“True altruism is caring for places you will never visit, people you will never meet and a future you will never see.” – Author unknown –
I was looking at Jane Goodall’s Facebook page the other day and came across the above quote. As I read the words, I couldn’t help thinking of all of the people who have and will continue to advocate for chimpanzees across Africa who have suffered as the result of deforestation, the pet trade and the bush meat trade. Many of these people are fighting for animals in places they will never have the chance to visit.
And then I read the quote again and couldn’t help but think of all of the Cle Elum Seven supporters around the world. Many supporters will never be able to meet these chimps, yet, they continue to love and support them.
Reading the quote one more time, I thought about the countless number of people fighting for a future they were not sure they’d ever see; an end to biomedical research on chimpanzees in the United States. I think Diana did a great job of describing how our society has shifted toward “greater understanding and compassion” It takes a lot of people and a lot of time, but change does happen and a future we dreamed about is happening now.
Thank you to all those who care about and advocate for, the places, the people and the future you may never see.
Jamie
Jody
Burrito
Negra
Foxie (look close to see Annie’s head poking out in the background)
Missy (Foxie is in the background holding a troll doll.)
Annie
