It’s hard to believe only one year ago Mave, Honey B, and Willy B arrived here from Southern California. When they first arrived, they were in quarantine for 30 days before any volunteer was allowed to meet them, so my first meeting with them was delayed by a month. After meeting them, it’s truly hard for me (personally) to think back during a time where these three amazing beings have not been in my life at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. So much has happened since then. From Willy B triumphantly venturing outside for the first time, to Honey B developing her sense of style, to Mave’s adoring personality. Yes, there have been some rough and tough times since their arrival, but even with the bad, their current life and happiness is all that matters to us.
We all consider ourselves lucky to have even gotten a chance to meet these three, let alone given the opportunity to provide care for them and watch their personalities grow. It’s no wonder why past caregivers from throughout their lives, who have had the incredible luck of caring for them, still speak so highly of them.
To celebrate their one year anniversary here, we decided to throw them a celebration. Or at least tried to throw them a celebration. We tried to close off the front rooms today and individualize each one with each of their favorite things. Honey B had other plans this morning. She wouldn’t allow us to close off the areas we wanted to in order to set things up. But that’s the point of sanctuary. They ultimately get to make that choice. So first we were able to close of Front Room 5, to set up Willy B’s celebration, since I thought they would have to be set up one-by-one.
Then, by some miracle (also known as lunch), Honey B allowed us to close off the other areas for celebration set up. For lunch, they were served some of their favorites including avocados, and coconuts!
With all three of them happily eating in the Mezzanine, we quickly cleaned the other front rooms (and setup Willy B’s again), for their celebrations!
We also set up an enrichment item called “Frisbee Puzzles” for each of them in their room.
You may have noticed Honey B’s rainbow sash. Initially, these were set up in Mave’s celebration area. But when they exited the Mezzanine, these sashes caught Honey B’s eye. She immediately knew what to do with them.
She wore these almost for the remainder of the day, even passing one through to mesh for to me to wear with her.
After they completed their puzzles and got a chance to sort through their old and new enrichment, it was time to relax.
Willy B kept playing with his newest slinky while laying on his blanket. He would stretch it out, and try to catch it with his mouth as it coiled back up.
Mave napped with one of Honey B’s headbands (seemed fair enough since Honey B took her sashes).
And Honey B continued to patrol her enclosures in her “Mayor” sash. She just reminded me of those old time mayors who wore sashes everywhere.
One very special day is done, signalling the start of Honey B, Willy B, and Mave’s second year here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
I want to echo Katelyn’s words in yesterday’s blog:
To those who directly cared and advocated for Willy B, Mave and Honey B during their time at Wildlife Waystation, and who continue to care for the chimpanzees still there awaiting their new sanctuary homes, thank you, we think of you every day.”
In all sincerity, thank you to everybody who has been involved in these three’s lives. To their former caregivers to all the wonderful supporters from around the world, thank you! Your love for them fuels our passion to try to provide the best care for them. Here’s to one year down and many more to come!
PatC says
Happy Sanctu-versary!!! We’re glad you’re here. <3
Kathleen says
Cheers to one full year in sanctuary and countless more to follow. Sending all my love to the three Californians. I am laughing at how you spoiled each of them today (as it should be!). Wonderful blog Chad. The only thing missing is the photo of you in your Mayor Sash!
Happy to see Willy B has some new Slinkys, I was recently thinking about his wild moves. Would love to see a new video of him, I am sure that after a year of practice Willy has really perfected his style.
Arlene and Michael says
Thank you for making Honey B, Willy B, and Mave’s first anniversary so special, with all the things they enjoy. They are very fortunate to be at CSNW where they are loved and cared for every day. They are each so different and all so beautiful.
Linda C says
happy anniversary!
So Mave likes the dog rocker!? I’d love to see that in action some time! Glad she’s found some things that entertain her.
M Brown says
Three wonderful characters! I’m amazed by Honey B’s intelligence. Considering she was born and brought up in a lab, she is very smart when it comes to things you’d only expect a chimp like Jamie (having spent her formative years living in a human environment) to be aware of.
It’s just a shame that it didn’t work out for the 10 of them to all live together, but at least they’re all happy and much loved now.
Looking forward to seeing everyone’s progress. Well done CSNW.
Jo Arroyo says
You guys nailed it! With love Mave, Honey B and Willy B!
😉
Sherry says
My husband saw the picture of Honey B, and he said, “doesn’t she look like a professor at a University?” LOL Yes she does! Congratulations to all of you on your 1 year anniversary!
Lin says
What a gorgeous, splendid time was had by all! Thank you for all your work, love, patience, guidance, and faith in the process, as well as for sharing this word poetry and pictures with us so we can feel like we’re a part of this beautiful tribe of People. You are quite right about the Mayoral properties demonstrated by that lovely rainbow sash-wearing. I was charmed by their enjoyment of the whole special celebration, start-to-finish. Not sure how CSN was able to find caretakers who are also fine wordsmiths and photographers, among a myriad other perfectly-suited talents, but we are all grateful that it happened!
Barbara H. says
Happy First Year Anniversary, Willy B., Honey B. and Mave. You all looked soooo happy and playing
with your favorite things. I am amazed at how quickly you 3 adapted to the sanctuary. It took my little beagle, Susie, 2 years to trust me, so you three have done extremely well. I hope there is plenty of room
for more chimps to be rescued and join you at CSNW. This was one of my favorite blogs. I am so thrilled for Willy B’s progress especially outside. I will sponsor him again for next year..
May Finlayson says
Although I miss all the waystation chimps and the other animals, it makes my heart feel. Great to see these three, who were always people chimps being so well taken care of and loved, thank you all for giving them a great home?
Sandie Allaway says
My heart is full for today. Thank you all for providing love, caring, and the room for them to grow in whatever way they need to. So much love and gratitude.