Posts by Lisa
Carrying things around when you’re a chimpanzee
Everyday I put on clothes that have pockets to hold my keys, cell phone and wallet. When I leave the house, I carry a purse to transport the many “vital” items I might need throughout the day. Most of the time, I do this without thought since it’s such a natural part of my day.…
Read MoreTaking time to appreciate the roses
There were so many amazing pictures from Jody’s birthday celebration that it was hard to choose just a few to feature the highlights. In fact, I got so many good pictures of the chimpanzees foraging for the roses that I just had to share a few more today. Jody wasn’t the only one to savor…
Read MoreJody’s Big Day
In celebration of Jody’s birthday we set up a fabulous breakfast party in the greenhouse and on Young’s Hill. The weather proved amenable with gorgeous skies and little to no wind, the spread was provided by volunteer, Patti, and the party set up was made possible by the hard work of volunteers, Sandra & Katie…
Read MoreCinco de Mayo Party
We like a good excuse for streamers, pinatas, and forages here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary NW. Today was no exception and, although we were mostly winging it, it appears to have done the trick quite nicely according to the chimpanzees. In particular, they seemed to be especially pleased by the whole lemon and lime forage provided…
Read MoreSavoring Breakfast
The sun is simply splendid here in eastern Washington today and I had an urge to celebrate it. Brainstorming ideas, I resolved to put together some of the chimpanzees favorite things for an early morning partial breakfast forage on Young’s Hill. First, JB served fruits and smoothie in the greenhouse, then the chimpanzees foraged for…
Read MoreFascinating Mouths
Maybe it’s just me but I find chimpanzee mouths to be pretty captivating. Not only are they particularly expressive but they are also exceptionally useful. Chimpanzees have prehensile lips which Debbie described beautifully in this past blog post. That means that mouths are just as good, if not even better than, hands and fingers for…
Read MoreSocial Complexity In Action
You may remember Diana’s post from last year about the interesting dynamic in the relationship between Jamie and Burrito. As it happens, Missy and Negra have a complicated relationship as well. When it comes to food, Negra is definitely more dominant and Missy will generally let her have whatever she wants, even if it is…
Read MorePlayfulness
The weather in Cle Elum today finally has me convinced (and it seems like the chimpanzees as well) that Spring and Summer just might possibly be considering staying. It’s difficult to say definitively but there certainly seems to be a positive correlation between sunshine and play behavior here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. Plenty of playful…
Read MoreAre you going to eat that?
Breakfast this morning at the sanctuary was a leisurely affair in a warm and cozy greenhouse. The chimpanzees enjoyed apples, pears and the fruit smoothie in addition to their chow. The menu appeared to be quite popular with everyone today and there was quite a bit of food peering going on. Food peering is a…
Read MorePaper, it’s fun and practical!
As JB mentioned in his blog post last month about power, mornings at the sanctuary can often be determined by the luck of the draw. Today I should have played the lottery because I was blessed with good weather, good moods, and good enrichment. If you’re a long time reader of the blog you’ll be…
Read MoreSt. Patrick’s Day Party – in brief verse
There were seven chimps of Cle Elum Who were ready for breakfasts of melon. The party was set In the greenhouse the fete. At foraging they were excelling! And, yes, I apologize in advance for my less then ideal rhymes, it’s very difficult to come up with words that rhyme with Cle Elum. Happy St.…
Read MoreSatisfaction
There is a look I am privileged to see on the faces of the chimpanzees living in sanctuary here and it is a look that gives me chills every time I see it. It is the look of satisfaction, which, to me, is even better than joy. Merriam Webster defines the word as follows: sat·is·fac·tion…
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