Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for April 30, 2016

Happy Birthday, Diana!

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There is so much to celebrate today! Not only is tonight our annual auction and gala, Hoot!, but it also happens to be our Co-Director, Diana Goodrich’s, birthday! An anonymous friend of the chimps appears to have been in cahoots with their pal, Jamie, and “helped” her sponsor this day for Diana along with sending this sweet message:

“When Jamie asked to borrow my credit card, I got suspicious…more cowboy boots ??? Not this time, she wanted to sponsor a day for one of her best friends, Diana, on her birthday! She said she hopes it will be one of the best birthdays ever!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA!!! Love Jamie”

Thank you so much to Jamie and her co-conspirator for sponsoring this special day for Diana!! The chimps and humans alike couldn’t be more fortunate to have such an amazing, compassionate and dedicated person to call our friend and colleague. Happiest of birthday hoots to you from us all, Diana!! Thank you so much for all you do to make the lives of so many others the best they can be.

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NEGRA on the Final Day of HOOT!

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Negra

Tonight is the night – 212 attendees, 25 volunteers and staff, and approximately two co-directors will descend upon The Foundry for a night of celebration and fundraising for Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest while Negra, the Queen of the sanctuary, sleeps soundly in her nest of blankets.

Negra, who was ripped from her family and home in Africa. Negra, who was brought to the United States to be used in biomedical research as an infant. Negra, who spent over three decades living in laboratories. Negra, who had four babies during this time, all of them removed from her shortly after birth. Negra, who was put into complete isolation for 18 months on the basis of incorrect blood work. Negra, who clearly showed the signs of PTSD when she arrived at the sanctuary.

Negra, and the chimpanzees like her who are still waiting for their chance to sleep soundly, is why we are gathering tonight.

Her sanctuary story wouldn’t be possible without those who are working each day to improve the lives of animals in a myriad of ways, raising the consciousness of others and helping to change society in incremental steps and quantum leaps.

Tonight those attending HOOT! have the opportunity to connect with many of these people,  including Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States.

For those of you not able to attend, I encourage you to listen to this interview with Wayne on the Diane Rehm Show.

For all supporters, whether you are able to attend or not, watch the video message below from Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest board president Lisa McCurdy and know that your support means the world to Negra and to all of us, human and non, at the sanctuary.

Some of you may know that it happens to be my birthday today as well as HOOT! If you would like to donate in honor of either or both of these events, you are most welcome do so on the HOOT! donation page. I am so looking forward to telling everyone about the success of the event in the coming days!