January 13, 2022 - Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Heartfelt thanks to Danna Boshak, one of our wonderful pre-pandemic interns turned volunteers from afar, for sponsoring this special day of sanctuary in memory of her father, Jack:

“On January 13, 2021 we lost my father, Jack Boshak. Although he hated that I was 3000 miles away in Washington state, he was nothing but supportive of my decision to go back to school to study primate behavior. He loved hearing about Boss Jamie and was getting more interested in Honey B. As the father of four daughters it’s no wonder he was drawn to the strong women at the chimp house! When I returned to Washington, the first time I went back to CSNW to make paper braids in the shed Jamie was outside on Young’s Hill staring at my car as I pulled into the parking lot. It’s like she was knew I had sad news to share with her. She invited me to take a walk with her and then challenged me to a race down the hill. Or course she won the race, but I was the winner for having that special moment with Jamie to help me through a time of grief. Thank you to all the chimps at CSNW for being such a light for me and a huge thank you to the staff for all of your hard work and for sharing your knowledge with me.”

Danna, I remember the days that you’d drive out, sequestered in the shed, graciously making enrichment for the chimpanzees, always, still, helping from afar however you can. Thank you for continuing to help make so much possible in the chimpanzees’ days and lives, and for allowing us to share in this honoring of your father. All of us here are sending you and your family all the good thoughts for your hearts to find some ease and comfort, and hopefully, moments of joyful memories today. We are thinking of you and appreciate all you’ve done to bring joy to the chimpanzees’ lives. And I’d like to think Jamie, too, is revisiting memories of summertime races around the hill with friends as she waits patiently for winter to have its say, and for spring to return.