Thanks to everyone for your emails and comments. The chimps are fine. A large part of the sanctuary grounds burned in the fire, but the chimp building is ok. We don’t have any more information to share on the rest of the property, but will update tomorrow when things are clearer. JB stayed with the chimps throughout the fire, after everyone was asked to evacuate. He is the true hero of the day! I couldn’t be prouder of our team and how perfectly they handled this emergency.
lynn says
we heart JB!
Jeani Goodrich says
Thank you for the update, Sarah. I’m glad to hear all are alive and well and JB did such a wonderful job of calming the chimps. You all are in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be in the days ahead. You all are wonderful and should be very proud of yourselves. It’s good to know the chimps have such good friends to take care of them.
How did JB and Diana’s house do in the fire? And how does one go about evacuating chimps?
Julie Krug says
Diana and JP- So glad to hear you’re all right! I am happy JP got to stay with the chimps and comfort them. You are all in my prayers and I’m sending good energy your way. Please let me know if you need anything. Me and my three girls, we’re all worried about the chimps and you two!
-Julie
Spokane, WA
Annie Norris says
I just heard about this on the radio this morning on my way into work and was SO worried for everyone. I am so so sorry this has happened, but thankful everyone is okay.
Thank you for keeping us all informed. Steve and I are more then happy to come out and help with anything you may need.
Love to everyone!
Jackie says
Hi jeani- the chimps were not evacuated. The chimp house building is built out of a material that is completely fireproof, thanks to Keith’s well planning. The house on the property has some roof damage but the structure itself is sound. We’ll know more later in the day how everything faired. Thanks to all for the well wishes!
Jeani Goodrich says
Thanks Jackie. I was just curious what would happen if the chimps had to be evacuated. It is good to know of Keith’s foresight. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Michele Kennedy says
I’m so relieved to hear the chimps are okay and the structures survived the fire. Kudos to JB for staying with the chimps during the night as I’m sure the noise, smells and sounds were a lot for animal and human to handle. Jon and I are planning to be in Ronald on Friday and would love to come help at the sanctuary if there is anything we can do. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Al says
Do you have any immediate needs? Water? Food? Fuel?
Adam Gentz says
WOW! So glad everyone is ok. Will be looking forward to hearing more today. Let us know how we can help.
Sara Lissabet, Fairfax says
I just saw an update on Facebook and didn’t realize you all were in danger; I just visited the page yesterday!
Thank you so much for keeping us up to date and letting us know you and the chimps are ok. Have they acted any differently due to perceived danger? So glad JB is watching out for them – what a champion!
Please, let us know what contributions you need to recover from this.
Jen in NH says
Keeping my fingers crossed for the fencing on Young’s Hill! I hope both the people and the animals are feeling a little less traumatized today.
Kat Morrell says
How are our chimp people faring? Were they worried/scared? They must have known that there was danger. EWa there a lot of smoke in the air?
So glad everyone is fine.
Dawn says
Oh I was sure everything was going to be o.k.! I am so sorry about the residence being damaged. Though that can be repaired, it is a financial set back for the organization. I had no idea it was that dry in your immediate area. I am like everyone else, totally proud of J.B., and his dedication and love for the chimps are felt by all (witness the expressions on Neggie’s face the other day as he groomed her.) My thoughts and prayers are with all there. Thank you to Sarah for the update!
Jo Anna says
Thank you to the firefighters who stood their ground against the flames.
I’m proud of the brave six girls (Annie, Foxie, Missy, Jamie, Jody and Negra) and the two guys (J.B. and Burrito) that stayed calm in the line of fire!
I’m so happy all is well!
I know you have many tasks to keep you busy, but still you keep us updated, thank you!