I’m so sorry to share that Jody passed away last night (see yesterday’s blog post). Physically, she was surrounded by people – in human and chimpanzee form – who loved her deeply. In an even more profound way, she was surrounded by the love from all of you who were thinking of her.
These circumstances of her passing were in stark contrast to the decades she spent as a biomedical research subject, which we outline on her biography page.
It has been such an honor and privilege to have been able to share the last almost fifteen years of Jody’s life through the lens of hope, love, and home at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. We made this video about Jody six years ago, and I have watched it multiple times since last night.
Jody was an incredible friend and, in many ways, the center of her social group. After she passed, we were able to give her chimpanzee family the opportunity to be with her body. I imagine that we will be sharing more about this later, as it was beautiful to witness them, in their own ways, say goodbye.
A friend, Thyra Rutter (Arte for Elephants), who I became connected to when she reached out a few years ago about donating her drawing of Jody below, recently recommended Thich Nhat Hanh’s book, No Death, No Fear, which I bought immediately after seeing her post about the book. There are so many lessons within his writing to contemplate.
One is the notion, the reality, of impermanence. He writes, “Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible. Life itself is possible.” He explains the concept of inter-being: because everything is connected, all things are constantly influencing each other and therefore are not separate.
This idea is what I keep thinking about this morning. We will not see Jody in the chimp house today or any day following today. That is the painfully difficult part of grieving. But Jody is not gone. She is within everyone who has known her. Because of this blog, she is present in people far away who have never met her, and people who perhaps today are just meeting her for the first time by reading this. We will greatly miss her physical presence, and we will continue to work to make Jody and all of the chimpanzees at the sanctuary live on. Their existence and their stories are important. Thank you for being a part of her life.
So sorry to hear of Jody’s passing. I have followwed all the Chimpanzee ever since they first apeared on KOMO news mary years ago.
Beverly E Donovan
i second the sentiments of all those who’s hearts are aching for the loss of Jody. The beauty of 15+ years is something to celebrate as is the amazing personality of Farmer Jo. About a week ago I too spent some time mulling over the eventual loss of the first of CSNWs residents. I would not have anticipated it to be Jody.. My love to all of you. Looking for a rainbow over your direction. Hugs and support to you all – those with less hair and those with more hair as well.
” THe best and most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched
they must be left with the heart. ” Helen Keller
My heart goes out to you all who are part of Jody’s family. Thank you for all your great care of these amazing spirits.
I am so grateful for all that the sanctuary does for all the chimpanzees, including allowing Jody to experience joy. I take comfort knowing Jody spent the last many years of her life knowing freedom, feeling the sunshine on her face, and living the life she deserved. The life so many deserve. I was exceptionally sad to read the note, but at the same time, I felt peace knowing Jody died feeling a level of happiness and love. Rest in peace, Jody.
I’m so very sad to hear of Jody’s passing. I’m sorry for her loss among humans and chimpanzees. This will be a difficult time for all at NWS. I’ve followed the sanctuary for many years now. Please keep us updated on how things are going. Much love, hugs and prayers for all.
Deb Harris
Im so very sorry to hear about Jody passing away! She was a huge character and I shall miss her so much! I know she will be missed so very much! :broken_heart::flag_gb:
I have been following your amazing careers since knowing you and JB from our Farm Sanctuary days and I am so sorry for your loss, but as you said, Jody will live on forever in your memories and in the lives of all those who she touched. As we say in the Jewish faith: may her memory be a blessing.
Thank you for this lovely remembrance, Gita. Truly, her memory is a blessing as was her presence in our lives.
To Diana, JB and staff and volunteers , deepest condolences on the loss of your friend.
You made her life wonderful
When I saw the first post last night,I though oh no, and realized the worst had happened this morning after Jody passed. I so loved seeing Jody with her arms stuffed full of goodies and a proud look on her face. Made me cry this morning. She was in a wonderful place though and well loved, and she knew it!
Lovely obituary for Jody. It was beautiful that her family could say goodbye to her. Tears are flowing; animals passing are so, so sad. Thank you for the video and the lovely post.
Hearts are breaking all over the world at Jody’s passing. Floods of uncontrollable tears and shock that our dear sweet girl is no longer with us. I send my deepest sympathy to all at CSNW …I can only imagine the pain you’re all feeling, but from all the photos and videos over the years, you know you gave her the best years of her life. RIP Jody.
Sweet Beautiful Jody.
I will miss you so much, our farmer Jo/ pumpkin thief.
