Today is my 50th birthday, and originally I was going to post about that milestone, the last 15 years of my life at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, and the GiveBIG fundraiser that ends on May 3rd.
Unfortunately, I have some other, more challenging news, to share with you all.
Jody was found not moving in one of the front rooms on her side of the building. Dr. Erin was able to do an exam quickly and we obtained x-rays and drew blood, but these did not tell us what exactly is going on. You can imagine, if you know Erin at all, that she has been on the phone constantly, consulting with veterinarians and human doctors across the continent and trying to arrange for an MRI and spinal tap for poor JoJo. Her symptoms are consistent with a cervical spinal injury. There was not a conflict and no obvious signs that she fell (though we can’t rule that out), so it’s possible there’s just something happening within her body that is impacting her spine. An MRI will tell us more, and we hope to get her to an amazing clinic Tuesday morning if not earlier.
I know everyone who just read those words are absorbing a lot right now. I’m so sorry. I know how much you care and that this is not what you want to be learning about today.
This is one of the hardest aspects of caring for anyone, and there are things about caring for captive chimpanzees that make these situations more challenging. It’s very difficult to see Jody in this state. She is a strong-willed, independent, no-nonsense chimpanzee who, I think, would be happy to have never met a human being, and now she is dependent on us in ways that she never could have or wanted to imagine. That’s not to say that she doesn’t have friendships with the humans in her life. She does. Us humans are doing everything we can to convey to her that all we want to do is help, and to comfort her in ways that continue to respect her independence and dignity and show our love to her, Jody, the chimpanzee person we know.
We don’t have enough information to provide a definitive prognosis or to answer the many questions you probably have.
We know of many other chimpanzees in sanctuary settings who have been in a similar states and made partial or even full recoveries. For this reason, and because we have seen the indomitable will of chimpanzees in action before, we are cautiously holding onto some hope.
Jody is a 47 year old chimpanzee who has embraced the last fifteen years of her sanctuary life with her eyes wide open in wonder and her arms full of sanctuary abundance – be that blankets or food foraged from Young’s Hill. Please think of her this way.
And definitely do consider making a GiveBIG donation in her honor. It seems almost crass to suggest that, but the reality is that your donations provide Jody with the care that she needs. Without donors, Jody would not have had the last fifteen years that she was afforded at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. There’s a reason we chose the image below as our main GiveBIG image this year. Just look at how much happiness she was experiencing as the camera shutter clicked when this image was taken:
Here are some more Jody moments that supporters made possible:
CeeCee says
I love Jody so much, I will be praying for her, and all of you.
She has such a tenactious attitude, She is definitely a fighter. And she is surrounded by the best people that love her.:revolving_hearts:
Gaynell says
Fingers crossed:fingers_crossed:prayers offered, :pray: strong positive thoughts for Jody’s recovery. And, Happy 50 Years Young to you,:love_letter: even if that’s the last thing on your mind right now.
Bonnie says
What sad news. I feel so bad for her. She is in my prayers. Stay Strong Jody.
Tami Roy says
my thoughts and orayers are with Jody and all of you who care for her.
Deanna says
My heart truly aches for Jody and all those who love her so much… I am a RVT and work in a zoo andnhave worked in a sanctuary, (WWS). It is so frustrating… and scary… when all you wantbto do is help but you have no idea how or what is wrong… I am glad you canbtakenher for an MRI and hopefully uoubwill find answers.. I will keep her and all of you in my thoughts and in my heart and pray she makes a full recovery…
Marty says
Prayers abound :pray::pray::pray::two_hearts::two_hearts::two_hearts:
Kathy B says
:pensive: You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that Jody will be alright. I am sorry this had to happen on your birthday Diana.:pray::pray:
Kathy B says
:pensive: You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that Jody will be alright. I am sorry this had to happen on your birthday Diana.:pray::pray:
Linda C says
Excuse my language, but I’m sorry your.big.birthday has had such a sh#$y ending, Diana.
