"The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute" Ellensburg by JetlagCity

Ellensburg Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 22 photos

in Ellensburg

The reason for this little Ellensburg page is to tell you about a really cool place called the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute (CHCI). It’s certainly NOT what Ellensburg is most known for! (That would be the Ellensburg Rodeo.) Ellensburg is a small university town in Central Washington. It's about a 2-hour drive over the Cascade Mountains from Seattle. I've read about some nice walks/hikes around here, which I hope to do in the future. A lot of vineyards in this part of the state, too.

I was very surprised to discover the first chimpanzee ever to learn sign language, a former space program participant, was living right here in this little desert town.

CHCI is a chimpanzee sanctuary, and they offer workshops to the public to learn more about chimpanzees and about communications between our two closely related species.

I’ve always enjoyed learning other languages so I can interact a little with others on my travels. In some ways communicating with chimpanzees seemed more exciting - in other ways, it seemed fascinatingly similar!

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:more than just the rodeo

Last visit to Ellensburg: Apr 2005
Intro Updated Apr 8, 2005
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Reviews (2)

Not What You'd Expect in Cow Town Restaurants (1)

Valley Cafe has been described as the best restaurant in Ellensburg. I don't doubt it - our food was just wonderful.... more travel advice

Attend a “Chimposium” Things to Do (1)

Chimposiums are the 1-hour educational workshops offered to the public by the Chimpanzee and Human Communication... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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Jonathan_C Jul 14, 2005 at 3:28 AM

It's great to read about your visit to CHCI. My wife knows all about Washoe but we never thought to stop for a Chimposium on our annual trip to Sun Lakes. Perhaps it's time we did.
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ATXtraveler May 1, 2005 at 12:44 AM

This place has me chimping at the bit to get out there! Thanks!
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Bwana_Brown Apr 17, 2005 at 4:52 PM

Fascinating stuff, Jane!! So this is where Washoe calls home! I remember seeing a few programs about human/chimp communications on PBS and Washoe was one of the stars! Nice to know that the little chimp is still going strong.