Today we’re celebrating Don Young’s 75th birthday. Don and Karen Young have been endlessly generous in their support of the sanctuary and the Cle Elum Seven. Among many other things, Don and Karen provided the contribution that allowed us to break ground on what is now known as Young’s Hill. Each time the chimpanzees step outside onto their two-acre open air habitat, we feel so thankful to the Youngs for making it happen. See Diana’s blog post from this morning for more on Don and Karen.

Karen sponsored today for the chimps in honor of Don’s birthday, so we threw a lavish party to celebrate. The weather was unseasonably nice today, so first thing this morning we set up parties in the greenhouse and on Young’s Hill. The chimps foraged for coconuts, pineapple, kiwi, beets, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and fruit smoothie in Dixie cups.

Although the weather was beautiful for January in Cle Elum, it was still a little cool for Negra, so she chose to stay in the greenhouse:

But everyone else went outside and foraged for breakfast on Young’s Hill:

Burrito gathered some Brussels sprouts:

And Jamie collected some beets:

The real prizes of the morning were the two whole coconuts. Missy quickly found one of them:

and looked for a safe place to enjoy it:

She was soon joined by Jody:

Jody was very happy to find the second coconut a little later:

There was plenty of coconut to go around, and everyone eventually got a chance to enjoy some.

Foxie:

Annie:

We can’t possibly count the ways in which we’re grateful for Karen and Don’s generosity. The Cle Elum Seven wouldn’t enjoy the life they do without them. Happy birthday, Don!