This is going to change her family dynamic forever.
I’m so grateful to her human family, for taking such wonderful care of her for all these years. Even in her death by allowing her Chimp family to be with her.
R.I.P.Beautiful Jody.:revolving_hearts:
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jody. She will be missed.:pray::pray:
I am so saddened by the news of Jody’s passing. An enormous loss to you and her Chimpanzee pals. My thoughts are with you at this sad time and may Jody’s gentle spirit soar above the sanctuary that she called home.
I’ve needed until now today to express words through my tears of this first loss among the chimps who began CSNW, unless there was someone I didn’t know about who was among the first rescues. I’m also a Thich Nhat Hanh devotee and find the words you shared with us, Diana, to be both comforting and deeply moving. I pulled up many of the pics I’ve put on my phone from the daily blog of Jody’s antics, especially outdoors, carrying an array of goodies she’s proudly gathered and looking quite smug about it. Many are the same that you shared with us of her being totally herself. I also think it is Jody’s pic (someone correct me if I’m wrong) of her looking enraptured by a bunch of lilacs wide-eyed and with a big smile on her face from a year or more ago. Like others, I’m grateful for the wonderful life she had in her time with her friends, human and chimp, at the sanctuary and that she was graced with a life that could be totally hers. Thank you to all the people who have loved and honored her all these years. She was a light in the world.
I have that photo on my phone, Marya, and I must have looked at it at least 8 times today. That quintessential Jody “hey, look at what I’ve got!” expression. Always so joyful about the abundance she was experiencing.
My heart goes out to all of you. Human and non-human equally. I read your blog daily and hearing this news was incredibly sad. I can only imagine your feelings of loss.
Thank you so much for allowing her chimpanzee family to say goodbye to her.
“We can live our daily lives in such a way that every act becomes an act of love.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Peace to you all. Jenny
No words can express the loss…Just Tears
So sorry. May her memory be a blessing.
Our hearts have always longed to love, but have never been free of fear. Your sanctuary lifted Jody’s fears and gave her the ability to see everything through the eyes of love. Thank you. My sincere condolences to all.
So sorry for your loss. Jody was lucky to have spent the remainder of her life with humans who valued her and made her life better. RIP beautiful girl ?
To all who loved and cared for Jody, I am so sorry for your loss. I find the loss of a non-human family member or friend, the most gut wrenching experience there is. My heart breaks for Jody’s Chimpanzee Family. The sadness survivors bear is heavy. I hope they will be ok. I believe in the afterlife, and that our souls spirits stay with us. Animals are the purest Be
To all who loved and cared for Jody, I am so sorry for your loss. I find the loss of a non-human family member or friend, the most gut wrenching experience there is. My heart breaks for Jody’s Chimpanzee Family. The sadness survivors bear is heavy. I hope they will be ok. I believe in the afterlife, and that our souls spirits stay with us. Animals are the purest Beings and I know they can see and feel their loved ones around them. Make sure any believers there talk to Jody’s spirit, she is listening. Bless you all and Thank you for the life you gave her and every Chimpanzee in your care. I have followed for many many years, and I know this is extra hard as she was the first to leave the nest.
Tears while reading this saddest of announcements. Jody’s spirit is indeed a great one as she brings so many beings together in sorrow and compassion. She has touched more lives than I ever will. Also, I am grateful for Diana’s generosity to reach out and include all of us at this time.
When I read yesterday’s post and came across the third paragraph stating “Jody was found not moving in one of the front rooms on her side of the building.”, I instantly slammed my computer closed. I didn’t want to read another line. I had a vivid picture of Jody lying on her side, motionless and I thought, at that time, she had passed away. A rush of thoughts and images raced through my mind.
First and foremost, I thought of her family. I couldn’t imagine their grief if we were to lose her. Wild chimpanzees live in family groups. Throughout their lives, they see death. They see grief in others in their group. I couldn’t help but wonder what the remaining six would think if we lost Jody. So many questions ran through my head. Such as, is this the first death they’ve all experienced? Will it change the dynamics of their group? Jody was a good friend to Negra, how will this affect her? I know there are no answers to these questions but I couldn’t help but focus on their loss and how close they have become in their 15 years together at the sanctuary.
