We have had so much to celebrate this weekend!
Yesterday, Annie turned 48 years old AND our awesome caregiver, Kelsi, got married!
The chimp house has been full of play sessions, laughter, special treats, and relaxation. Check out today’s video to catch moments from our eventful weekend!
*Bonus* photos I have been saving from my phone:
Dora (L) and Honey B (R) meet the skeleton for the first time:
Gordo meeting the skeleton with a mouthful of water:
Foxie:
Gordo holding his carrot with his foot:
Gordo smelling said carrot:
Negra’s nest:
Disclaimer: others may have contributed to the building of this nest. However, Negra claimed it!
Have a great week!
Linda C says
Thank you, Jenna!
I’m so glad that those who had to work didn’t have to miss the wedding completely!
Boy, Mave and Dora are turning into another Annie-Missy, aren’t they!?
And maybe Gordo is like Jamie, not so fond of the camera…
Burrito, you don’t look a day over handsome!
Jenna says
Mave would be the Annie, and Dora would be the Missy in this comparison! Mave is absolutely enthralled with Dora!
Linda C says
Yes!
But thankfully, Dora hasn’t claimed her personal space, as JB predicted. :laughing:
Such a sweet moment captured! It’s like Jean and Terry, but not quite as sad.
Kathleen says
That video was beyond marvelous! Thank you, Jenna. So beautifully sweet and true. (and I am glad you shared those bonus photos too!)
The next time someone asks me what is sanctuary all about, this video + photos will be my answer. It’s all there! Sanctuary is friendships, laughter, holding hands with your most special friend, and being all alone if you choose. It’s healthy food, puzzles that work your mind and reward you for sticking it out, foraging, parties, displaying, nesting, and playing chase with the caregivers (because they are your friends too), and it’s being a big guy but choosing to hang out with the girls. Sanctuary is about caring staff who place mirrors so you can spy on your neighbors or the outdoor surroundings or yourself (for as long you like!). It’s being introduced to skeletons because some chimpanzee people like skeltons (Jamie, I’m looking at you), and some like dolls. But at the core, it’s about a family of caring people and chimpanzees (and four cattle), being close and feeling connected — to each other and to something bigger. It’s about getting married and caring enough to share your wedding day video with friends who were not able to attend your wedding because they are chimpanzees and they watch your video, sensing you’re very happy. It’s give and take and give in the best possible way. It really is Hope, Love, Home….Sanctuary.
Marya says
Kathleen, your post is exactly how I feel, too — I share your sentiments and observations about all of it! Thank you! Mave and Dora holding hands just melted my heart and I have total adoration for Gordo in his boxes. Well, all of them all the time, of course! I have to work on my ability to hold a carrot with my toes…
Jenna says
Thank you for this sweet comment, Kathleen! :’)
Nancy Duryea says
I just love Neggie’s nest, it looks mighty comfy! It looks as though Cy and Terry were enjoying watching Kelsie walk down the aisle, probably a first for them. Congratulations Kelsie and Adam.
elaine Reininger says
The chimpa watching the wedding made my eyes fill up and I don’t even know why. Very touching moment.
Kathleen says
Me too Elaine. That touched me so very deeply and my eyes teared up as well and it caught me totally off guard. Eeesh. So endearing there aren’t words to describe it all….. It was just the perfect ending to that sweet video.
Deanna says
Congratulations Kelsi!! Such a wonderful blog today!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
JOAN SILACO says
THIS PLACE AND ITS PEOPLE/CHIMPS GET BETTER EVERYDAY! NOW, I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT DAY’S ANTICS!