There’s been a great response so far to the washer/dryer fundraising drive initiated by our blog community. At this point we’ve received over $1,300 towards a heavy duty washer and dryer to help us keep up with all of our chimp laundry. We’re still doing research to find the best equipment, but we’ll let you know as soon as we settle on something. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Archive for August, 2008
Halfway there!
Sunday, August 31st, 2008First dinner outside
Sunday, August 31st, 2008We set up a lettuce and homemade granola forage last night for the chimpanzees in the outdoor area and had a little cook-out with vegan sausage and corn.
Foxie’s got her hands (and feet) full!
Saturday, August 30th, 2008(Note from Sarah: So sorry! I thought I had posted this yesterday but apparently it didn’t go through!) What’s better on a summer day than watermelon and sunshine? Watermelon, sunshine, and a troll doll (being held in her foot)!
Burrito strutting his stuff
Saturday, August 30th, 2008When we say that a chimpanzee is “displaying,” we referring to the behaviors chimps use to show us that they’re in charge. For Burrito, this typically includes standing up bipedally (on two legs), pilo erect hair (puffing up to look bigger), running around, and usually banging or jumping off of something. It’s quite impressive to watch. We didn’t see Burrito display for quite a while after the chimps first arrived. It’s hard to imagine that these days, since we see him showing us who’s in charge many times a day! It’s so amazing to see him feel comfortable and confident enough to do what he’s supposed to do
Discover Magazine article that inspired Keith
Thursday, August 28th, 2008Here’s a link to the article that inspired Keith to help, eventually leading to the rescue of the Cle Elum Seven:
http://discovermagazine.com/2002/may/featchimp
Such fun!
Thursday, August 28th, 2008
Thank You
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008Here are a few more photos from yesterday. I think Missy’s expression in the last photo says it all. Thank you all for helping to put a smile on her face.
Burrito walking along the deck:
Annie resting in a bed of straw:
Missy sleeping in the most elaborate nest:
And one very happy chimpanzee:
L.A. Times article about chimpanzees in entertainment
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008There is terrific article published today by Rachel Abramowitz which discusses PETA’s new documentary about chimpanzees used for entertainment. It mentions Sarah and her undercover investigation.
A few thoughts
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008I’m finally sitting down to process the day a little bit, and wanted to share some thoughts while they are fresh.
biggest surprise: Annie brachiating 17 feet up in the air, then just hanging there because she could
best scene: Jody laying on her back in the sun in a bed of straw
most impressive acrobatics: Foxie pulling her legs through her arms as she hung from the ceiling, turning upside down, while holding two troll dolls
best “awww” moment: Negra on the deck (the ledge made of donated Trex decking) “Negra style” – with a blanket over her head
proudest moment: seeing Burrito come out – he was pretty scared, but he did it. By the end of the day, he was napping in the sunshine
biggest laugh: Missy standing bipedally with a huge play face looking up at Annie as she dangled above
when it really hit me: watching Jamie try out all of the kids’ construction tools, then swing from the fire hose like a “real chimp” and thinking about her in a tiny barren cage in a windowless basement for most of her life
Media coverage
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008Seattle’s Komo News with Michelle Esteban aired a really great story about the sanctuary and the chimpanzees’ first steps outside on their 5:00 news. Hopefully it will play again tonight. You can also watch it online – click on “watch the story” at the top of the transcript on this page: http://www.komonews.com/news/27507779.html
Steve Wellman from Yakima’s CBS KIMA news was on-site today too and the chimpanzees’ were the top story on the 6:00 news. It’s also a great segment. Watch online here: http://www.kimatv.com/
Meryl Schenker, photographer for the Seattle PI took some amazing photos of the chimpanzees in the outdoor enclosure (including a couple with troll dolls). She has started to put some online in the PI photo gallery. You can look at them and rate each one! She’ll be adding more, so be sure to check back often. Click here for link.
Such a good day!! More media updates as they come in!
