The chimpanzees cannot get enough of their new greenhouse. Since it was completed a few days ago, they have spent most of the daylight hours outside playing, grooming, nesting, and generally reveling in the warmth. I don’t think we can overstate what a joy it has been to see them spend so much time in the sun.
It’s been so exciting to watch the chimps enjoy the greenhouse these past few days. Today was completely overcast, with temperatures in the upper 30’s for most of the day. Even so, it’s about 60 degrees in the greenhouse, and the chimps have been out there all day.
Even Negra has abandoned her usual spot on the play room catwalk to make nests outside. This is more than we could have hoped for.
In fact, the greenhouse has created a new problem for us. As I write this, at 5:30, I am waiting for Jamie to come back inside so I can close the door for the night (the greenhouse does get cold at night). But she doesn’t seem to care how late I have to stay :) What a good problem to have!
Diana and I took some photos this afternoon while the chimps enjoyed a lunch forage outside. It was great to see Burrito enjoying the sunshine.
Negra stuffed as many onions in her mouth as she could and headed back to the play room.
Jamie went after the brussels sprouts, but apperantly not before contemplating them first.
She also spent some time dipping her onions in buckets of water, and then pouring the water from one container into another. This is typical Jamie. She has such an active mind, and she will often make projects for herself to keep busy.
The chimps were outside bright and early this morning to welcome the return of the sun to Central Washington.
CSNW supporter Jennifer Douglas and her husband James are sponsoring the migration of Noah on behalf of his mother Negra. Check out the photo of Noah below – he looks so much like his mom!!
![Noah (STC) [Bubba's Family]](http://www.chimpsanctuarynw.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Noah-STC-Bubbas-Family1.jpg "Noah (STC) [Bubba's Family]")
Noah currently lives at the Save the Chimps facility in New Mexico which was formerly owned by the Coulston Foundation – a notoriously horrid research facility that closed down when Save the Chimps stepped in to rescue the chimpanzees. Like all of the chimpanzees at the former Coulston Foundation laboratory, Noah will be making the journey to Florida where he will live on an island with a large group of chimpanzees. We’re so pleased that Jennifer and James and so many of you are reaching out to help the relatives of the Cle Elum Seven in other sanctuaries.
Thanks to Candy Crannell for alerting us that Noah is now on the Save the Chimps website, and for sponsoring the migration of Foxie’s daughter Angie (who also looks remarkably like her mother). Also check out Negra’s daughter Angel from this previous post. Many of the sons and daughters of the Cle Elum Seven are now at Save the Chimps, so more on relatives soon!
Below is the photo of Negra taken on the first day she was in sanctuary and a photo taken just an hour ago. Negra continues to change. She’s been very playful and more active this winter than last. She still avoids conflict and likes to have blankets over her head. She has her favorite foods. And she still loves to see humans dance for her.
Negra’s continued signs of contentment are all because of the support that we have had from so many. Without individual donations, the sanctuary and the quality care that we provide would still be a figment of our imaginations. So much has happened in such a short amount of time, thanks to you all!
Today I wanted to say a special birthday thanks from Negra to a couple of people who are helping to get the stories of the Cle Elum Seven out into the world. Kathy Cochran, whose birthday is today and Margaret Parkinson, who celebrated her birthday on December 31st. These two remarkable ladies collaborated to create the book, Sanctuary: Year One that we have for sale in our online store. Thank you both and happy birthdays!
Negra on her first day at the sanctuary, after living in laboratories for decades
Negra tonight, finishing up the seeds from her night bag
Cle Elum got a little snow overnight, so this morning after cleaning the playroom Jackie and I gathered some from outside and filled the chimps’ sandbox. We buried some cranberries in there for good measure (you can see Jamie searching for them in this video). The chimps love (to eat) the snow, but aren’t crazy about the chilly temperatures, so they seemed to enjoy having a bit of the outdoors brought inside for them.
A few photos of the dinner fun. The Tofurky dinner was a big hit, and of course, everyone loves cranberry sauce. Oh! And shots of punch (see Negra in the third photo below). A day full of food grunting!
Here are a few photos from the party thus far. We really can’t thank you all enough for the gifts and donations you sent to make this day so special for the chimpanzees in Cle Elum. They certainly do love a party. Little does Burrito knows his birthday is just around the corner! Hope you’re having a great day too!
Packages from good friends of the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees have begun to arrive and volunteers are busy getting ready for the big celebration on the 25th. The chimps? Well, Negra is doing her thing.
Volunteer Denice wrapping gifts that Robbi sent and getting into the spirit of the holidays. (Beware when Diana and a camera are in the chimp house ;)
Volunteer Deb making treats from wrapped tubes and supplies sent by Candy
Negra doing her blanket thing in front of a window in the playroom (soon – no bars on the window!) Photos taken by Sarah earlier today
March 6th wine tasting fundraiser in Roslyn, WA. Music, food, wine and beer, plus a raffle! Buy tickets now in our online store.
