This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Becca Hines, a long-time volunteer caregiver and friend of the chimpanzees. Becca and her husband, Lars Foster-Jorgensen, who has also volunteered in the chimp house, are off to the next chapter of their lives. Becca shared this message about her gift of sanctuary today:
“I would like to sponsor a day for the chimps as a “see you later” party before I move to IN. With the corona virus I can’t celebrate with them in person, so I thought this was the next best thing! It’s a bittersweet goodbye, after 8 years these chimps are truly some of my longest friends. The best times of my life have happened with these chimpanzees and I am forever grateful for the staff for creating this volunteer program and putting up with me for so long! I love these chimpanzees with all of my heart and I will miss seeing them dearly. I would also like to sponsor this day in honor of a former staff member, Elizabeth. I know she will probably hate this but she gave me my volunteer orientation in 2012 and has become one of the greatest friends I have ever known. She (and these chimps, mostly Jamie with all the walks around young’s hill) have mentally and physically turned me into the person I am today, and I am not sure I would be standing here without her. Thursday’s in the chimp house will always be my favorite memory. Thank you for all you have done for me EK.”
Becca, we’re so sorry you couldn’t be here in person for a “see you later” party and know how incredibly difficult that must be. But that’s why it’s “see you later” and not “goodbye.” Thank you for always holding the chimpanzees, and all animals, in your heart. You’ve been a wonderful friend to the chimpanzees and a dedicated subordinate human to Jamie Chimpanzee, and we can’t thank you enough for all you and Lars have done for them. All of us here wish you and Lars all the good things as you head toward your new lives. Do boss lady, Jamie, proud in your new endeavors. She’ll be watching you. We don’t know how, but she will. 😉
Oh my, this brought tears to my eyes. Becca, I may not know you except through mention on the blog and in photos posted of you setting up parties (Go Sea Hawks), cleaning, and being with Jamie, but, I can only imagine how hard it must be to leave these unique friends behind. You’ll have to celebrate via a Zoom party with The Seven and The Threesome from afar, and maybe patrol with Jamie from a far too. Best of luck to you in your new found world. Thank you for everything you have done for the chimps.
Thank you Becca, for all your work with CSN !
Good luck to you in your new adventures.
I love that picture of you walking with Jamie, Did she pick out that boot for you to wear?
I’m not sure you’ll find a new friend in IN with that kind of fashion sense,
but make sure and keep us updated on this blog. 🙂
We celebraye you and (again) Elizabeth, Becca!
Good luck in IN; you’ll find folks are nice there, but no one exactly like the 7….
I wish you luck in future endeavours, and a chance to say hi to The Boss now and then (Face Time, anyone?)
What a beautiful post. I can tell those chimps mean the world to you and they
thank you every day for your love and care. Good Luck in IN. Very nice tribute.