The chimpanzees are incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful friends. Nicki Walters, sponsored a special day of sanctuary today in memory of her husband, Bill Walters, on his birthday.
“It all started with Bill’s Birthday and led to the Twister. I must keep the tradition going and bring a day of fun to the Chimps for Bill’s Birthday. It is the best way to keep him in our hearts by knowing extra joy will be felt in his memory. Reading the funny antics about the Chimpanzee’s got us, and continue to get me through some dark days. Thank you for providing such loving care to these beautiful creatures and being so generous in sharing them with your amazing daily posts.”
In a year, plus, of so many ups and downs and twists and turns in the world, our hearts couldn’t have been more lifted to see this.
Bill, aka “Twister”, and the structure Twister, both continue to bring adventure and lift hearts, spirits and courage every day here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, and we suspect, in so many other hearts as well. Thank you so much, Nicki, for continuing to allow us the opportunity to celebrate Bill and his legacy with you, and for helping the chimpanzees’ hearts and spirits grow bigger and freer with each passing day.
Jamie and adventurous Burrito:
The Twister is by far my favorite structure on The Hill. I celebrated every single time a new chimp conquered the firehose and climbed into the tippy-top Crows Nest, like Burrito in these photos. To be honest, seeing Mr. B sitting on the top, grasping onto the side rail makes me a little weepy. That image is just incredibly precious.
Thank you Bill for giving all of us The Twister. I hope you spend your birthday sitting up in the crows nest, taking in the glorious view of the Yakama River, side by side with one (or more!) your beloved chimp friends. And thank you Nicki for letting us all share this day with you.
Thank you so much for sharing this Kathleen. It means so much! I so hope that in spirit he does get to sit on the crows nest enjoying their company and cheering their bravery.