We’re so thankful to you, Paulette Wrisley, and your lovely big heart for sponsoring this special day in honor of beloved Missy on her 46th birthday!:
“Let’s all put on a pair of knee highs and raise up a tomato in honor and love for MISSY’S BIRTHDAY!!!”
Missy is a true gem. Because she’s a woman of few words, a rather aloof person who usually prefers the company of her chimpanzee friends to humans, doesn’t often appreciate being in front of the camera, and is usually zooming past in a blur, I’m not sure we are always able to fully convey how amazing she is.
Missy is wicked intelligent (we can see where her daughter, Honey B, gets it). She’s best friend to dear Annie, right-hand gal to boss lady, Jamie, and she fiercely believes in backing up her chimpanzee friends during any perceived slights from the humans, no questions asked. And if you wonder what that looks like, imagine her tiny, but insanely mighty body launching onto the caging, mere inches from your face, and kicking it with all her might while barking salty threats at you. I can assure you, it never gets less intimidating. She’s brilliant when it comes to navigating chimpanzee politics, and she’s the queen of defying gravity, daredevil feats of parkour, and seemingly aging in reverse. I always say I wish I could spend just five minutes in her body to know what it feels like to move through the world as her strong, graceful, beautiful, zooming self.
When we’re very lucky, she gives the humans the honor of allowing us to sit quietly with her and groom for a spell. Or of occasionally playing with us (even though she will rarely let on that she’s having fun, too, and maybe even initiated it), all the while pretending she doesn’t even see you right there, tugging on the scarf she’s holding tightly with her little runner’s foot, looking in the opposite direction as though she could.not.be.more.bored. And then all of a sudden, she’ll look right at you with a slightly intimidating deadpan stare (again, Honey B?!), then laugh, and zoom off, throwing you a last glance to make sure you’re fast on her heels. Especially if you’re headed toward the kitchen and there’s a stash of tomatoes in the fridge.
Speaking of which, naturally, there’s a mountain of tomatoes with Missy’s name on them and party plans are under way, so be sure to tune back later today to join the celebration of, and for, this incredible chimpanzee woman!
We love you so very much, Miss. Happy Birthday!!
That time Missy climbed onto the roof of Carlene’s Tower!
Linda C says
My heart jumps when I see that photo of her on the roof!
Can’t wait to see the party pics!
Linda C says
Whoops! I hit the wrong space on my phone!
Thanks again, Paulette, for sponsoring a special day for our favorite sparkplug!
Cynthia Cavalle says
Thank you, Katelyn, for such a beautiful description of a day in the life of Missy! The photos were perfect!
Kathleen says
Happy 46th Birthday Missy!!! And thank you to the CSNW’s fairy godmother of birthdays.
Katelyn! You’ve outdone yourself! No video needed, as a wordsmith you just brought Missy to life by sharing the multifaceted personality she has. Missy is incredible. She was the very fist chimpanzee that caught my curiosity because she was so athletic, adorably physically ripped, and she had her special friendship/connection with Annie. I still reflect on her joy of movement and wonder how she ever contained herself (body and mind) while being forced to lived in the small dark confines of the biomedical research facilities.
Run Missy run! RUN with pure abandon! Chow down on as many tomatoes as your tummy will allow. Dress up in one sock. Run and climb some more and enjoy the beautiful open space of Young’s Hill — your home. Even if you choose to avoid the paparazzi, we see you. We love you. We support your individuality. Have the best day and best year ever. Cheers to you!
Paulette Wrisley says
your comment brought tears to my eyes. The thought of her at the lab. Unimaginable for any of them, and especially this magnificently athletic gal. Yes, run Missy run! CSNW is the most magnificent place of all for them to have landed. Freedom coupled with a true love for them.
Nancy F says
What a lovely tribute to dear Missy on her 46th birthday. It made me think of the song by Chaka Khan ‘I’m every woman’. “Don’t bother to compare cause I’ve got it, I’ve got it’.:notes::birthday:. Happy Birthday darling Missy!
Maureen says
Happy Happy Birthday, Missy! And thank you, Paulette, for your enduring love for these people
What a fascinating word picture you presented us today,Katelyn. I’d love to see that on video.