I also thought of the day Dorothy chimpanzee died at Sanaga-Yong sanctuary in Africa, and Sherie Speed rolled her body out in a wheelbarrow for all the Chimpanzee’s to view. I remember seeing that photo when it came out, I believe it was in National Geographic. It was deeply moving. And I thought of the past 3 to 5 years and the newsletters I have received from Fauna Foundation informing their supporters of all the Chimpanzee’s they have lost to old age. This all seemed connected to my vision of small, helpless Jody lying motionless. Yes, I feared this day would come, the day when you would loose someone, but not this soon. Not today.
I also had visions of Jody. Beautiful Jody. I started following the sanctuary 10 to 12 years ago and Jody was one of the Chimpanzees I found easily recognizable. I could readily spot Jody by her beautiful brow line, large sparkly eyes, her big perfect ears, and the positions she would take. I envisioned her eating while laying on her belly, and I imagined her on her back, knees out, resting in the green turtle sandbox. Like Linda, I thought of her dinosaur groans, and the thrill we all got almost every year when she absconded with the Jamieween pumpkin!
And I thought of all of you, the caregivers, the volunteers, the student interns, the Veterinary teams. What would loosing Jody mean to those who were part of her life? It seemed too much to bear—your grief, your loss, your love and friendship for that one little gal.
So…..I took a deep breath and reopened my computer to discover there was glimmer of hope. Perhaps morning would bring good news to you. (I confess, I could hardly sleep last night.)
Today’s email took my breath away. I don’t know how you entered the building today, or how you will continue to enter without looking for Jody to greet you. I remember a long time ago J.B. writing that when you enter the chimp house you must check your emotions/mood before you enter. Chimpanzees can sense what you feel from far away. How can possibly do you do that now? Should you do that now? Is this time an exception? Perhaps it is good for the chimps to see your grief as they are experiencing grief themselves? I am not expecting answers, I am asking unanswerable questions.
It must have been a deeply moving experience for you to witness Jody’s family pay their respects to her peacefully resting body. (Again, I think Dorthy chimpanzee.) Envisioning all of you, together, sharing your love and respect for Jody in this unexpected situation moves me to feel emotions I have never felt before. I am profoundly grateful for the rich life you gave to Jody. I hope you all find peace and comfort in every act of kindness and love you have shared with her. I know your memories of Jo will live on in all of you. I know memories of Jody will live on in Negra, Burrito, Foxie, Missy, Annie, and Jamie.
Thanks to you, the caregivers, I was given the honor of knowing Jody. 365 days each year, for over a decade, seven chimpanzees, and now sixteen chimpanzees, come into my life. Besides the members of my household, there is no one else that I get a personal glimpse of each and every day. It is a unique gift. Jody was a unique gift. I will carry my memories of her in my heart.
May you find peace in your memories.
I’m so sorry about Jody!! I didnt know her but I felt like I did!! She will be missed by everyone she touched!! She also will live on in all our hearts forever!!
Rest in Peace Jody!!
Nancy Potter
Someone mentioned this yesterday. It’s a good one. Worth repeating.
https://youtu.be/W4-Vl7Z2lL8
It doesn’t seem possible that one of the original Cle Elum seven is no longer with us. I’m having trouble finding the words to express how incredibly saddened I feel for Jody’s loss. My heart goes out to all of you, human and chimp alike.
It’s uncommon for animals in captivity to bear witness to the death of one of their family, to even know that a death has occurred. I am so very thankful that you were able to give Jody’s family time to be with her and say their goodbyes.
Sweet Jody, you will be incredibly missed and always loved. May you be at peace.
For so mamy years CSNW has been a beautiful view of how it could be…how it should be. I never even considered that one of them would pass. I am so heartbroken for the staff and her chimp family, and for all of us that voyeuristically celebrate all things CSNW. Thank you for sharing it all so naturally and beautifully that we are all moved to shock and sadness. She will be missed by so many, which speaks volumes about Jody and the staff. You have my most sincere condolences.
I heard this poem in song version done by, I think, the Gay Men’s Chorus of New York. Haunting. I offer it with love for Jody and all who loved her.
Immortality (Do Not Stand By My Grave and Weep)
by
Clare Harner
Next
Do not stand
By my grave, and weep,
I am not there,
I do not sleep–
I am the thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints in snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry–
I am not there,
I did not die.
This poem is in the public domain.
So sorry to hear of the delightful and wonderful Jody’s passing. I will miss her joyful grins with armfulls of treats and stolen pumpkins. You all at the Sanctuary gave her the best life, and my heart goes out to you all. She will be forever in my heart.
