It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing the passing of our oldest Siberian lynx, Katia. Katia was a beautiful, vibrant, and high spirited cat that came into our lives in 2003. Her favorite things to do were snuggling with her son Alfie under a shade tree and kneading her paws into a [...] ...read more...

by Paula Muellner Mushrooms. Mushrooms seem to be a complicated vegetable to figure out. Some people just love them, while others just hate them; some people would say they are an acquired taste while others only eat them if prepared a certain way. No matter what we think about mushrooms we know that [...] ...read more...

Dear Friends, As we bid “adieu” to 2009 we are graced with one last moment reminding us of what this and every year is about. It is a moment and place to reconnoiter, to take our bearings from where we have been and look to where we are headed, an opportunity to reflect and [...] ...read more...

by Marla O’Donnell (caregiver) Today I walked into the chimp house to find Topo sitting quietly on a bench by himself. I noticed that he had a one of those old-time plastic cameras in his hands. He was fiddling with the buttons and was examining it closely. I couldn’t help but stand aside and watch him. [...] ...read more...

by Lesley Day Emma, AKA the “Corn Bandit,” was at her best tonight during dinner. The minute she discovered corn was on the menu she preceded to take Maggie’s and then began stalking everyone else’s bags as well. Kimie hadn’t had her dinner yet and was upstairs.. I took her bag to her and before I [...] ...read more...

I got a little off track today when I kept hearing this clapping and grunting noise coming from behind me. I had been working in the tool shed not far from the big outside enclosure. I came out and there was Ms. Patti in the big outdoor asking me to come over. Well, being a [...] ...read more...

It has been a bit dreary the last few days here in Central Oregon, and, just like us, the chimps get cabin fever. That is why it is so important that the volunteers and caregivers take a little extra time to create novel enrichment. Well, today, I was struggling to create games and toys for [...] ...read more...

by Kristin Harvill (caregiver) Today we felt we could engage in a belated Boxing Day, for it is known in the sanctuary world that left over holiday wrappings, ribbons, and bags are always fun for the chimps to sift through! When Herbie and Jackson came outside this morning, not only were they thrilled about the warmer [...] ...read more...

With the holidays still in full swing combined with Kimie’s birthday today, it’s no surprise that the chimps are in a great mood today! Topo has been a terrific host for Kimie’s birthday, blowing kisses to the volunteers upon arriving at the sanctuary. Right behind Topo is Mr. Jackson, as he feels the need to [...] ...read more...

by Marla O’Donnell It was a quiet day in the chimp house on a sunny winter afternoon. Herbie was relaxing on a bench in the sun reading a magazine. Jackson apparently decided that the place needed a little excitement. He came pounding into the enclosure with trouble written all over his face. He reached up and [...] ...read more...