I’m often told how great it must be to have a job caring for chimpanzees and I have to agree. There are so many highlights of working at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. Of course, there are the chimpanzees, each with their own unique and inspiring qualities. And there are the incredibly compassionate and dedicated staff members, volunteers and donors that work on behalf of the Cle Elum Seven. Add in a beautiful setting and its the perfect job.
The truth is, I love my job, but I really wish it didn’t exist. The reality is there has to be chimpanzees in captivity for me to be a chimpanzee caretaker. But, chimpanzees do not belong in captivity. Period.
A past teacher of mine used to say “With knowledge comes responsibility”. I didn’t realize just how much those four words would mean until I started learning more about the fate of chimpanzees in the entertainment and biomedical industries and those kept as pets. Once I learned the fates of those chimpanzees, I stopped buying cards with pictures of chimpanzees “smiling” and I stopped watching movies with chimpanzees in them. But, I wanted to do more; I felt I had a responsibility to do more.
So, I am trying to do that, by helping to make captivity the best that it can possibly be for the chimpanzees of CSNW. This means respecting them as individuals, giving them choices, providing daily enrichment, sharing their stories and advocating for them and all apes.
These are the seven chimpanzees that I work for.
Thankful for you and all the other wonderful people that take care of our animal friends. You are truly special!
Thanks to you and all of the staff who take care of all the chimps at the sanctuary.
We all need to fight against not only the pet trade,but the labs as well.
Keri,
There is evil and good in this world…. God has given you the Grace to be an agent for good….
I thank God for someone like you and JB… you make this world a little kinder and a little brighter.
Lorraine in NY
“With knowledge comes responsibility”. Well said Keri and it is so true. I can not live my life the same way either, your seven chimps have changed me. All of us individually becoming aware and sharing our knowledge, educating others one at a time, taking one step at a time, all this will change the fate for chimpanzees in the future. And we become more powerful as a whole. Just think about all the people who follow CSNW and all the minds you have changed and hearts you have opened. (10,554 Likes!!) You are so lucky to work alongside and care for your captive friends. Where would they be without all of you?
Thank you to all the sanctuaries who care for our chimpanzees, and all the people who fight to retire those still in labs, and those who fight for the right of Personhood too.