Please, please, please hang in there, Farmer Jo! We need our den mother to make sure everyone is inside at night and to watch over! :pray::broken_heart:
Mary Garripoli says
I am holding sweet Jody in my prayers.
Beth M says
Jody and her great care team are in my prayers. May a diagnosis and good prognosis come soon. Thank you for everything you do.
Carrie says
:cry:Oh my goodness, JoJo.?
Sending all the good thoughts for healing and coping and comfort that everyone can use through this ordeal. ?
CarolR says
What awful sad news! Millions of prayers, hugs and thoughts coming your way, Jody…..farmer, nurse and friend to everyone. Please get well soon, dear girl.
Carla René says
:sob::sob::sob:
I have always thought Jody the most beautiful chimpanzee. I am praying for a healing for her. I am srry your birthday had been marred in this way. :broken_heart:
Bill says
no past tense allowed. maybe the cctv will reveal what happened. ok sweet beautiful Jody you get better.
Chris says
Diana, I am so so sorry to hear this sad news of Jody and especially on a day that you should be celebrating. I know you all will do everything and more in your power to see that Jody makes it through this what ever the outcome may be with dignity, tremendous medical care and above all..love.
My thoughts are with you all..Sending healing thoughts to dear Jody with love. Chris & Dave Frutiger
Raina says
It hurts my heart to think that Jody again has to feel fear and confusion. But I am certain that having loved ones around her is calming and comforting. Know that we are all confident that your team will make the decisions she would make for herself. Special thoughts to her family as well – they must be very stressed.?
Kare says
Firstly, Happy birthday Diana, And I am so sorry it has turned out to be such a stressful birthday for you.
I am so sad for Jody, I do hope she improves, and my heart is breaking for the humans and chimps who are there with her and love her so much. It must have been a terrible shock for you all.
We love you Jody, get well, please
Arlene and Michael says
We are so sad to hear this but we keeping uplifting thoughts for Jody. Prayers to all and we know she is in the best of care. Please get well dear Jody.
Dawnabella says
Dear Jody. She must be frightened. Please let her see your full faces. I will make a donation and hope that she recovers mobility and without pain.
Amy Bianco says
Thanks for keeping us informed, Diana. Our thoughts and prayers are with sweet, dear Jody. She has the best caregivers and hopefully she’ll recover well from what is ailing her. I wish your Birthday was happier. You’re in our hearts too! :two_hearts::two_hearts: :two_hearts:
Judy says
This is indeed the incredibly hard part of caring for other beings, human or not. My heart is with you all as you give her the absolute best care possible. There is none better. If there is a gift in this situation to you Diana for your monumental birthday (there is NO WAY that you are 50 ) it is that your core, soul, heart, and mind know that in these scary and difficult times you all are connected to her as much as possible and that she knows she is being loved, no matter how confused and scared she is. I’m certain she knows. We all know that this would be worse for her were she pretty much anywhere else including in her natural habitat. Sending you love and CSNW a donation on this day of your birth.
tomaustin says
I cannot believe that, not before Tuesday, there is no service who could get the tests done for Jody…..
What are your options for travel to a clinic……50 miles. more, even Seattle?
Prayers all around………Jody…..Staff……Medical Services……and especially the other Family members….
Tom
Jane McDowall says
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, for both chimps and humans. We all know you are all doing and giving everything forJody and for the other chimps who will be concerned that Jody is not with them. Please may i ask, is there not a staff member that stays overnight with the chimps, just in case they are needed quickly? I like others, will be waiting with everything crossed that this turns out to be a
tempery thing and that Jody will soon be back on her feet and back choosing to do what she wants. Get well soon Jody.
