DECEMBER 14, 2020by MARYROSE DENTON
Their names are Honey B, Burrito, Mave, Annie, Willie B, Foxie, and Jamie. They spent most of their life behind bars, in a research facility with only minimal social interaction – but now, these chimpanzees are getting a second chance at life.
Their home now is on the 90-acre farm of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW). Located 90 miles east of Seattle on the outskirts of Cle Elum, CSNW sits nestled among farm and forested land at the foot of the Cascade mountains.
Established in 2003, CSNW became a sanctuary and final home for chimpanzees discarded from the entertainment and biomedical testing industries. And in the late spring of 2008, seven chimpanzees arrived at their new home. In 2019 three more chimpanzees joined the group after a wildlife organization near Los Angeles closed its doors. The farm also houses three rescued cows and a steer who gladly provide grazing services in exchange for an occasional pet on the head and scratch of the ears.
Annie (Image Courtesy of Diana Goodrich / Chimpanzee NW)
All the chimpanzees at CSNW enjoy a rich social life interacting with each other both in their indoor and outdoor environments. Just recently a new play enclosure was constructed, expanding the chimpanzee’s stimulating world.
Life at the Sanctuary
The chimps keep an active on the farm, with their days comprised of eating, playing, grooming, and eating some more (three full meals a day of fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts and seeds). But like humans, not all the chimpanzees have the same tastes.
Annie & Missy(Image Courtesy of Diana Goodrich / Chimpanzee NW)
“Foxie is probably our pickiest eater when it comes to vegetables,” said Diana Goodrich, co-director at the sanctuary. “Where other chimps like Jamie loves pears, Missy loves fresh tomatoes, Annie’s favorite is a bunch of green onions, Negra likes to snack on peanuts, while Burrito and Jody just love all food.”
To find out how you can help Foxie, Honey B, Burrito, jamie and the rest of the gang, go here:
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