In addition to today’s video, I am going to share the following message from CSNW Co-Director Diana (with a few current photos sprinkled in):
Wow!!! The Queen’s Brunch brought out so many generous people – thank you all so much!
Negra and her friends are definitely feeling the love right now.
The bidding is going on through tomorrow night at 8:00pm PT, so there’s still time to secure those things you can’t live without! We set the donation goal for sponsoring the journey of the Lucky Six at $110,000 – that’s $100 for each mile of their journey. And guess what?! We are less than $10,000 shy of that very ambitious goal.
Maybe we’ll reach it by tomorrow night when the auction closes?
Thank you for this incredibly warm welcome for the new six chimpanzees.
We owe a big “thank you” to Cory, Brad, Kayla, and everyone at Auction Frogs for once again hosting the virtual event. Cory did an outstanding job as host-at-a-distance (with the help of Honey B and Negra, of course).
We just want to clear up some important information about the Lucky Six. They were born at a biomedical research facility. For the last 25+ years, however, they have been cared for at the Wildlife Waystation (WWS).
WWS rescued them from life as biomedical research subjects and was a pioneer in that respect. It closed in 2019 with 42 chimpanzees and hundreds of other animals needing to be re-homed. That’s when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stepped in to manage the daily operations, still keeping on the caregivers who have been with the chimpanzees for decades.
The Chimpanzees in Need campaign then arose and is working to re-home the remaining chimpanzees, including the Lucky Six.
We are beyond thrilled to have been in a position to help the chimpanzees at Wildlife Waystation, including Honey B, Mave, and Willy B, and soon the Lucky Six. We look forward to continuing to help the campaign and see other groups of chimpanzees find their way to more accredited sanctuaries.
SO excited for the arrival of the 6 … and so in love with the 10 that “we know”… You all are just incredible – no words are sufficient. Hugs and thanks to all.
Thank you, Judy!
Thanks for the great shots of them each drinking from the cups.. or the floor (Burrito) … just the differences and the samenesses of how they each drink is fascinating to me1 🙂
We’re always fascinated, too! They all have such unique styles.
I will be following the epic journey of the Lucky (indeed!) Six as they get closer and closer to their forever home.
Thank you for supporting them, Mark!
I wish our beloved Negra a healthy and enjoyable new year of life. As the video tribute to her stated, every moment of the past thirteen years that she has been able to live in her sanctuary has been a gift. She embodies what the CSNW is all about: Home, hope, love and a refuge.
Indeed, having learned a little more about Cy, Rayne, Dora, Terry, Gordo and Lucky today on the brunch live stream, I hope that those six will find their new environs to their liking. I wonder if Willy, Mave and Honey B will recognize their new neighbors from California?
Thanks, Tobin! Those are kind words. I agree that seeing Neggie enjoying the simple pleasures of retirement is a highlight of working at the sanctuary.
We’re not certain how that Waystation reunion will go, and we don’t know what the chimps will be thinking. It’s going to be interesting on that side of the building, for sure.
Happy Birthday Dear Negra. It was a day fit for a Queen. The piña coladas look as if they were a big hit with everyone, so much so Burrito didn’t miss a spilled drop! Thank you Anthony for including the CA Three readying for their celebration. The look in Mave’s eyes as she peers through the window into the piña colada cup is absolutely p-r-i-c-e-l-e-s-s! And thank you to everyone involved in The Queen’s Brunch today. Not only was it a fun filled day the for the chimps, it was fun for me. It was exciting to see the donations and miles growing exponentially in the final 5-10 minutes! Amazing!! And thank you J.B. and Diana and Dr. Erin for sharing information and answering our questions during the Queen’s After Party. Almost as good as being there.
Looking forward to updates on the Lucky Six!
Thanks, Kathleen!
The pina coladas were actually Chad’s idea, and he recorded the reactions of HB, Mave and WB! (I was busy shadowing Sam since she is learning how to operate doors and lead our safety checks!)
We’re so thrilled with how the event turned out, and I’m glad that you loved it! Thanks for your support, as always!
Hi. I was wondering…
Do the Lucky Six live together as a group at wildlife waystation?
Will any of their caregivers come with them? This must be so difficult for those caregivers who have loved the Lucky Six and others for decades.
At the beginning of the pandemic you paused the volunteer program. Has that program been reinstated yet? Or do you know when it will be?
Thank you. Love you!
I love this video. Thank you all for what you do for these beautiful Chimps and for giving the Queen a royal celebration. Hugs to you all.