Supporter Tamela sponsored today in honor of the caregivers of CSNW! The following is what she wrote:
Here’s a big pant hoot salute to all the wonderful caregivers and volunteers who wash, scrub, and clean for the chimpanzees. Thank you for all the mundane, exhausting, never ending, backbreaking work you do.
To honor us hard-working, dirty caregivers, she named today “Mop Head Day”. So, 18 mop heads arrived at the sanctuary the other day with tons of little toys tied to them. And in case the mop heads weren’t exciting enough on their own (though I imagine they would have been), mixed nuts were hidden inside various toys. It’s been an interesting, and very comfortable day around here at CSNW.
Jamie, Foxie, and Missy have been super playful all morning. The three of them played on top of the climbing structure in the outdoor area for at least an hour and have been chasing each other around the playroom and laughing hysterically the whole time. But everyone knows that in between play bouts, one must nap.
We’ll be celebrating Negra’s birthday on Monday in addition to the anniversary of the arrival of the Cle Elum Seven to the sanctuary.
We’re not sure of her exact age, but records indicate Negra was captured in Africa some time between 1969 and 1973. She spent many, many years as a biomedical research test subject.
She has won many hearts as the “Queen” of the Cle Elum Seven, and the photos below (just a few of my favorites) show why:
Back in February, we witnessed Foxie build her first true blanket nest. It is still a rare occasion and is usually short-lived, but she is getting there. She made a little more progress today. It seems having a new(ish) troll doll with hair helps (or several), as well as caregivers handing her an endless supply of blankets.
As we approach our 3rd anniversary (June 13!), her progress is only fitting considering two years ago (on the one-year anniversary of the chimps’ arrival to the sanctuary) Diana and I witnessed Foxie lay on her first blanket. As inappropriate as the phrase “baby steps” may seem since I am referring to a fully grown adult chimp, her steps towards nest building are small, but priceless, no less.
I never really know what I’m in for when I arrive at the sanctuary in the mornings. Sometimes the chimps are all grumpy– maybe they had a fight the night before or just don’t feel like getting out of bed– and sometimes they are playful goofs. Othertimes, it’s a mixture of both. When I arrived the other day, I was happy to start the day off by witnessing this:
On a warm day, Jody loves having the barn doors open. She seems to love the fresh air and the view, and as soon as we open them up for the day, she usually starts going around the playroom collecting as many blankets as possible and makes a giant nest right next to them, either in the sun or where ever she can get the most breeze. Here are a few photos I took of her the other day doing just that in a nest of about 15 blankets.
Diane and Syd Marcus sent us some fabulous goodies for Jody’s Birthday Party, but unfortunately we didn’t get them until after the big day. As a compromise, today we held a “Diane and Syd are awesome” Party. Let me explain:
Diane and Syd frequently send the chimps goodies and each time there is one hand-picked and individually wrapped thing for each chimp, along with a note to whom it belongs to. Among the gifts this time– a stuffed animal for Jody, a popper toy for Burrito, a silky scarf for Annie, a toolbox for Jamie, socks and a beaded necklace for Missy, a troll doll for Foxie, and both Foxie and Negra got something extra special– several months ago, Diane and Syd sent a monogrammed Winnie the Pooh blanket for Negra. It was adorable and Negra actually seems to like it! This time, Diane and Syd had a king sized blanket monogrammed for her! They also sent a small monogrammed blanket for Foxie. Here’s their note to Foxie:
Darling Foxie,
We were overjoyed to see you reaching for blankets. You are not only a troll collectrice extraordinaire, but also a nest maker par excellence. And a beautiful peacekeeper. What a girl!!
We chose this blanket because it is a girlie girl blanket- which is what you are. Red and pink are your colors. Snuggle with it when you wish– you can do a few lovely flips.
Of course, we have also enclosed something else. No present to you would be complete without one.
You are a very special and lovely girl.
We are so fortunate to have such lovely supporters like Diane and Syd Marcus who light up the chimps’ day. The party was excellent, as always!
First, a video:
Negra was super happy about the rice cakes Diane and Syd sent:
They also sent some blueberry tea, which was a big hit. Here’s Missy enjoying a glass:
Jody checking out the beaded necklaces:
Jamie and her tools:
A super relaxed, post-party Burrito:
Thanks so much to Diane and Syd for the lovely gifts, and for all of you who send such wonderful enrichment for the chimps!
Welcome to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest's blog! The sanctuary is currently home to seven chimpanzees released from biomedical research. This group, the Cle Elum Seven, arrived at the sanctuary on June 13, 2008. We post photos, stories, videos and more to this blog almost everyday, so visit often! Also, visit us on social networking sites (see links below).
Negra Hoodie
It's still cold out there (unless you live in a tropical paradise). Envelope yourself in the soft warmth of the most comfortable pullover hoodie on the planet. Price reduced by 5 bucks!Get yours today! Shop for all items in the online store.
Tickets on sale now for the fourth annual Sippin' for the Seven! New this year - an online art auction open for everyone, no matter your location. Buy tickets and register for the auction (auction items will be posted in March and bidding opens March 24th) on the Biddin' for the Seven auction site. For more information, visit the Sippin' event page.
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