This day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory and celebration of “Dr. Steve Ross, friend to all chimpanzees.”
A year ago the primate community lost a giant of a human with Steve’s sudden death. Among his many other roles, Steve was the director of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. His legacy is unique and far-reaching, and not only for the chimpanzees he advocated so extensively for. As we think of Steve and all he helped make possible for so many, our special thoughts go out to his close friends and family who we know must be feeling his absence most acutely.
Heartfelt thanks to our anonymous friend who gave us all the opportunity to celebrate Steve today and the profound difference one life can make.
(Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune/Jose M. Osorio).
The first of our gentlemen chimpanzees, Burrito:
Gordo:
Terry:
Cy:
Willy B: