Today is Annie’s honorary 38th birthday and we celebrated in style. Since we don’t have actual birth dates for Annie and some of the other chimpanzees, we asked some supporters to select meaningful days to celebrate the chimps. September 10th was selected by Margaret and Karen (two of the Cle Elum Seven’s most devoted and lovely friends) in honor of their anniversary. Additionally, Marcia Douthwaite, a longtime friend of Annie’s, sponsored today in honor of Annie’s birthday. We’re so touched that Annie has the love and support of so many special people on her big day.
We set up Annie’s party in the greenhouse this morning with gift bags full of new toys from Robbi and Dick and amazing homemade papier mache balls from supporters Kim and Lee, which we filled with shredded paper, peanuts, and crabapples from Executive Director Sarah’s backyard tree. The chimps also foraged for tangerines, kiwis, and chow (Burrito’s favorite).
The birthday girl enjoyed handfuls of chow:
Negra liked the crabapples:
Missy checked out a gift bag:
Burrito and Jody:
Jamie loved the papier mache balls:
Jody likes to inspect new toys intimately:
This red cloth block seemed to interest several folks.
Jody:
Negra:
Jamie (also with a new boot):
We also “planted” some veggies on Young’s Hill for the chimps to harvest. The carrots are courtesy of Keith, Felicity, and friends and the onions are straight from the chimps’ garden. We’re having some strong, cool winds in Cle Elum today, so the chimps all ran out to gather the veggies as soon as the door to Young’s Hill was opened, and then quickly returned with their haul to the warmth of the greenhouse.
Annie:
Jamie:
Jody:
Negra:
Sincere thanks to everyone who made today special for Annie and the rest of the gang!
