It’s that time of year again, when thanks to the creation of chimp friend extraordinaire, Monica Best, we get to have a party in celebration of chimpanzees and our love for them! Monica sponsors this official/unofficial day each year in their honor. And this year, Monica is graciously sharing her incredible story and a heartfelt request for the chimps who bring so much to all our lives:
“Today is my favorite day of the year….nope, I’m not talking about my birthday…it’s almost LOVE A CHIMPANZEE DAY! Nine, or ten (we can’t quite decide) years ago, after my second battle with cancer and an uncertain future, I sponsored the first Love A Chimpanzee Day for the chimps at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, and all the chimps in the world. I wanted to make sure there was a day to honor chimpanzees everywhere, but especially my favorite chimps at CSNW, who kept me going through the numerous cancer battles (I’ve had to battle cancer two more times, and have dealt with horrible side effects from cancer related medication). The chimps gave me so much strength, for each new battle I faced….As my thank you to these amazing beings, I try to give back to them (as often as I can) and the efforts to provide them with a wonderful life, filled with love, first class care, enrichment and lots of tasty food.
I know times are difficult for everyone this year, but I still felt the chimps should be celebrated…not only for them, but for the joy they bring to so many…and we could certainly use a bit of joy right now. This year, I have teamed up with one of my favorite human primates, Diana Goodrich, in an effort to help our favorite non human primates. From now until May 6th, Diana and I will be working hard to raise funds for the 10 chimps that mean so much to us both. Again, I know times are difficult for so many right now, but if you are able to donate, even a small amount, to LOVE A CHIMPANZEE DAY or GiveBIG Washington, it would mean the world to us. You can donate to our GiveBig Washington page or directly to the sanctuary. There has been a lot of controversy, as of late, as to what constitutes a true sanctuary. I can tell you that CSNW is the epitome of a true sanctuary. CSNW exists FOR the chimps and their needs. The incredible staff and volunteers are there for the chimps, and the chimps’ well being is always the priority. Please, if you can donate to help the ten most amazing chimps, it will be so greatly appreciated.
Again, you can donate through the GiveBIG Washington page or directly to the sanctuary…in the note section you can just say it’s for Love A Chimpanzee Day. Thank you so much for the love and support so many of you give to the organizations around the world that are helping chimps, in sanctuaries and in the wild. I truly believe that I am still here because of the Cle Elum Ten. So, please, if you can, help me honor and care for Negra, Jody, Missy, Foxie, Burrito, Jamie, Annie, Willy B, Honey B and Mave. Thank you. <3<3<3″
Monica, from our hearts, thank you so very much for all you do to help ensure the chimpanzees (and so many animals) have the lives they deserve. And for so compassionately sharing your story and your heart, giving us all the gift of knowing there is strength, gratitude, inspiration and celebration to be found even, if not especially, in the midst of difficult and uncertain times.
Happy, happy birthday, Monica!! We hope it’s the best one yet and are so happy to celebrate with you! We hope you are taking a cue from Negra and doing something exciting like walking around your yard with a pineapple in mouth.
Happy Love a Chimpanzee Day, everyone!!
Burrito:
Jody:
Mave:
Honey B and Willy B:
Foxie:
Jamie:
Annie and Missy:
Such beautiful faces! Love the chimps everyday!
It looks like Jamie is getting ready to write a Thank You letter to Monica Best.
Hip Hip Hoo Ray it Love A Chimpanzee Day! Happy Birthday Monica Best (you truly are THE best!) Through the years I have been a witness to your never ending, pure and altruistic love of the chimpanzees at CSNW. It appears you are a fighter, a survivor just like your beloved friends. While we will never meet, I am so happy you are here on this earth. Thank you for always being there for the chimps. (I am a happy supporter of “Monica and Diana’s Birthday Wish” GiveBIG day. Wish I could do more.)
We should all have hearts half as big as yours. Much love to you on this super special day!
I have not been able to give lately but I am inspired by Monica’s story; what a fighter with a huge heart you are! And then I saw the photo of Burrito. Oh my oh my. I hope my bit helps. (I remember telling an elephant sanctuary I supported once in a while that at that time I could give only $10. They responded “do you know that will feed an elephant for one day?”. Wow. A little does make a difference.) Wishing you good health, Monica.
Francoise, I can feel you generous heart through your posts. I work in marketing for animal welfare non profits so I wanted to personally let you that, from my experience, donations of $5 and $10 are the lifeline for many organizations. It is often the steady flow of small donations that feed an organization. These donations help to keep the lights/heat on month to month, provide everyday medical supplies, food, and much needed enrichment. If seventy five people gave one dollar you’d have $75 to put to good use. There is no such thing as a small donation!
Donations can come in many forms. And some “donations” are born from a Ripple Effect. Enlightening a friend about the chimps we love educates someone new. Share a post and you never know what the next person will do.
Those chimps are just too funny in what they do. Just like little kids
being crazy funny and so different some times. Happy Chimpanzee Day
to the chimps and the sanctuary. I thought of them last night as it was
The 50th anniversary for Earth Day and such an amazing tribute to Jane
Goodall and her Institute and all she has done for these amazing animals.
It was a wonderful show. Perfect timing.
Isn’t everyday love a chimpanzee day? Oh well I guess you can’t have a party everyday…
Love to you all from my siblings and I here in Edmonton Alberta ??????
Monica thank you for all you do for the wonderful chimpanzees. Wishing you a happy birthday and good health and joy in the year ahead.