In honor of Jody’s “adopted” birthday, we chose to celebrate today with a party!! Parties are a great way of celebrating special days and the chimpanzees love them. This morning was full of excitement as staff and volunteers Anna and Jake set up the party in the Greenhouse, complete with many of Jody’s favorite things, including streamers, blankets, socks, toys and fresh lilacs and grass.
This morning’s breakfast included fresh pineapple and kiwi and a grapefruit and banana smoothie with protein powder. We supplemented the fresh fruit with peanuts and primate chow as well.
Fresh flowers for Jody’s 40th birthday!
Once all of the party pieces were in place, it was time for the celebration to begin. The lilacs were a huge hit with the birthday lady as well as some of the other ladies in the group. The smoothie cups were a close second, at least for the ladies. Burrito went straight for the primate chow.
Today we honor Jody for the strong, intelligent, beautiful and independent woman that she is. We truly admire her for her ability to make the most elaborate nests with blankets, bamboo, paper and whatever else she deems necessary for maximum comfort. We also admire her foraging ability (being able to gather as many food items as possible in her arms and mouth and still be able to walk). And we love her for her enthusiastic greetings, helping us out by getting stray blankets out of the doorways when shifting the chimps and rounding everyone up for meal times.
Happy birthday Jody and happiest wishes for all mothers of all species everywhere! And thank you again Tracy for sponsoring today for Jody and the rest of her family!
Denice says
It is so fitting that on Mothers Day we celebrate Jody. Unfortunatally she never got to raise any of her 9 children. She had 11 pregnancy’s in 10 years, two miscarriage and 9 live births. Do the math, it was one after another to supply the horrible hunger of research labs.
Today and for the last 6 1/2 years she has been able to live with others of her kind and to know love and respect from those of us who care for her and the others.
She may spit water at me once in a while but it is to get my attention, no anger involved. She is a forgiving person with the best morning greetings and some great kisses.
Happy Birthday JoJo. I love you.
Jackie says
What a lovely party! Happy Birthday to the beautiful Jody! How wonderful that the chimps can live their lives in peace and comfort. If only all of the earth’s creatures were so fortunate. Thank you to all of the people that take care for the chimps and those that sponsor the special days. You are truly special!!
Arlene says
Happy Birthday Jody and thank you to all who helped to make today and everyday special for all the chimps. Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms and those who care and nurture others as well. The pictures of the chimps at the party are beautiful and touching. What a lovely buffet. I love the pictures of the chimps with the lilacs. Their expressions are priceless. I am so happy that they had a day filled with things that they enjoy and with those that love them nearby. I think they feel that love:)
Kathleen says
Happy Birthday Beautiful Jody!! This looks like a very successful birthday celebration. The decorations are lovely — I especially like the grass and lilacs woven into the streamers. Martha Stewart couldn’t have done it better!!!
Seeing all the chimps enjoying the lilacs and healthy bounty truly made me smile. While looking at these images it is hard to imagine their life before sanctuary and it so heartwarming knowing they have a new life at CSNW — one that offers celebrations, friendships, loving care givers, endless choices, and sweet smelling lilacs.
Sweet dreams birthday girl, may you dream of a happy safe future in your big cozy nest tonight! Love you.