Today we are going to take a look back and see what was happening in our history. On this day, three years ago, the world was just in the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were adjusting to the pandemic lifestyle, figuring out the best way to shield the sanctuary residents from it, and taking care of three(!) medical issues that popped up.
That entire era was honestly just a blur to me. In fact, sometimes it even feels like I’m still in a blur since technically we are still living in a pandemic. But obviously a lot has happened since. We expanded by building two new playrooms and greenhouses, expanded Young’s Hill and created The Bray. We welcomed in some new staff while also saying goodbye to others. And most notably, we had six chimpanzees enter our lives who we now can’t ever imagine how we got along in life without ever knowing them. Like I said, it all seems like a blur sometimes.
One sentence that Diana wrote in the blog that does stand out to me though:
I know you are not here to get yet-another take on the current state of the strange and unprecedented (most over-used word for 2020?) times we are living in or to add to your own personal stress.”
If only she knew the word “unprecedented” would not be confined to the year 2020 and be used more as the years passed by.
Please enjoy some new photos from April 11, 2023!
Gordo sitting on the windowsill in the Oakwood Greenhouse
Honey B showing off a fashionable sock she made into a mitten
Negra, the queen of comfort!
Honey B’s mesmerizing stare during dinner
And be sure to register for the virtual visit to learn about the medical care Dr. Erin and Sofia provide to keep the chimps in tiptop shape! There are only four day left until the visit! So register today!
Even in the trying times of these last 3 years, it has been and continues to be great to follow the CSNW family and feel like we are a small part of all the happenings there-thank you!
i am glad to hear someone ese would like to retire the word “unprecedented.” Honey B’s stare looks deep into the soul. Thank you for.the photos
Geez…. the way Honey B was wearing that sock …. thought she decided to enter boxing! :astonished:I don’t think Honey B needs to throw a punch when she can throw just about anything in the room:grimacing:
WOW! Up close and personal with Honey B’s amazing stare! I love it.
BTW, it was today or yesterday that President Biden declared the National emergency over.
I hope that it is true that “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do”. I remember being quite worried that the coronavirus might migrate from humans to the cattle, chimpanzees, cats and canines at CSNW. I recall how, three years ago at this time, someone posted in this combox that “the sanctuary is my source of sanity right now”. I concurred with that sentiment.
And, I remember the video from 3.27.2020, where Jamie pressed her chin up against the glass partition which separated her from J.B.’s mask-clad face. It was as if she was trying to offer reassurance to him that the two of them would persevere through the ordeal. As noted previously, Jamie is a wise soul.
That photo of J.B. and Jamie is one of my all time favorites. Thank you for mentioning it. And I agree wholeheartedly that Jamie was offering some reassurance to her mask clad, longtime friend. Yes, Jamie is a very wise old soul.
Could Gordo look more handsome?!
Thanks for taking me back Chad. Hard to believe the pandemic began three years ago. Reading Diana’s 2020 blog made me smile because it is the routines and rituals, day in and day out, no matter what else may come your way, that endears me to the sanctuary. Those morning chow bags and night bags give pleasure and comfort far beyond the sanctuary!