Our primary objectives as caregivers in a sanctuary is continuously improving the well being of those in our care and working to make the world a better place for all chimpanzees. We strive to provide what our tagline says: hope. love. home… sanctuary.
It doesn’t take long to realize that all of this just ends up circling back.
The chimpanzees give me hope everyday.
Sometimes the problems the world is facing seem insurmountable. Sometimes I just want to go back to sleep when I open my eyes in the morning and think of the work that lies ahead. But then there are these seven chimpanzees who lived for most of their lives with no reason for hope, yet they didn’t shut down.
Even Negra, who was ripped from her home and her family as a baby and used as a test tube for over three decades – she survived. And she can now lift her head to the sky and allow the rays of the sun to warm her face, or curl up under a blanket and sleep peacefully.
Nothing gives me hope more than seeing the chimpanzees thrive at CSNW.
And then there’s love. After what humans have done to them, these chimpanzees should be angry. It would be completely justified for them to rise up Planet of the Apes style and never trust another human. Yet, surprisingly, they do show affection towards humans.
It’s easy to see that Foxie is happiest when she’s making someone else laugh or smile. She often spots me from a distance and runs over just to have a little playtime.
Burrito too. Just this morning, in between his a.m. displaying, he was stomping his feet and running through the front rooms to get me to play chase.
All the love I try to convey to the Seven just comes right back.
These misfit captive chimpanzees could melt the coldest of hearts.
Jamie:
That brings us to home. The sanctuary provides J.B. and me with a physical home, but, far more significantly, the chimpanzees and the people that they bring into their lives through their sheer force of charm has created a more remarkable sense of home than I’ve ever experienced.
I really just can’t get over how amazing it is to be surrounded by such caring, compassionate, funny, and all-around lovely people that make up the staff, volunteers, and supporters. And that includes a lot of people who I’ve never even met in person. The Seven are really quite good at attracting the best people to be a part of their lives.
Sanctuary. It’s a word that is often misused, but it truly applies to this place. And, as I’ve learned, the spirit of true sanctuary is circular. Thank you for being a part of it.
Sweet Annie:
Adventurous Missy:
Jody – taken this afternoon:
You have the best job in the world.
Great post Diana. I am thankful for you – you, like Jane Goodall, are one of my powerful women heroes and inspire me to do better. I am also thankful for everyone else at CSNW and all they do, and the deep friendships I have made there as well. Including 7 of my best friends ever.
You’re too much, Lynn! I really love that the chimps have created great human friendships too – adding to the circle!
Beautiful post! Thank you to everyone that helps the wonderful chimps! You will be blessed many times over for the good that you are doing!
Thank you, Jackie!
what a beautiful post…thanks for all you do, and thru you, making my life better…love to humans and chimps alike.
Thank you! It’s so great to learn of all the lives that the chimps to help make a little better.
Diana, everything you said is so very true…you start off thinking you are helping the chimps and the next thing you know, they are helping you in ways you didn’t even know you needed help with ! I will be forever grateful to them for everything they have taught me about strength, overcoming adversity, forgiveness, patience, unconditional love and the ability to enjoy each new day !
Beautifully said, Lisa!
A beautiful post Diana. I often wonder how the chimps — all chimps retired to sanctuary from medical labs, entertainment, roadside zoos, or any cruel captive existence — can find it in themselves to trust humans. Yet they do. So inspiring. Everyday your blog posts, with nothing more than a simple story, video and a handful of photos, bring hope and love and laughter to so many. I have discovered and learned so much from you and my 7 friends. Thank you one and all at CSNW for expanding the Circle of Caring and Compassion.
Thank you, Kathleen! We’re so glad you are part of this circle and have helped us learn new things too.