Sherry says
Happy Birthday Missy!!! Welcome to the world of being 46 years old! I get to share that with you for 6 more days, and then I’m movin’ on, until we meet again next year on this date! I hope you have an awesome treat filled day!!
Linda C says
An early happy birthday to you!
Mary Garripoli says
Happy birthday, sweetie!! Much love to you.
Marya says
Katelyn, it’s with much gratitude that I thank Paulette for her sponsorship and you for your wonderful post celebrating all things Missy. Wow! Those flying-in-the-air-after-launching-off-something photos are remarkable to see, and I’ve always been amazed at her sense of balance as she walks in the air outside. When I first saw a pic of her wearing a knee-high I burst out laughing and the reminder of it just makes my day! Well, the whole post makes my day, well, even thinking about the chimps and their remarkable sanctuary makes my day…you get it. Thank you!
jackie says
Happy Birthyday, to the lovely Missy! Thank you Paulette for your kindness!
CeeCee says
Happy Birthday dear Missy, I love you:revolving_hearts:
Monica says
Thank you Paulette…you are such a wonderful friend to the chimps. This post is amazing…i feel like a learned some new, fascinating things about The Tomato Princess.
Paulette Wrisley says
My pleasure. As long as I can do, I will do. I’m so happy to be a friend of this community. The bloggers, the commenters, and above all the residents. A warm feeling of belonging.
MAGNIFICENT BLOG TODAY KATELYN! WOW!
Tobin says
Thank you, Paulette, for your kind generosity in sponsoring Missy’s birthday. Thank you, Kately,
for your kind and wise words about the Amazing Missy Chimpanzee. It goes without saying that Our Lady of Tomatoes and Tightrope Walking is intelligent: who else but Dr. Missy could learn her veterinary credentials on her own volition and smarts.
A week ago today, fearing that my appendix or some equally superfluous abdominal organ had exploded, circumstances obliged me to repair to the Emergency Room of the dread County Hospital in downtown Minneapolis. From 3:15 to 12:15 a.m. I endured interminable waiting times while the employees determined that all of my internal organs were intact. Thus, I was released with the same pinched nerve as when, nine hours previously, I had entered the ER. “If only,” I groused to my friend on my the phone during my waiting room limbo, “I was under the care of Dr. Missy. She may have a short neck, but her dermatological expertise is lengthy.”
Paulette Wrisley says
LOL! ( re The Missy part, not the pinched nerve part ). I hope you’re feeling better. I can’t tell you how many times a week I can relate something I’m doing or going through to one of the chimpanzees at CSNW. Like the time I reported to you all that I was behaving like Honey B and her nesting. I wish for your sake that Miss Missy had been with you. to hold your hand (like Annie), and back you up (like Jaime), and make sure you’re OK (like Burrito)
Kathleen says
Sending Missy-healing-vibes your way Tobin. You are such a dear friend to the chimpanzee (plus you entertain all of us out here) so I know if Missy could have zoomed over to care for you she would have done so. Speaking of zooming, perhpas you and Dr. Missy could schedule a zoom meeting to review your condition? Please, be well….
CarolR says
Thank you Katelyn for such a wonderful insight into Magical Missy. I’ve always loved the photo of her jumping off the rock…a true athlete. Have a fantastic tasty tomato party with your friends, dear Missy. Like all of your friends there, you are much loved.
Daria says
Happy birthday, dear Missy! Many happy returns! Thank you, Paulette, Katelyn and all your wonderful team!
Arlene and Michael says
Happy Birthday dear Missy. It looks like everyone had a great time at Missy’s party! Great video. Love to watch Missy enjoying tomatoes. Burrito is soooooo cute. Love Negra’s big yawn! Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for these beautiful Chimps to live in such a special place. Hugs to all.
marianne says
Dear Katelyn,
This blog is a pure declararion of love for that amazing person that is Missy Chimpanzee.
It brought tears to my eyes to read how you love this lady so much, and want to share that with all of us…wel mission accomplished!!
Happy happy birthday Missy; may your life be filled with BFF’s, lots of space to run, socks and tomatoes.
marianne says
DECLARATION !!!