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Archives for November 21, 2014

7 Days of Thanks

November 21, 2014 by J.B.

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, we’ve decided to spend the next seven days giving thanks for all of the primates – human and nonhuman – that make this sanctuary what it is. To start, I’d like to recognize the folks that literally dedicate their lives to the well being of the Cle Elum Seven. No one has had more of a direct impact on the lives of these chimpanzees than the staff that care for them each and every day.

The other day I came across this photo of Jamie, taken just days after she had arrived at the sanctuary in 2008.

web Jamie old 100_0095 copy 2

It’s amazing how much she has changed.

web Jamie sit log bridge beneath structure YH IMG_6302

When I look at Jamie now, I see the effects of good food, exercise, and sunshine. But I also see a reflection of the people that care for her and the patience, dedication, and selflessness they bring to their work.

Caring for Jamie is not easy. She tests you nearly every day. While some people would consider getting to work with chimps a dream job, their dream version of the job probably doesn’t involve dodging mouthfuls of spit and handfuls of feces on a daily basis. But that is the reality. Jamie is a smart, strong-willed person with a need for control, and for 30 years she was robbed of her autonomy and with it, her dignity. Now she calls the shots. For the first time in her life she is surrounded by people who are willing to put her first.

web Jamie drum barrel look at camera start display playroom PR IMG_2137

That, to me, is the essence of a caregiver’s role. And I’m amazed each and every day by how much of themselves the staff are willing to put into the care of these chimpanzees. Whether it’s cleaning, preparing meals, or taking one last walk around Young’s Hill after a long day, the sanctuary staff are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the chimps happy.

web_Jamie_walking_at_night_YH_jb_

There is a light in Jamie’s eye that wasn’t there when we first met her in that laboratory basement.

web Jamie hopeful close up eyes bright gh _MG_1655

To the people who work so hard to keep that light shining, we give our thanks.

Elizabeth:

web Foxie caregiver elizabeth troll party enrichment cute outdoor area DSC_0191

Debbie:
Charlotte Ross at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Katelyn:

web katelyn foxie gum caregiver serving

Keri:

crop_Keri_staff_Jamie_YH_jb_IMG_2658

 

Filed Under: Caregivers, Jamie, Thanks Tagged With: 7daysofthanks, caregiver, chimpanzee, Jamie, northwest, rescue, Sanctuary, staff, Thanks

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PO Box 952
Cle Elum, WA 98922
info@ChimpsNW.org
509-699-0728
501c3 registered charity
EIN: 68-0552915

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