July 22, 2021 - Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

This afternoon I found Jody relaxing in one of her favorite summer spots, the bottom platform of Greenhouse 1. I have seen her in this pose (with her arm up on the next platform above) more than I can count.

Jody loves to use the upper deck of the greenhouse as her personal table. We’ve captured the moment many times throughout the years:

Just as you probably have a preferred side of my couch or a designated spot at the dinner table, the chimps all seem to have favorite places they spend their time. Their preferences change with weather, season and time of day.

Honey B in one of her commonly found spots in the chute.

Upside down Jamie on her barrel. The best spot to casually monitor the humans from Playroom 1.

Gordo has already decided he enjoys the doorways that go out to the greenhouses.

Heartfelt thanks to long-time friend of the chimpanzees, Nicki Walters, who sponsored this day of sanctuary in memory of her beloved husband, Bill Walters. Bill was lovingly known as “Twister” by his family and friends and if you are newer to the blog and wonder if there’s a connection to the chimpanzees’ climbing structure on Young’s Hill that we call the Twister, well, there sure is!

Nicki shared this beautiful and gracious message about today:

“On this day 5 years ago the world lost an amazing human, Bill Walters. Yet today we not only concentrate on celebrating his life but also the addition of the Lucky 6 to the Amazing 10! The generosity of the caregivers to take us along in such personal blogs has brought so many laughs and joy to my life and did to Bill‘s life. I love seeing Missy scaling the Twister and so many times they all gather below as if in a fort. I so look forward to following along this journey as the Lucky ones acclimate and join others to build an incredible community. Thank you to all the caregivers, Diana and JB for all you do for the chimps and for us in sharing so many wonderful events and funny antidotes on a daily basis. You allow us to feel like we know each of these amazing characters. You all make the world a better place for the Chimpanzees and for for all of us by doing so.”

Nicki, we’re sure thinking of you and Bill today. It’s such a gift to witness the chimpanzees continue to find courage, joy and shenanigans on the Twister. Even these years later, seeing someone gaining the courage to climb to the top for the first time, or seeing someone enjoying a moment of solitude up there as they take in the view, is incredible to witness. We can only imagine what the chimpanzees’ must be thinking when they’re up there, but we are so grateful to you both for giving them the opportunity to see more, to see further, to climb higher, than they at one time ever imagined. We’re so grateful to you both for continuing to bring new adventures and make a lasting difference in all the chimps’ lives. We hope your heart and memories are filled with comfort, ease and love today.

And if anyone would like to learn more about Bill’s wonderful legacy at the sanctuary, you can read more here.

Missy!