January 23, 2020 - Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Jamie was playing a pretty intense game of chase with caregiver Kelsi earlier today. This game spanned all the way from the Greenhouse to the opposite end of the Playroom for quite some time. A little while later, I went around to find all the chimpanzees and found almost all inside the heated building. I was just missing one: Jamie. I went out to the Greenhouse with volunteer Krissy. It was on the top platform in the Greenhouse, both Krissy and I found this perfect bundle of blankets.

Very rarely is any human able to make any movement around the sanctuary without Jamie knowing about it. Kelsi must have really tired her out because she seemed a tiny bit surprised both Krissy and I in the human area of the Greenhouse. She acknowledged us for a second before resting here eyes again.

A few minutes later, I went back in to check on her, and she was up and ready to return to her sanctuary duty of monitoring the humans.

As I am writing this, I hear things dropping from the loft area of the Playroom and a lot of stomping. Please excuse the abrupt end to this post. The Boss is calling me.

This special day of sanctuary was sponsored by Donna Hughes in memory of her beloved twin sister, and our beloved friend, Doreen, in celebration of their shared birthday.

“In Memory of Our Birthday, Doreen. You are so missed by so many. I know how much you love Chimpanzee Sanctuary NW, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our special day. You are with me still. Our wonderful visit to the Sanctuary is a cherished memory. I know how much you love Foxie and all of the residents (human and ape!) Until we meet again …xo Don & Samantha”

We couldn’t be more touched or thrilled to celebrate this special birthday! Donna and Doreen are two of the most delightfully enchanting, kind, loving, and effervescent humans you could ever hope to meet. They’re the kind of people who lift your heart in a world that doesn’t always and make you think, “Chalk two up for the humans!” Together, Donna and Doreen have made countless differences in the lives of so many of our fellow animals through their support of animal welfare.Though we were heartbroken at Doreen’s passing last year and miss her every day, I don’t think I’ve seen an instance of someone’s spirit and legacy being kept as strong as I do through the equally beautiful heart of her beloved sister, Donna. And there’s no doubt for me that Doreen is shining on all the lives she touched each and every day.

As long-time friends and supporters of the sanctuary, and Chimp Pals with Ms. Foxie through their shared admiration of troll dolls, they made a visit to the sanctuary a couple years ago all the way from their beloved home in New York City. I know they cherished this long awaited visit, but I hope they know that each one of us here did as well.

Don, thank you so much for allowing us to share in your special day with you. We are so very lucky to count you both as dear friends and members of our chimp family. I hope this day is filled with adventure, joy and comfort for you and beautiful Samantha Cat. I like to think Dor will be doing Foxie-style pirouettes and backflips right alongside you and you know she’d expect you to keep up! Happy Birthday, you two!!

Donna and Doreen and background (L to R): Missy, Foxie and Negra: