Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for April 2018

In memory of Bill aka Twister

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Nicki Walters sponsored today for the chimpanzees in memory her late beloved husband, Bill, and his beautiful legacy. She shared this touching message about today:

“This is my anniversary present to the late but incredibly great Bill Walters. Of whom will always be memorialized as Twister. I was so very touched by a recent post of Foxie finally making it to the top. I could literally hear him cheering her on as I read. He was the ultimate supporter of the underdog, or in this case, underape, or in my case underhuman. My life will forever be better for having him in it and it fills my heart knowing the chimps lives are better as well by way of his Twister.”

Nicki, in life and after, both you and Bill bring so much to the chimpanzees and their home. Your love for them and commitment to enriching their lives make a lasting difference on a daily basis. We’re so touched that you were moved by Foxie’s recent brave adventure – it was a heart-singing moment to witness. And one made possible for her, and all the chimps, because of Bill’s life. From our hearts to yours, thank you, to you and your family and friends. We hope today finds you surrounded in the love, inspiration, comfort and adventure that you’ve helped weave through the chimps’ lives.

Revisiting Foxie’s recent adventurous moment atop the Twister. It took her two years of attempts before she felt comfortable working her way up to the top, but every curious, cautious, careful step was one we will always celebrate.

Life is Good

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It’s probably safe to say that there is nothing better on this planet than spring at the sanctuary. The doors are thrown open and a warm breeze blows through the chimp house. The chimps alternate between napping in sunspots and frolicking in the bright green grass outside on Young’s Hill. Everyone’s feeling light and free.

Spring has put an extra bounce in Burrito’s step today. Each time a caregiver passes by, he stomps his foot playfully and passes them this sock for a game of tug of war. Life is good.

Today is for Janet Holmes, chickens and their humans!

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Janet Holmes sponsored this day of sanctuary and shared this message about her gift!

“For my birthday, and to honor rescued chickens and their people. “I have always loved animals, but for many years I was afraid to get involved with animal rescue because I couldn’t imagine how I would deal with the heartbreak. A few years ago, I decided that animals needed me more than I needed to be comfortable, and I began volunteering for animal rescue groups as a photographer and caregiver. Through this volunteer work I have met many extraordinary individuals (human and non-human) who have taught me about resilience, forgiveness, hard work and love. In particular, in the past year I’ve been working on a special project that involves making portraits of vegan women who rescue and care for chickens. I love those moments when I’m able to make a portrait that allows the extraordinary personalities of these birds and their humans to shine through. You can see some of these portraits here: http://www.blurb.com/b/8541787-why-would-anyone-rescue-a-chicken For the same reasons, I love to (virtually) visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest to see the photographs, videos and stories about the chimpanzees and the people who help them enjoy a safe, loving and enriched environment. And so for my birthday this year, I decided to bring these two communities together through a donation that supports the Sanctuary and honors rescued chickens and the people who care for them. You can read more about this project here: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/chicken-photo-book-janet-holmes. Thank you to everyone who helps Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest provide the best life possible for the chimpanzees!”

Thank you so much, Janet, for choosing to celebrate your own special day in such a compassionate way. Thanks for all your efforts to make the world a place where everyone is honored for their place in it. Happiest of birthdays to you!

Here’s to everyone having a place to roost and call home, surrounded by love for exactly who you are:

A little extra fresh air

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Last weekend, JB took down a couple of the clear plastic panels that surround the chimps’ greenhouse enclosure. We can take these panels on and off, depending on the weather.

The chimps don’t mind at all! Cozy blankets, a good view, and a little extra fresh air: the perfect springtime combination!

Just ask Negra:

In memory of Doris Sims

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Our second special Sponsor a Day of the day comes from long-time volunteer, Patti Sims, in memory of her mother, Doris. Patti shared this message about today:

“I’d like to sponsor April 18th in honor of my mom, Doris Sims, who would have been 89 years old today! She took great interest in my volunteering with the chimps, and always asked how they were doing every time we spoke on the phone. She may not have completely understood my attraction to these seven hairy individuals, but she supported my involvement wholeheartedly. When I’d go back to Iowa to see her, I’d pull up the blog and we’d watch videos of their day. I think, like me, she shared a kindred spirit with Negra. I wish they could have met.”

Patti, thank you so much for always holding the chimps, and all animals, in your heart and for your passion and commitment to making their days better in every way possible. We’re happy to celebrate your mom’s memory with you today. Our hearts are with you and hope it’s a time filled with comfort, love, and reveling in the Neggie spirit.

Happy day to Sharon and Matt!

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We have two special sponsorships for this day of sanctuary which begins with Sharon Langone, who sponsored today with so much to celebrate! Sharon shared this message:

“I’d like to sponsor this day to celebrate both my husband Matt’s birthday and our ten year wedding anniversary! We love to read the blog and see what is going on at the sanctuary each day! We’re also looking forward to visiting the sanctuary in the summer and seeing more of the great work you all do!”

Sharon, how wonderful of you to include the chimpanzees in your day of celebration, love and family! Congratulations to you and Matt on your anniversary! And Matt, we hope this is the best birthday yet! Many thanks to you both for bringing that celebration and love to the chimps’ family and we’re looking forward to your visit this summer!

Love comes in many forms here at the sanctuary. Thank you for helping to ensure there’s a never ending stream coming into the chimps’ lives. All of us here wish you the happiest of days!

An oldie, but goodie of Foxie:

Jamie:

Missy:

Quiet friends

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This morning we watched the chimps go out on Young’s Hill for their first adventure of the day. They did their usual scatter into the wind technique, each chimp moving in a different direction, checking out all the changes that occurred overnight. The chimps all have different priorities when they’re outside, but there is usually a lot of chasing (especially between Annie and Missy) and serious perimeter patrolling (done by Jamie). As Katelyn and I observed the chimps flit in and out of our view, we saw two figures come hiking down the far off edge of the hill together.

Jody was following Foxie diligently on a perimeter patrol. Foxie would periodically break into a playful jog in front of her.

These two don’t have quite as famous a relationship as Annie and Missy, but they do spend a lot of time together. Whether it be grooming or exploring, they have a special quiet friendship that seems to suit them just fine.