Tomorrow we are celebrating Negra’s honorary birthday and the Cle Elum Seven’s anniversary of their arrival to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
Negra is about 36 years old. She was captured in Africa as an infant and brought to the U.S. to be used in biomedical research. She had four babies during her decades in research. She had over sixty liver biopsies while being used as a test subject for hepatitis vaccines. She has spent the vast majority of her life in small cages in various laboratories. She lived without access to the outside. Without windows. Without the chance to feel the sun on her face.
I think this photo, taken a couple of weeks ago, illustrates what sanctuary means to Negra:
You can support Negra today and wish her a happy birthday by giving a donation on her fundraising page. CSNW couldn’t exist without the support of so many. You provide the chimpanzees with a new life.
Margaret and Karen says
I just left the sanctuary after my volunteering time….but still I rished to to my computer to see them again. How beautiful Negra is!
Steph says
This photograph brings tears to my eyes (of happiness).
Happy Birthday Negra!
Denice says
I had some time between cleaning the front rooms and when lunch was served so I went out to the garden area to do some weeding. Negra was in her favorite spot over looking the valley, blanket in tow. I weeded the garden with Negra watching (between naps), she would peek out from under her blanket just to make sure I was doing a good job before returning to her favorite position of “blanket over her head” and napping. I did get a “head nod” or two so I know I did a good job of entertaining her and I hope a decent job of weeding the garden area.
Happy Birthday Negra, I love you
Denice
Anna says
What an expressive photo! Negra looks so serene.
In case I miss it, Happy Birthday, sweet Negra! May the coming year be even more fabulous than the last!
Theresa says
The poignant photo of Negra brings tears to my eyes. For what she suffered and for what she has now. You all have made life worth living for these wonderful chimps.
Happy Birthday, Negra! We love you, girl!
Audrey says
What a wonderful picture! This photo says it all….no words needed! 🙂 Happy Birthday, beautiful Negra!!
nicole says
i just added this pic to my fund raising page~ i hope more people can see the serenity in her face. this picture is worth so much… more than many will ever know. i can see it & i know others here can as well.
i hope you had a wonderful day sweet negra ~ happy birthday girl!
Wendy says
Happy Birthday Negra, this made me cry, it just made me sit back and remember how she did suffer for us.
Catherine Mollyneaux says
The folks @ CSN are awesome. You give me faith in mankind. Bless you all for making the lives of these animals a place of comfort.