeniable connection when first meeting one another; a sort of intrigue about what the other is all about. As time goes on and more energy is put into the relationship, more and more details of each individual are…
Read MoreSnacking on Bamboo
Caregiver Katelyn walked around Young’s Hill with Jamie and Burrito this afternoon, when her and the chimpanzees stopped to look toward the loud cracking sound made further down the hill. Katelyn soon spotted Missy breaking off a branch of bamboo and running back toward the Greenhouse with it in her mouth. Once inside, she broke…
Read MoreAnother Sunny Day and Time Spent on Young’s Hill
Sometimes looks can be deceiving. The sun was shining bright this morning, but there was still frost on the ground and a chill in the air. I figured the chimpanzees would wait for the temperature to rise a little before they would spend a good chunk of time on Young’s Hill, but that wasn’t the…
Read MorePresident’s Day Equals Jamie’s Day
Since today is President’s Day, we decided to make it all about the “president” of this group of chimpanzees. As many of you may know by now, Jamie is the leader; the one to call the shots around here. She is certainly one of the most determined, demanding, project orientated ladies I know. So, today’s…
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