Last week, staff member and longtime friend to all at the sanctuary, Sam wrote her last blog post. Sadly, that means she is moving away from Washington for her next adventure. I will miss Sam for her easy going yet mischievous personality, welcoming nature and huge heart. Everyone who knows Sam naturally loves her and she becomes a perfect fit for every team she joins. For the staff and the chimpanzees/cattle at CSNW, this isn’t really goodbye, it’s see you later!
Sam and Cy:
Sam racing Jamie:
Sam, pictured with her scarecrow doppelgänger and her cat Gracie’s doppelgänger (expertly played by my daughter Luna):
This blog post isn’t all bittersweet goodbyes though. As we wish Sam well, we also got to welcome our newest staff member Grace last month! Grace is a former graduate student intern that returns to us with her own wealth of knowledge and experience (more on that when she introduces herself on her first blog). Grace has been very busy getting acquainted and re-acquainted with the sanctuary residents, all while learning the ropes or our daily routine.
Cy and his welcoming stare:
Jamie gives Grace and her new boots a proper inspection:
Welcome Grace and best wishes to Sam!
Ola Grace! It’s great to have you with us! And all best wishes to Sam in her new adventures. It’s also nice to see that spring may have returned to the sanctuary since these photos are snowless. I’m becoming quite smitten with Cy and the very old soul he has in that very serious body.
We’ll miss you, Sam!
Welcome back, Grace!
Anna, Luna is just precious! Those eyes!
Best wishes Sam! Thanks for your wonderful photos and posts! Welcome back Grace!
Best wishes, Sam! I’ve enjoyed you posts. And your doppelgänger is great!
Welcome, Grace!
Luna is adorable, Anna!
Just look at Luna! It doesn’t seem like two minutes since she was a tiny baby being introduced to the chimpanzee family. Goodbyes are always sad, hellos are lovely….welcome Grace. Did you pass Jamie’s intensive inspection? It must be one of the most wonderful jobs in the world, to wake up every morning knowing that you’re going to spend the day looking after those special and fascinating chimps. I long for the day when masks can come off and they can once again see the faces of their friends.
What a lovely goodbye. The Sam scarecrow is very, very funny. Did the chimps see it and did it scare them?! Ha ha ha. And little Luna could not be more adorable if she tried. (Anna, she is sooooo beautiful). Best of everything to the real Sam!
Welcome Grace! I look forward to your voice on the blog. Any friend of Jamie is a friend of mine.
“Everything you do makes a difference. You just have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ~ Jane Goodall.
To Sam and Grace as you begin your new adventures : May you make a big difference and find happiness in what you do.
All the best, Sam, as you begin your new journey. Welcome back, Grace.