Laura B. says
As various memories of Jody’s activities danced through my mind as I thought of her today I remembered one of the first videos I saw after we “discovered” CSNW. The video featured a lovely chimpanzee walking toward the camera with arms overflowing with blankets. As this individual (we did not know anyone by name then) came through a doorway, a blanket or two dropped. A disembodied voice (I was told someone called JB) said, “Jojo, a little help?” The lovely chimpanzee stopped, looked behind her and retrieved the blanket from the doorway. I sat stunned as she continued forward and the door behind her mechanically closed. These were supposed to be abused lab chimpanzees, not trained animals. I knew the voice was kind and it was a request — not a command and I knew that smart chimp was way more than just a pretty face. That video had me hooked and I hadn’t even gotten to know goofy Burrito, or Boss Jamie, or runner Missy, or Queen Neggie, or Sweet Annie, or Little Foxie and her doll friends.
I know Jody is in the best of care and she has lots of folks pulling for her. All of you are in our prayers.
Pam Miller says
Working with animals, you know to expect these sudden health emergencies. Still, to see them suffering is something that you never want. Saying a prayer for Jody this evening and to all of her caregivers as well.
Jeff A says
Prayers for Jody. Please keep us updated.
Michelle says
Praying for a speedy recovery.
Tobin says
Being at a loss for words as I learned the news, the words expressed in the comments posted here will have to suffice for what I am thinking and feeling.
I love My friend Jody so much.
Paulette says
You are in my thoughts Tobin. I know you love them all, but I know that your love for Jody is on a deeper level. i’m feeling for you my friend.
Ken & Sonny says
im so sorry, Diana this is happening on your birthday. how yourself and all are so committed to help the residents is beyond words and sending prayers for Jody. spinal injuries are very troublesome and can require long recoverys. i pray there is nothing major going on or was from a fall.
kjr
Carole Resnick says
I am on both Social Security and SSI. My income is less than $800.00 a month. As much as I want I cannot make a donation at this time. But I wish Jody well and pray that she recovers.
tom austin says
gotta ‘ya covered……..Tom….:slight_smile:
Pat Lukes says
Jody. She has everything she needs right now. I’m thinking about her caregivers and the mindful suffering they are going through right now. Please care for yourselves. What a beautiful family you have created in the PNW. Love to you all.
Jill says
oh no! This was hard to read. I have been Jodys chimpanzee pal since she got to sanctuary. Without a doubt she is in the best possible hands right now. I will be holding her and everyone in the sanctuary family in my thoughts!
Maureen says
OMG! Poor Jody! Is she in pain? Frightened? I know all of you there will provide her with excellent care and love. Sending all my best, along with all her other fans. Will look forward to frequent updates, especially testing, diagnosis, treatment, and, especially, prognosis.
Denice Mikkelson says
???
Denice says
my depest appoligies. it was ment to be be three candles buring in only good thoughts to JoJo. i dont know why it turned out as three questions marks. i have the deepest respect for the care the chimpanzee receive and only want the absolute best for Jody. i want hears of happy goans as she lays in a nestmof many blankets, for her to squeeze all the seeds out of tomatoes before devoring them. to great caretakers with butt bounces and a grunt and so many kisses. i love you Jo.
Denice Mikkelson says
please, that was to come as three lit candles for Jo. NOT question marks. I know in my heart she is in the most caring hands who will look at all angles for her best care. I for one along with many others will not sleep tonight thinking of Jo.
Chris says
I have been reading your blog for awhile now. I don’t often comment, but as I read this, my first reaction was “DAMMIT”! What happens between now and Tuesday?
Pam says
I’m so sorry. That must be so frightening and confusing for her, and scary for all of you. I know she feels your love and care. I am praying for her healing, and peace for all of you.
Paulette says
I know this is heartbreaking and frightening for everyone. because it is for me. I hold you all in my heart this night.
