Reflecting on 2019, this year has been a huge year and also a bit wild and crazy. We had so many highs and some lows too. I have been reflecting on this year a lot. The most amazing things have happened, like, the arrival of three new chimpanzees Mave, Willy B, and Honey B, we have a new building, we started introductions for the chimps, there was the most epic hug between Burrito and Mave, the potential for new relationships, and still so much more growth here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. CSNW has been waiting so long to bring more chimps home and we did it! I get emotional thinking about it. This alone is a massive accomplishment. So much good change has happened around here, even if it means it’s a tad bit more chaotic. 🙂
With those highs, sadly, came lows. I will say the big fight was one of the scariest moments in my career so far. I think back and I am so grateful for the staff I work with and the people I work for. Without this team of selfless and caring people this would have been an even more difficult process to go through. As you have read in previous blogs, any one of us would drop everything and run out the door for anyone for these chimps. Burrito’s recovery process has been long and incredibly exhausting. But Burrito is alive, he is getting back to his normal self, and that is all we care about! I so badly wanted new relationships for Burrito. And to see him almost have it was so amazing and devastating when it was all over. But, what I want most for Burrito is for his health and wellness. He may not get to make new friends, but we can all remember that hug. He has some very fierce lady friends to help keep him company.
So, I am excited for this new year. I think 2020 will have a lot in store for us! There will be growth, there will be fun, and mischief to be had. We are still getting to know the three and I hope with another year they will allow us to get to know them more and further our relationships with them. We hope to continue finding ways to make their lives better and find more choices for the ten chimpanzees’ future.
Cheers to the New Year!
Lounge into the New Year with Mave:
Cara says
Happy New Year to all of you! Thanks for all you do for the chimps… reading the blog is a bright spot in my day!
CeeCee says
A very Happy new year to everyone !
Thank you CSN for all you do.
Linda C says
Oh, darn, Kelsi, I came across something on YouTube that I was gonna post for today, for Willie B, so that you could show it to him….something like “panda loves stuffed carrot too much”…
Poor Mave looks bored…not unhappy, just bored….
Happy New Year to all of the staff, volunteers, chimps (of course), and fellow followers!
Kelsi says
I think that may just be how Mave’s face rests sometimes. She was actually being quite silly and had just been playing with the red wagon!
Linda C says
Lol, I have a mild case of RBF myself!
Diane DePoe says
Happy New Year! Having faith that 2020 will bring a lot of FUN times for the CleElum 10 and ALL caregivers!
Peace and Love!
Louise Walters says
Happy 2020 to all of you! Great work! If you have any time to post videos of the chimpanzees laughing, I would really love to hear and see them. It is incredible to watch another animal laugh!! Thank you for all you do!
Jackie says
Happy New Year to all of the chimps and the wonderful people that take care of them. May the new year be filled with love, peace, and good times.
Judy says
A very Happy New Year to you all… those words take on different/new/exciting meaning when one contemplates the changes that have transpired in 2019… We are all along for the ride… most of all I wish peace and security for Burrito… I believe the comfort zone that he needs may not require “new” relationships… just new experiences with the old relationships… human and almost human… Lots of love to all of you!
debi says
CSN…Your dedication & love, not just for Chimpanzees, but for all animals in general (& even each other), is so palpable I can actually feel it…I wish everyone (including all the kind, caring, & loyal Blog followers as well) a blessed New Year…
Peace Love & contented Joy to all…Debi
Kathleen says
From my armchair perspective, everything you have accomplished is awe inspiring. Three new chimps have a new life! And while my heart melted and I did a happy dance over Willy B and Burrito’s embrace, that moment is no less diminished because the integration didn’t go as planed. No one, not us or Burrito or Willy B, will forget that budding friendship. Burrito is safe with his family of six gals, they will always be there for him…even when he displays and drives them crazy. And you will always be there for all ten chimps, and hopefully, even more chimps in the future.
May 2020 welcome new chimpanzees into your loving embrace. I keep thinking of the remaining chimps at Wildlife Waystation, maybe some will join Willy B, Mave and Honey B. One thing we all learned from this year, we are all standing beside you. We are here to help in holding you up. We believe in you and we believe in these chimpanzees and cows and Ellie-Buttons. Together. We are better when we join together.
Hope. Love. Home. Together. XOXO. Happy New Year!