Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for June 13, 2015

Negra out and about on her birthday + the 7th anniversary celebration

by

Below is a video of the elusive Negra, who was very active on her honorary 42nd birthday! All seven chimpanzees were in terrific moods and very busy all day. There are a few photos below the video.

Negra wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the surprise breakfast night bags. Burrito savored his too:

Burrito eating breakfast night bag

Thanks to supporters who sent party supplies, today’s celebration featured many piñatas.

If you attended our recent successful HOOT! fundraiser, you will recognize this piñata, which Annie is looting:

Annie treasure chest piñata

Jody scored the dog piñata:

Jody with dog piñata

And Jamie (not surprisingly) got her hands on more than one piñata, then decided to take them into the front rooms:

Jamie with pinata 3

Jamie with pinata 2

Jamie with pinata 1

Foxie had her favorite France Dora with her for most of the day:

Foxie with France Dora

 

Until we gave her a new, more compact Dora that was left at the gate by some anonymous donor with some other fun new gifts:

 

Foxie with little Dora

To set up the lunch forage, volunteer Lynn climbed the new tall towers to hide food there. Jody and Missy were the first to partake:

Jody and Missy climbing

Though we haven’t yet seen Negra climb the new structure, she surprised us by climbing another platform today to get some lettuce:

Negra climbing

Negra on top of platform

And then we only caught glimpses of her this afternoon as she confidently explored the hill:

Negra walking in the tall grass

Proving, once again, that the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees have been aging in reverse for the last seven years. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this possible!!!!!

Today is for Hope, Love, Home and Sanctuary

by

This day of sanctuary was also sponsored by our good friend, Kathleen Corby, in honor of two very special occasions. Today we celebrate both the honorary 42nd birthday of sanctuary royalty, Queen Negra, and the chimpanzees’ 7th year anniversary in sanctuary! Kathleen shared her beautiful and heartfelt sentiments about today’s celebrations:

“I would like to make two donations for the same day. One donation goes to NEGRA on her 42nd BIRTHDAY. Let me state that I do not have a “favorite” chimpanzee. I admire, respect, and care for each individual equally — quirks and all. But there is something about Negra. Negra instantly captured my heart and I never saw it coming. When I see a photo of Negra or read about her on your blog I often find myself with a catch in the back of my throat, a slight pang in my heart, (sometimes a tear in my eye!) and I experience this fuzzy little feeling. Ah Negra!

This year I want to thank Negra for giving me such pleasure and for teaching me that it is okay to take your time as you embark on a new path. She has shown me that trust, in others and in ourselves, should be afforded the time and nurturing it needs to blossom. Trust is very precious and the offering or earning of trust needs to be handled delicately.

Negra also taught me that you can never count an old gal out! This year she rallied with the best of them, finding new comforts in Foxies trolls and now in her “France Dora” doll. Negra has proven her bravery by venturing out onto Young’s Hill to forage, enjoying time alone in the tall grasses while eating and relaxing in the warm sunshine. I feel so very lucky to be able to witness Negra’s progress into her brave new world and I am grateful that at this stage in her life she has CSNW to allow her these experiences and freedoms. Happy birthday dear Negra. May this entire year unfold before you day by day offering new delights with the passing of time. XOXOXO.

My second donation is in CELEBRATION of the 7 years of SANCTUARY for 7 amazing CHIMPANZEES (and all the care givers, past and current, who make sanctuary happen)! Happy Anniversary to all. I look forward to the future plans of CSNW becoming a reality. On this day I celebrate your passion and compassion. Thank you for educating, inspiring, and connecting us all into one community of people who want to improve the quality of life for chimpanzees. CSNW truly is HOPE. LOVE. HOME. SANCTUARY. Much love always, Kathleen Corby.”

Kathleen, you have embraced each of the chimpanzees and welcomed them into your heart in countless ways. Though it may be from afar, your support and engagement in their lives, and in each step they take toward becoming more fully themselves, is inspiring. We are immensely grateful to have you as part of our chimp family and thank you so much for sponsoring such a special day full of celebration!

Happy Birthday, Negra! We love you!!

Negra close-up

And Happy 7th Anniversary Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy and Negra! May all your days continue to be filled with love, respect, joy and comfort. And may you live each day knowing you are home. We could not possibly love each of you more.

Annie:

web_Annie_lie_down_bench_portrait_studio_look_at_camera_FR4_ek_IMG_2898

Burrito:

web_burrito_handsome_up-close_gh_dm_IMG_3014

Foxie:

web_foxie_rest_closeup_gh_kd_IMG_1376

Jamie:

2013 Jamie

Jody:

Jody

Missy:

web_missy_closeup_sun_look_up_kd_IMG_1431

Congratulations, Joel!

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lynelle Anderson, in honor of her son, Joel Feller’s, graduation! Lynelle shared this message about today:

“In celebration of Joel graduating from Central Washington University with his Bachelor of Science in Primate Behavior and Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. We’re grateful for the support he received from everyone at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and the inspiration the chimps bring to his life.”

Joel is our first, and currently one-and-only, male volunteer caregiver. Burrito, who can probably relate, is always thrilled to see Joel and really appreciates their quality “guy-time.” And Burrito isn’t the only one who makes good use of having Joel around. Watch Joel and Missy play chase here.

Lynelle, thank you so much for having the chimpanzees share in your celebration with Joel! The support you and Brian, and your family, have shown Joel and the sanctuary is wonderful and inspiring.

Joel, hoots upon hoots of congratulations to you for all that you’ve accomplished! Thanks so much for all you do for the chimpanzees! We wish you all the best in your next adventures!

Burrito:

web_Burrito_play_bow_playface_deck_GH_ek_IMG_4666

This is, indeed, a day of celebration! Today we also celebrate both Queen Negra’s birthday and the chimpanzees’ 7th year anniversary of coming to their sanctuary home. None of which would be remotely possible without you. Be sure to tune in later today to check out the festivities!