I could not help but feel incredibly moved this morning, as myself and volunteers Erin and Tanya were cleaning the Greenhouse portion of the chimpanzee’s living quarters. There is a brightly colored painting with supporter names on the one main wall that caught my attention and I stopped to really look at it. There are so many names on the wall. As I continued to look around at all of the items in the Greenhouse, all I could think about was how every component of the sanctuary is the result of a community of loving, thoughtful and caring people.
There are so many components that make up the sanctuary, including various paintings on the walls that really help to brighten the chimpanzee areas. Various structures, tires and dangling fire hoses provide space for the chimps to climb, play, and rest. Countless blankets and enrichment items contribute to the chimpanzees’ comfort and well-being. Even the tools we use to clean, including the scrub brushes, squeegees, buckets, soap, right down to the very gloves we wear, help staff and volunteers keep the enclosures clean. Fresh fruits and vegetables make up each of the meals, while bamboo planted around Young’s Hill and in the Greenhouse give the chimps extra nesting and foraging material. And then there are the enclosures and storage spaces themselves that have been made possible by those who have donated their time, energy, expertise and the actual materials needed to construct them.
All of CSNW, every square inch, every little detail, has been made possible by countless volunteers and generous supporters. These chimpanzees are loved world wide and I can’t think of a better gift to give them than a community that is dedicated to their well-being. I know it can never make up for the countless ways in which they have been wronged in the past, but it’s the best we all can do to provide them a now and a future that is full of hope, love and sanctuary.
Looking around and seeing all the parts that make up the whole got me to thinking, why do we do it? Why do we dedicate our lives to the well-being of these chimpanzees? Is it a sense of responsibility, a way to show our compassion for all living beings, or is it when we look into their eyes, we see ourselves? Perhaps there are no words to describe why. What is your reason for being a part of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest?
Which ever way you choose to support the sanctuary, know that you have and will continue to make a huge impact on the lives of these chimpanzees. And thank you!!! Thank you those who have and those who continue to volunteer at the sanctuary; those who have donated their time, energy and services to help our various fundraising efforts including the HOOT! Gala event; those who help spread the word about the plight of chimpanzees in captivity and in the wild through our Eyes on Apes advocacy program; those who have donated items through our Wishlist, and those who choose to Sponsor a day in honor of a loved one or directly sponsor a chimpanzee through our Chimpanzee Pal program. Thank you for being a part of the CSNW community.
Jackie says
Beautiful post!!
Lorraine says
they are each so sweet… and yes, I do see part of myself in their suffering….
Pat C says
My reason for being a part of CSNW started out as feeling sorry for the CE7, then compassion. As I got to know them, as intelligent individuals, each with their own personalities, quirks, sense of humor, level of grumpiness and/or gymnastic abilities, they became individual beings who are part of my world. Like pen-pals, or facebook friends who I know only virtually. They give to me each and every day through their blog. They teach me, inspire me, make me laugh, and brighten my days. I’d seriously miss them if they weren’t part of my world any longer. That’s why.
Keri says
Hi Pat.
Thank you for such a heartfelt reply! I would have to agree with all of your points. Getting to know each of the chimps and their unique personalities, I admit that watching them grow as individuals has been a true highlight. Thank you for your support!
Kathleen says
For me it started with Nim. And Booee, Alley. Then I discovered Washoe, Loulis, Tatu, Moja, and Dar. I stumbled upon CSNW while Googling everything I could get my hands on to better understand these intelligent creatures. I watched the video of the first day the Cle Elum 7 were released to explore Young’s Hill for the very first time and that video was the turning point. I can honestly admit that I love these 7 chimpanzees, they are my friends in the truest sense of the word. I enjoy and embrace the new world they have opened up for me. And because of them, I advocate for all captive chimpanzees. CSNW inspires.
Keri says
Hi Kathleen.
Thank you for your reply! Even now, I tear up watching that video of the first day the chimps were given access to Young’s Hill. And to watch all the strides they’ve taken over the years to overcome what they have been through is a true testament to resiliency. And thank you for continuing to advocate on behalf of all chimps!
Jill says
Long story short…I have a friend who knew the founder Keith LaChappelle and she told me about what he was doing in the early stages of the project. That is the end of the story…how could I not be a supporter of such an amazing sanctuary? The people I have met that are associated with CSNW and the few times I have been to the sanctuary have shown me first-hand, that this is truly is an amazing place and so worthy of my support. And who doesn’t want to learn all we can about the 7 beautiful lives that we have been introduced to?
Keri says
Thanks for your reply Jill. It is great that you have been able to witness the sanctuary from the beginning! And yes, I agree, I can’t imagine who would not want to know these seven beautiful chimps!
Barbara says
Sweet Negra.
Keri says
Absolutely Barbara. Negra had a way of getting into people’s hearts!
Barbara says
Sweet Negra.
Wanda Trotta says
These are God’s creatures who have been terribly mistreated and deserve every kind act from each and every person who has helped make the sanctuary a reality. Nothing will ever give them back their years spent being incarcerated but as many of us possible should try. Carpe Diem!