If you’re a regular reader, you probably know that tomorrow is a big day for us here. It’s the 4th anniversary of the chimps’ arrival in Cle Elum and also Negra’s birthday. We’re planning a whole bunch of fun! As we get ready, we always find ourselves pausing to reflect about how far the chimps have come, and then daydreaming about how much further they will go. Check out this post from four years ago today, and this one too. There was so much excitement in the air. And then compare this with this. Breathtaking!
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.
SUCH A WONDERFUL ANNIVERSARY – AND BIRTHDAY!!!
Wow! What a change. You can see the sparkle of life in their eyes now. Proof positive that they thriving in sanctuary. Thanks to all who gave them this second chance at life.
Since I only joined the 7’s fan base about a year ago, these photos from four years ago are just heartbreaking and what a wonderful road it has been since they arrived looking like chimp shadows. I have to state that my favorite genius chimp Jamie, looked twice her age four years ago! Oh my. Even though they can’t tell us, it is there in their eyes, what they endured. What a great reason to celebrate the chimps and all the humans who have loved and helped them in so many ways large and small! And, I shouldn’t forget to add, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR NEGRA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I hope you get your rustic cabin!
You know, I’ve seen the pictures many times before, but somehow I just didn’t connect with the change in Burrito’s physicality. Maybe the ladies had me distracted. The “before” shot really looks like poor Burrito’s head was too big for his spindly chimp body. I’m sure glad his body has had the chance to catch up. Whether the chimps are here or those that I follow at Chimp Eden in S.A., I’m constantly amazed by the resiliency of the body and spirit that chimps display when they are just given the chance.
PS
I hope Jody builds an enormous nest tomorrow. It always breaks my heart when I see the shot of the little nest from 4 years ago.
Thank you for putting forth these contrasts, Sarah. Let’s hope that all chimps, and other primates. in labs and other terrible situations will get a chance for the life they deserve as CSNW and all of the other primate sanctuaries are providing. A Happy Birthday to Negra tomorrow—the Queen will reign over all!
Oh my goodness, what an incredible journey! These seven chimps have transformed in to wonderful,well adjusted,healthy chimps.Unbelievable,the difference is hard to look at at. Well done CSNW. You deserve all the credit. These chimps are so well taken care of. Thank you,Sarah, for posting the images of before to now. Although, Ive been following and supporting CSNW since Jan, Ive always been so impressed, and taken back by how well they are cared for,I think they know it, and feel it,,its obvious. The confidence they all exude now is so wonderful to view in photos, and videos.