Linda says
Stay strong Miss Jody, everyone is pulling for you. There is tons of good karma surrounding you, you are strong, and you will not be defeated. I think it would be great when you are better that Diana does the SNL bit “I’m Sally O’Malley and I’m 50 years old, and I like to kick and stretch and kick, I’m 50!!!! Make that promise Diana because I bet Jody would love to see that when she is well. What a great thing to look forward to Miss Jody. Now you relax, don’t worry, hundreds of thousands of your fans are pulling for you, and you are going to be fine and get better because you have a little show by Diana to look forward to when you are better. Go Jody be the fighter that we all know you can be!!! We are all here to support you and send you good wishes and possitive thoughts. Diana you better start practicing, because you will have a show to put on for one very lucky and very loved chimpanzee 🙂 Love and good wishes to you Jody girl, stay strong! Much love to all the chimps and the staff at CSNW! This just sucks, but not for long! Jody will get better, we all feel it deep in our bones!
Linda C says
Darn it, I was saving that joke for Neggie’s birthday! :upside_down:
Nancy Duryea says
Sweet Jody’s picture (Nesting for Nine) is on the wall in my bedroom and I always look at it before I go to sleep at night. I love her and the thought of her being in pain and scared is heartbreaking. I know everyone there is doing the most they can and it must be so hard on all of you. I hope and pray that Jody can have a full recovery. Diana, I’m sorry that this had to happen on your birthday. ?
Kathleen says
Dear Jody. I can’t imagine the worry or fear of her six family members, seeing Jody lying on the ground, not moving. And all of you…..I don’t know what to say. I can’t get beyond the worrisome heart pounding gut punch I feel. I know what I’m feeling can’t even compare to your concerns and worries. Why do things like this seem to happen on weekends, and on a Sunday no less, making it harder to make urgent connections and get immediate help. I wish there was something I could do.
I’ll hold Jody in my heart.
Sandie Allaway says
First, i want to say happy birthday Diana. I can only imagine what you are feeling now and i wrap you in hugs.
Second, i send so much love and healing energy to Jody. My heart is so sad right now and all i can hope for is she gets better and continues bringing joy to all who care for her, her chimp friends and this community who loves her so much. ?
Saunieindiego says
I will pray for sweet Jody. Thank you all so much for all the loving care and forever homes you provide for our chimpanzees. Happy birthday, you are doing all you can. Know that you are truly appreciated.
Marcia says
If it’s hard for me to read this, I can only imagine what everyone who knows Jody personally is feeling. I’ll be meditating on a healthy thriving Jody, until we hear the news that she is well in reality.
Jeani Goodrich says
My heart aches for everry one at the sanctuary, chimp or caregiver. My prayers are with all those taking care of Jody. I hope they all have rest and peace of mind. I hope Jody knows not to be afraid, that everything will be all right and these people love her ver much.
Diana, I hope. your birthday. turns out to be one that will give you good memories to look back on.
Marcie says
Keeping Jody in our thoughts and prayers.
Amyrg says
My heart is hurting for all of you at the sanctuary right now. The not knowing is so scary. Sending prayers and positive vibes that Jody will heal completely. Sending my love to all of you. So sorry this was how you spent your 50th birthday Diana. May you truly celebrate very soon! xoxo
Michelle says
Thoughts and prayers to Jody for a speedy recovery from her friends in Australia
She is a light in our lives. :pray::pray::pray:
Kim says
Tears flowing. Such scary news. Hoping this beautiful lady will make a full recovery. Sending hugs and healing thoughts Jody’s way. Stay strong precious girl. All that can be done, will be done.
Maureen says
Oh, Jody! So sorry you’re hurt. I loving wishes can help, you have it, from all the chimps, and Bovines, and staff, and blog followers. I know you’ll receive the best care and we all await a diagnosis and treatment and prognosis. I hope something can help you feel ok until you can get fuller care on Tuesday. Can only send virtual hugs, bc real ones might hurt. You couldn’t be in a better place if this had to happen. Lots if love going your way.
Keith Dawson says
My thoughts are with all of you.