Archive for the ‘Play’ Category

Foxie is so cool.

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Foxie has a way of making everything she does look cool, whether it’s eating a carrot, watching TV, or tossing a troll doll head around.

Missy’s Day of Play

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Missy has been especially playful today (even by Missy standards). Jody and Annie have been good about humoring her (as you’ll see in the video), but even during those moments when no one else is up to a game, Missy has found a way to entertain herself. At various times today, we’ve caught her taking a flying leap from the deck outside wearing a huge playface or playing chase with an invisible partner.

Another day in the greenhouse…

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

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.

Sun, how we’ve missed you!

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

The sun has finally returned to central Washington! Today was gorgeous, with blue skies, temperatures in the high 40s, and lots of glorious sun. The beautiful weather has put all of us, human and chimpanzee, in great moods. The chimps spent much of the day playing, swinging, and laughing outside in their (very nearly completed) greenhouse.

Annie and Missy

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Annie and Missy have such a strange relationship. They are nearly inseparable, but when Missy decides to groom or play with someone else, Annie appears to be jealous. Its very predictable – if you see Missy playing with another chimpanzee, you can bet that Annie is watching her every move from a distance. Sometimes Annie will sit back on her butt and tap her heels on the floor, which is a behavior she often displays when she is anxious. And while Missy likes to interact with the other chimps, Annie mostly keeps to herself when Missy is not around.

Today I was taking photos of Missy and Jamie grooming and playing together outside:

Jamie Missy groom platform OA resized_MG_5374

Jamie Missy play blanket brachiate OA resized_MG_5382

And sure enough, there was Annie in the doorway, keeping an eye on things:

Annie doorway to OA resized_MG_5368

Sun!

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

The chimps were outside bright and early this morning to welcome the return of the sun to Central Washington.

Jamie’s new boots!

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Today, volunteer Stephanie P. brought a pair of amazing cowboy boots for Jamie. The pair she got on her birthday had worn out, so her eyes lit up like it was Christmas when she saw them and she’s been carrying them around with her all day. She loves her boots! Thanks Steph!!

Foxie and Jamie playing with Diana

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

The other day, Diana was playing chase with Foxie when Jamie decided to join in on the fun. Many of the chimps at CSNW will wear clothing when they are feeling playful. In this video, you’ll notice Jamie tying a sarong around her waist just before she invites Diana to chase her.

Burrito comes out of his shell

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

When it comes to play partners, Burrito tends to prefer his human friends. It is pretty rare to see him join in with the girls’ games (it’s hard to say why — perhaps he’s a little intimidated). Although he spends a fair amount of time grooming and being groomed by the other chimps, once things get playful, he usually withdraws a bit. So I was quite excited this morning when I caught him playing with Foxie in the front rooms. Apparently it looked like such a good time that Jody and Jamie tried to join in, too.

Foxie- the next “Lord of the Dance”

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Today, I popped in a video of “Lord of the Dance”, donated by one of our many wonderful supporters and volunteers, Stephanie Perciful. We put it on our wishlist in hopes that Negra would enjoy it, because she sometimes enjoys watching her caregivers’ dance. So far Negra hasn’t shown much interest in it and is usually too far away to see it. Foxie on the other hand, seems to thoroughly enjoy it and looks like she kind of wants to join in! Someone recently commented that Foxie may be musically inclined- I think I agree. Thanks, Stephanie! I’d say Foxie seems pretty enriched!

Note- I orginally said that the video was donated by Tamela, but it was actually Stephanie who donated it! So sorry Stephanie and Tamela for the confusion! Guess I am indeed human. :)