Our many thanks to friend of the chimpanzees, Dean Featherstone, who sponsored this day of sanctuary and shared this lovely heartfelt message:
“In honor of all the folks at CSNW, Project Chimps and the caretakers who stayed on at Wildlife Waystation. Independence Day is very important to me. Freedom comes at a cost and is unique to each individual. Having said that, caring people from three points of the Nation’s compass came together to provide a new freedom for the Lucky Six. They all still work to better the lives of all chimpanzees in captivity. (I don’t normally get this mushy, but today is special, lol)”.
Willy B hootin’:
Lucky and Dora on their arrival, their first day touching grass:
Burrito:
Negra:
Terry:
Foxie, last Fourth of July:
Annie and Missy zooming:
Yes today is special. A day to reflect, and to pray for our country.
Thank you Dean for making it even more special.
Happy Independence Day Dean!
how many chimps are still at Waystation….?
how many facilities are currently serving their needs like CSN…?
how can those few remaining be portioned out to the facilities without an undue burden on the facility or the chimps….
get it done…….
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your questions. There are 26 chimpanzees remaining at the former Wildlife Waystation. All have identified homes at accredited, experienced sanctuaries, but just like us, they are working to raise necessary funding and complete expansions to have space for them. Such a phenomenally huge undertaking by so many people coming together! For anyone looking, more info, as well as what’s still needed to get the remaining chimpanzees to their new homes, can be found through the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) and the Chimpanzees in Need campaign here: https://primatesanctuaries.org/chimps-in-need/
Dean, your message is so touching and brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for sponsoring today in honor of everyone who played a role in bringing sanctuary freedom into the lives of these intelligent beautiful chimpanzee people.
Thanks, Dean. Happy 4th, everyone!
Thanks, Katelyn! What a great collection of pics. Foxie just kills me– she not only dragged a blanket but also her shopping bag outdoors. Did she think she was going to have a picnic? Did she expect to put her foraged treats in the bag? What a woman! Well, all of them, of course. Too much. And yesterday’s pic of Jamie with her bandana around her neck just melted my heart. Such an old soul.
I’m also thinking of Wilson and his many years of listening to pant-hoots and screaming and all the goings on of the 7 and then 10 and now the 16 in his last days. I’m sure his energy also contributed to the total sensibility of the environment. He has his freedom now from whatever ailed him and his pure energy remains a part of his family.
I think the blanket and bag were part of last year’s forage, Marya. As far as I know, Foxie still doesn’t “do” blankets
Thank you Dean for sponsoring today. So happy for these new chimps and all of the lucky residents of CSNW as they live out their lives in freedom. Happy Independence Day to everyone.