Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.

Today is the day

by Diana

I can’t believe today is the day we get to see our chimpanzee friends step on grass for the first time.

Yesterday I looked at the 5′ x 3′ cage we have on the property. They lived in cages that size for decades. It’s impossible to put into words the sadness that small cage evokes. Then I looked at the 2 acre hill.

It might be a little scary for them at first, but the chimps are definitely ready for us to open the doors to the next chapter in their lives and put their pasts further behind them. We plan to set up a large lunch forage for them and open the doors around 11:00 (pacific time).

Its been heartwarming to see all of the posts that people have been sharing about the news on Facebook. It’s a privilege to be part of such a great community of people who care about chimpanzees and are as excited as we are to see the Cle Elum Seven step onto that hill.

A lot of people have been sharing the Young’s Hill video that Jonathan Houser made just a year ago when we were raising funds for the hill at our 2010 auction. I’ve included it below.

Young’s Hill – The Dream from Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest on Vimeo.

 

Thank you all.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jill says

    Best day ever!! I cannot wait to see updates. I’ll be checking in frequently!! I’m pretty sure Jamie will be out first, but maybe someone will surprise us! It is going to be a nice day here in Seattle, I hope the weather is cooperating in Cle Elum!!

  2. Barb says

    I’m so happy today. So happy for them, for you, for all that helped. I can’t wait to see a video or pictures. I wonder if Foxie will bring one of her dolls! Much love to all!

  3. Candy (Tyler, TX) says

    I’m sitting here at work, watching the clock, and I just rewatched the video and I got tears in my eyes. Good luck to everyone, I and everyone else will be thinking of you and the “7”.

    I agree with you Jill, Jamie will be first out, then Jody, Burrito, Annie, Missy, Foxie & Negra. At least, they get on the dirt, but the grass, that’ll be interesting so see who walks on it first.

  4. Katelyn says

    I couldn’t even sleep last night. I am just sending all my love and light to wrap around each of the chimps and all of you there for the most wonderful day. Definitely impossible to put into words….
    xoxo
    Katelyn

  5. Gayle says

    I’m so excited!! I’m at work too and I just can’t focus. I keep thinking of these 7 amazing chimps and what’s ahead. I’m also thinking of all you guys too!! I can’t imagine the mix of emotions you must all be feeling. You all have done an amazing job and take such wonderful care of my friends. Thank you and…….. Let’s go Chimps, Let’s go Chimps!!!!

  6. Sequana says

    If we all feel like this out here, I can’t even imagine what you there are feeling.

    Go Annie, Go Annie! That’s my real name. 🙂

    Do you think they know there is something in the air today?

  9. Donna says

    Loved looking at the video – and NOW – it is ALL GOING TO BE REAL! Congrats and we all cannot –
    CANNOT wait to hear/see all about it!

  10. Anna says

    It’s 11:06, I’m online, and … and … and … have you opened the gate yet?!

    LOL – I’ll try not to be obnoxious in my enthusiasm. 🙂

  11. Roslyn in Montreal says

    Hi all! I haven’t posted at the blog in quite some time, but I’m still here, rooting you all on every step of the way. Today is such an important day! I remember when the chimps at Fauna got to experience their islands for the first time. Giving them the option of feeling the grass under their feet and seeing the sky with no bars or caging in the way is nothing short of awesome, in the true sense of the word! The seven may choose to go out and explore, or they may choose to stay closer to “home base”, but whatever they choose to do, the important thing is that they have a choice. We can hardly wait to see the videos! With much love, Roslyn, Gil and Joey (woof!!)

  12. Hallie & John says

    Seattle is our home town, but we are currently volunteering in Georgia (as in the Republic of) and we are anxiously awaiting the video feed of this exciting adventure!

  13. Eric says

    I can’t wait to see “my” chimps running and cavorting in more room than they know what to do with. On to the onsite medical center. WHOOOOOOOOOooo, whoooooahhhh, can’t wait to see the vids!

  15. Felicity says

    THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
    I’m trying to be patient, but I desperately need a blog update (not on FB, boo!).
    Fingers crossed everything is going great over there. I hope it has been a magical day thus far! 🙂