Yesterday was awesome. At our 2016 HOOT! gala, we had an exciting auction item – the “Golden Shovel Groundbreaking” with the opportunity to “fling the first shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking for the expansion.”
Yesterday, we were able to finally have that ceremonial groundbreaking!
There were two separate donors who won the item at the auction – Chris Gossard (and his wife Lee Ann) and Pat Cattolico. Chris and Pat donned some (also-ceremonial) protective gear and indulged us in a photo shoot.
Chris, Pat, Pat’s sister, former board member Sharon Burke, current board member Jessica Mayhew and her partner Chad then helped to put out a watermelon, cherry, and carrot forage on Young’s Hill for the chimpanzees’ dinner.
Negra was the first out the raceway as she has been for almost all hill forages so far this summer! As a stationary photographer, it was hard to keep up with her as 45+ year-old Negra climbed structures (including the new structure we are informally calling Escher for M.C. Esher), waded through the tall grass, and generally acted with her newfound adventurous spirit.
Burrito found the stash hidden in the treat rock:
as Annie hung around:
It was a great day. Every day that Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, and Negra spend at the sanctuary is great.
The staff and board of directors feel so fortunate to have such generous, fun, and loyal donors that choose to support the chimpanzees and the future plans for the sanctuary, and yesterday we were reminded again of just how wonderful CSNW supporters are.
Countdown to the start of construction: 15 days!
Wish I could have been there!
So wish I could have been there to share that moment. So wonderful!
I have my pictures of Annie and Foxie on my fridge! I’d love a collage to frame but need to “steal” your pictures. Is that permitted?
Love the Golden Shovel Groundbreaking! And your expansion IS going to be golden! Amazing the day has arrived. So exciting!
And Negra! Still leading the charge to forage on the hill?! It’s all too much for my heart to absorb. You said it best Diana, Negra really is aging in reverse. Just look at her on the Escher! It’s simply remarkable to witness how much she has blossomed in your care. I could burst with joy for her. ??
And I think the name Escher is perfect for the new structure.
How delightful!!!!!!!!!! So happy for all humans and chimp people and it just makes my heart happy and joyful!! BRAVO Love and hugs to you all…..
Thank you to all those that are providing a good life for these special beings!
That is pretty hard to process. Makes me want to cry. Looking at that face, actually all their faces, just brings me so much joy. The love and care they get, and who they get to be, is more than I know how to express. Thank you for loving them so and sharing all of them with us. xoxoxoxo
Foxie! I was thrilled to read a little more about my pal. I talk about her enough so my husband says, “Oh, your friend Foxie!” 🙂 These chimps lucked out and now live in the best retirement home. Kindness rules!
What a stark contrast! Like everyone has stated, no matter how many times I see the first photo I simply cannot prepare myself for the effect it has on me. It is always as if I am seeing it for the very first time. My head spins. Amazing how Foxie was still Foxie in that dank basement. Still playful enough to catch her peanuts behind her back and playfully requesting a fun game of belly rubs. Sigh. How did you ever hold yourselves together during your visit?!
Look at Foxie today! There are no words to express my deep gratitude.