Hi everyone. We’re still doing fine here, and I’m writing this with generator power so I’ll keep it quick. The danger to the sanctuary has passed, but we’re watching tanker planes and helicopters try to put out fires all around the area. The wind is blowing and things are pretty smokey. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes in this devastating emergency.
I can’t tell everyone how proud I am of our team and how grateful I am to our local authorities. We just sent a newsletter update which I’m pasting below. THANK YOU to everyone who has reached out with offers of support and assistance. What an amazing family these chimpanzees have.
Here’s the newsletter update, and please check our Facebook page (facebook.com/chimpsanctuary) for the photos.
On the afternoon of Monday August 13, the Taylor Bridge wildfire spread through the hills surrounding Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. The fire spread very quickly and engulfed much of the sanctuary property and many of the neighboring properties. The cause of the blaze is not yet known and it continues to spread for miles beyond the sanctuary. We have not had time to make a full accounting of the effects of the fire, but the residence on the property is damaged and the grounds are burned.
Fortunately all seven of the chimpanzees weathered the crisis and are doing fine. They are comfortable, safe and fully secure inside the chimp house.
While most staff and volunteers were evacuated during the emergency, J.B. Mulcahy, Director of Operations, remained on the premises to stay with the Cle Elum Seven and prepare to work with the firefighters to ensure the chimpanzees and the building remained safe. His courage and dedication to the Seven are, as always, an enormous and immeasurable gift.
At the peak of the fire, the chimp house was well protected by fire trucks and helicopters from the Kittitas County Fire Department, who banded together to help the sanctuary and the surrounding properties (see photos below). One of the tireless firefighters had thought that he lost his own home to the fire while he was protecting the chimpanzees – thankfully, his house withstood the fire and he came back this morning to help once again.
We are tremendously grateful to all of the firefighters for their courage, service and support, and our thoughts are with everyone in our community who continue to be affected by the fire.
Natural events like wildfire cannot be anticipated or avoided in this region, but CSNW plans for every possible emergency and followed the protocols set in place for wildfires. The building was constructed with non-combustible materials to withstand fire, and we maintain a defensible perimeter around the building. We are deeply relieved that there was no loss of life, and thank all of our supporters for your outpouring of love and offers of help.
It will take some time to regroup and assess the full damages to the property. We do not have any immediate needs for onsite assistance, and are asking that all current volunteers contact Elizabeth ([email protected]) before coming to the sanctuary. As always, and particularly during a crises, donations are welcome and can be made on our website: ChimpsNW.org (direct link for online donations: http://chimpsdonate.kintera.org/.
We appreciate your continued support for the Cle Elum Seven, and we will keep you updated through our blog and on our Facebook page as we learn more in the days ahead.
Gratefully,
The CSNW Staff and Board of Directors
Dan says
Thank you so much for taking the time to update us all! My words are not adequate. I love the sanctuary and all it represents. Stay safe.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
marissa says
God Bless and Thank you for saved lives! The rest will all get worked out…
Ingrid Newkirk says
Dear Wonderful People, thank goodness this is the news. Thank you for all you do, thank you to Mr. Mulcahy and the firefighters and the staff. Kind regards, Ingrid and all here at PETA
Sue and Philo says
We are truly in awe of JB and all the other staff for their extraordinary courage and commitment in the face of these horrific and personal dangers. These 7 chimps really hit the jackpot when they were rescued by CSNW. We greatly appreciate getting the updates during this most traumatic time. Then there are the firefighters and they can never be repaid enough for all they do. Fire departments hold a very special place in our own hearts and now we have another example of what they do for their communities. Too many sentiments for words to adequately describe and a huge reminder of the goodness of so many folks. Lots of love going around for sure.
Lucy & Jordan says
Lucy was fiercly worried this morning at breakfast when I told her about the fires…..we are so glad to know that the lovely 7 are safe and sound and never had any doubts that their human caregivers would do anything short of give them absolute devotion to make sure they were ok. Thank you J.B. And thank you to the local authorities that worked to make sure the chimp house and (hopefully) a majority of surrounding land is ok. We are sorry to hear about everyone that is not so fortunate. We will help in any way that we can once you tell us what is needed. All our love, The Bower Family.
Lucy & Jordan says
Lucy was fiercely upset this morning up on hearing about the fires in your area. We are so relieved to know that the beautiful 7 are safe and sound, and never had any doubts that their blessed human caregivers would do anything short of making absolutely sure that they were all taken good care of.
