Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Nicki Walters in memory of her husband, Bill Walters. Nicki and Bill have been such good friends to the chimpanzees and we’re honored to celebrate Bill and the difference he made in life. In fact, we are privileged to celebrate the difference his life made here at the sanctuary every day. Nicki shared this special message about Bill:
“We lost Bill last year in July but not before he got to see in person the amazing Twister & the beloved Chimps playing on it. Missy was first up! It all started by sponsoring a day in honor of his Birthday, that ended up spreading to last more days. He loved animals and life and is very missed but knowing a tribute that benefits the magnificent 7 named after him with his nickname truly provides peace and happiness to all who loved him. This is a tradition that will continue on. He loved what all of you do, thank you for helping to give him so many bright spots on the dark days with your incredible posts and to all who made the Twister possible.”
Nicki, thank you so much for choosing to honor and celebrate Bill’s memory with the chimpanzees. All of us here at CSNW hold you and your loved ones in our thoughts and hearts.
I believe most of us have the desire to somehow say we were here, to mark our time and to know that our life made a difference – that we left the world a better place for having been here. The possibilities are as far-reaching and unique as each one of us. And I think all of us will leave having made differences we will never be aware of. But for seven chimpanzee people who live on a hillside outside a small town in eastern Washington, Bill and his loved ones made a difference which will continue to ripple throughout all their days forward.
The chimps’ first inspection of the Twister:
Missy, first to the top!
Bill and Nicki watch the unveiling:
Annie and Missy playing chase underneath:
Jamie keeping watch over her home from under her beloved crow’s nest:
Foxie and Dora on an adventure:
Burrito’s courage:
Jody:
Missy (top) and Annie (below):
The Twister quickly became an important part of Jamie’s daily routine territory checks. Weather permitting, it’s the first place she heads each morning and the place she ends her day…or in many cases, her evening:
The photo of Buritto was well titled .. he really looks nervous and not at all like the others, bless his heart. So glad he’s giving it a try
Photos and videos of the Seven on the Twister are my very favorite. The Twister is the most creative enrichment structure on the hill! You can feel the wonder, joy, excitement, and peace within each chimp as they venture up, down and around it. I personally can’t think of a finer or more beautiful tribute to someones life.