The February Share the Chimp Love campaign is almost over – we’re counting down in hours rather than days now!
As of this minute, you have helped raise $11,246 for the chimpanzees! That’s a lot of chimp love!
You may not know that there is a bit of a competition going on between the Interim Co-Directors. I am just a bit ahead of J.B. right now, but it’s anyone’s game at this point because J.B. is trailing by just $110.
Perhaps you’d like to even things out by donating on J.B.’s page, or (better yet) strengthen my lead by making a donation on my page. Either way, your donations will help us care for the real directors of the sanctuary – Jamie, Jody, Negra, Missy, Burrito, Foxie, and Annie.
These last two months have been full of wonderful acts of generosity and support for the sanctuary. Seeing the Share the Chimp Love campaign surpass our $10,000 goal and watching other people – board members, staff, volunteers, and donors – fundraise on behalf of the chimps has been inspiring.
As we say on the campaign page, it takes about $30,000 per month just for the very basics to run the sanctuary. We do not receive any governmental support, so all of the money raised comes from private donations by individuals, foundations, and organizations. We partake in a variety of activities to raise the money needed to care for the chimpanzees including grant-writing, auctions, and special events, and it’s really true that every dollar helps. So, thank you so much for helping!
Speaking of special events, I hope to see all of you local folks at the Grapes for Apes wine tasting on Saturday to celebrate the Share the Chimp Love success. You can share the Grapes for Apes event on Facebook with your friends, even if you’re unable to attend.
And I hope even some non-local folks will consider making a trip out to Seattle to attend the Hoot! gala on May 3rd. Invitations are going in the mail very soon. It’s going to be so much fun!
I love this behind the scenes video of some of what goes on to keep The Magnificent 7 healthy and happy. Just curious…what kind of soap do you use to wash down the play areas, etc.? Also wondering, have you ever thought of putting some kind of pond or water feature out on the hill somewhere? Do you think any of them would splash around in it…perhaps on hot days? 🙂
Delayed response! We use dish soap for regular scrubbing, then Simple Green once a week to disinfect. We have had tubs of water inside and in the greenhouse, and our group doesn’t tend to play around in the water, but I know other chimps who enjoy doing that.