Thank you J.B. for your unwavering dedication. Is your house ok?
We are sorry to hear about all of those that are not as lucky as the Sanctuary. And we are also sorry to learn that some of your property is damaged. Please let us know how we can help (as soon as you know) and we will do what we are able.
Thank you also to local authorities that worked to keep you and the chimps safe.
Our prayers are with everyone affected by this disaster.
Much Love, The Bower Family
Linda (Southern California) says
I am so thankful that all creatures great and small are safe.
Thanks to everyone who helped to keep our beloved chimps (and caregivers!) safe.
(I type this as a wildfire has just started burning about 12 miles from my home). We are in a safe zone and won’t be affected but I’m watching the smoke from my front porch).
J.B. and firefighters, God Bless each and every one one of you!!!!
Jeani Goodrich says
Thank you for keeping us updated during this time of upheaval. I was so relieved to hear the firefighter’s home was spared while he was helping protect the chimps. My heart goes out to all those who weren’t so fortunate. We can only hope and pray that people will be as generous to the community as the supporters are to the chimps.
You all are heros in my book with all you have done and will continue to do until this chrisis is over.
Diane and Syd Marcus says
We just now received word of the fire. We are so grateful that you are all safe. That is the most important thing. We send our love.
Leeta Cornish says
How absolutely wonderful that the fire department protected the chimp house so thoroughly. There is goodness on this earth. As for JB – what can be said – just wonderful. These chimps matter so much. Thank you everyone.
Marcia Douthwaite says
So glad to hear that all are safe even though there is damage on the property. How can we express our thanks to JB and the fire fighters—there are not words enough. I’m sure all of this upset the Seven as well–hope they are coping okay. My thoughts and love are with you all–chimps and staff and fire fighters.
Dawn says
Fire is a scary and incredible force of nature. I am always amazed at the community connection that occurs during a natural disaster like this. Thank you for your calm, your courage, your love and care of the chimps and each other. Yay to brave firefighters!!!
Sara Lissabet, Fairfax says
Wishing the firefighters who helped out could feel the intense level of gratitude I – and many others who care for these chimps – feel for them;
I hope JB and all the staff who put in extra effort to make sure the chimps were ok know how wonderful they are for tirelessly doing a job to protect Jamie, Jodie, Missy, Annie, Foxie, Negra and Burrito;
I hope the outpouring of love and support provide enough donations to replant vegetation and fix structures that were damaged by the fire;
Good karma all around – and may all those who have faced this crisis find the strength and resources to overcome this tragedy.
Many many thanks from Virginia,
Sara
rita stevenson says
A huge thamks & kudos to all staff ..These Chimps are aware just how protected & safely cared for they are. They trust the team ..who show them how valued & revered they are,
Merci to all. Grazie,thamks.
Kathy Admire says
This is so unbelievable, having been one of your visitors on Sunday. But your ‘experiment’ is a good measure of how people become even more invested in the chimps once they’ve been on your property, seen the chimps and your passion for them. I’m so relieved they are OK, but very sorry about the damage to the property and the house. I have been telling all my friends about your efforts.
Wanda Trotta says
JB certainly is a hero for staying with the Cle Elum 7! The dedication of each and every one of your staff and volunteers is just so admirable!
As everyone else, I’m so glad that none of you were hurt. And isn’t it fortunate that Negra’s cabin hadn’t been built as yet!
Take care of yourselves!
Wanda
Chelsey Geraghty says
I am SO glad to read that the CSNW team and the Cle Elum 7 are doing ok. Please, please post if there is anything that we can do to help at this time and and after the fire has ceased. Our hearts are with you all!
Kathy says
Thank you for the update. You guys are amazing and I can not thank you enough, JB and the others for all the work you guys do for the chimps. I want to say Thank you to the firefighters for taking such good care of the sanctuary. I am praying for all of them to be safe and my heart goes out to all of the people in the path of the fires and to those that have lost their homes. Fire is something that is so scary. When they say go you have to go.We had that in our area about 15 miles from my home last year. It was just so heart breaking to see the smoke and know that you are just helpless. I am so glad that the chimps are loved in that area and were taken care of. I will be praying until we hear all of the fires are out in all the states that have fires. I didn’t realize that there were so many fires going on. Peace of God be with everyone. Hugs and love to all of you and to all of the chimps..