Thanks to so many amazing supporters we had a hugely successful and exciting evening at our annual HOOT! gala in Seattle last night! We can’t wait to share more of the details with you!
And if you saw the blog yesterday, you’ll know that while the humans were celebrating in Seattle, the chimps were, of course, having their own celebration here with a festive forage.
In typical day-after-the-party style, the chimpanzees have been relaxing and lounging today, while throwing in an occasional stroll around the hill. But the excitement returned when they received a visit from an old friend. Keith LaChappelle, the founder of the sanctuary, was here to attend HOOT! last night and stopped by with his family to say hello to the chimps before heading home. And the chimps could not have been more excited to see him! As soon as Keith walked in, the chimp house echoed with hoots and hollers and everyone was anxious to greet him.
But perhaps one of the most excited, was Burrito. The chimps had a nice long visit with Keith and Burrito followed him around the entire time. When it eventually came time for Keith and his family to leave, Burrito was glued to their every move, silently following them from inside the chimp house as he watched out the windows:
Burrito was actually softly hooting as he watched his friend heading across the driveway. I’m not going to lie, this is about the time I couldn’t help but tear up a little over Burrito’s sweet self.
To each of you who made HOOT! 2018 the amazing success it was and for all those who help to ensure that the chimps are thriving for all their days forward and are the momentum behind our vision for the future of the Bring Them Home Campaign for Expansion, you are a gift and an inspiration. From our hearts, thank you!!
And if you were unable to attend HOOT!, but would still like to contribute to this incredible celebration of homecoming and sanctuary, you may still do so here.
PatC says
May 21, 2018 at 7:59 amoh what a sweet friendship Burrito and Keith have. Thank you to the Event Team for setting up such a great HOOT! It’s an evening to give, for sure, and it’s also an evening to receive the gift of being able to share our love for these (and future) chimps with others who feel the same.
Kathleen says
May 21, 2018 at 9:45 amJust when I thought I couldn’t love more than I already do, I read this. Oh Katelyn… just reading this made me tear up, can’t imagine what you felt watching it all unfold. You can see in your photos that Burrito is uttering little hoots. Poor Keith, it must have been heartachingly hard to turn his back on his dear old friends and walk down the drive to his car. But the joy of being remembered and the special time together will outshine the farewell I am sure.
Eric De Hart says
May 21, 2018 at 3:27 pmI absolutely love Burrito. Actually I love all the chimps. All of them have wonderful personalities. I hope to meet them someday.
Thank you to all that care and support them to ensure they live the best life they can!? Much love and respect.?
Tobin says
May 21, 2018 at 3:58 pmWhat a poignant posting. I hope that Burrito gets to visit with old human friends again before too long.