I am in shock. It is after midnight Monday night. I thought I would check in even though you couldn’t have Jody tested until Tuesday. My heart is with all of you human and chimpanzee petsons alike. I have been following you since 2009. I wish I could ease your pain. I am so grateful for the love and care she received at the sanctuary. My deepest condolences to all who loved her. May her memory be for a blessing. ?:broken_heart::pray::broken_heart:?
You all gave her what no one had before– companionship, comfort, choice and challenge. You have and continue to do right by the chimps in your care. That is the greatest kindness.
i’m so grateful to each and everyone of you for all of the words written here today. Words I felt but didn’t know how to put together. Thank you each and everyone of you for sharing your grief, my grief. it’s a testament to the amount of love given to these blessed friends of ours. and to this beautiful tiny sanctuary that brings them to life for us in such a way the fosters such enormous love.
Heartbreaking news about Jody, god bless her! So sad for her companions and caregivers, I do so hope they will all be ok and be able to deal with their grief.
I will have that joyful image of her with her arms full of found treasures looking very pleased with herself. Who could have imagined this would happen :sob:
Jody. How we all miss you – but you have not left us. You are in a different form now just waiting for us when we also become that form until we meet again.
I’m so sorry, but slso grateful that Jody was a part of my life. Thank yiu for sharing her with all of us.
I’m writing with tears in my eyes and remembering when the Cle Elum 7 first arrived. When they were rolled off the trailer I can only imagine the fear they felt. They probably thought it was another lab not knowing they had reached heaven. They were gaunt, frightened and their skin was sallow from not being out in the sun. Now watching Jody’s video her 15 years at CSNW she was happy and content. I am so glad the Cle Elum 6 were able to say goodbye. I can’t imagine how many of their chimp friends, in the lab, went away and never returned. I can’t imagine the pain, grief, and fear they lived with daily in the lab. Have any of the staff dealt with grieving chimpanzees before? Jody’s final year’s we’re wonderful and I can’t get over how much she could stuff into her mouth. Just remember every item she foraged was HER choice all because of staff, volunteers, and everyone who donated anything. Goodbye, sweet Jody (who I thought was the prettiest of the girls because of her almond-shaped eyes.)
Utterly heartbroken.
im so sorry to all of you at nwcs you lost a member of your family yesterday.
Rest in peace Jody.
RIP our beautiful Jody. My heart goes out to all that love you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all who loved and cared for Jody. I just finished watching the video on YouTube and watching her sisters and brothers with her body was unbelievably touching, as well as how they reached out to you, their human family. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
i just watched the video. What a beautiful tribute to Jody. :sob:
One thing that has always amazed me about the way chimps handle death is that they tend to be very pragmatic about it. Yes, I have seen mothers grieve intensely for a lost child to the point where they nearly wither away themselves. But they always know, don’t they? I watched the 6 closely as they approached her body, and not one of them tried to rouse her awake–they simply knew she was gone. Watching them then groom her so delicately and with such respect reminded me of numerous death rituals where the body is cleaned and madeready for burial. I imagine this same rite would be carried off if this group had lived in the wild.
One of my favourite videos of Jody was when she was munching alfalfa cubes in between handfuls of snow. So cute, and she made it look delish!
Thank you for sharing such a quixotic moment with us.
Oh my dears. I am so very sorry for the loss of beautiful Jody. She was such a good friend to everyone. I’m heartbroken. Please know that I am thinking of all of you at this very sad time. She will be missed so much.
oh Diania and JB my heart is aching for you guys reading the passing of jody, oh how i remember her so fondly in the time i got to spend at the sanctuary…working with you guys being able to film them learning so much about them is something i’ll cherish forever.. love you guys for everything you do for those precious lives …
Rooy xx
A really great podcast about grief is Anderson Cooper’s called “All There is with Anderson Cooper”. I am a Geriatric Care Manager and work with older adults and their families as they navigate challenges, and have gone through grief with the families of many clients, and although I don’t consider myself a “grief expert”, I do know more than the average person. However, this podcast opened my eyes, and I”m sure the eyes of many, to a wide variety of ways in which we can still learn and get to know a person even after they have passed away. It’s well worth listening to, and I think it will help all of you, and may give you some ideas of how to help the other grieving chimps.
As long time suported who has fllowed the story of the Cle Ellum 7 and the newer group, this is very sad news, tempered by thinking of the life she lived for the last 15 years, in contrast to her fomer life as a lab specimen, which of course she never was. So sorry for your loss, but grateful for what you did for her and her family.
I’m so very sorry to hear this news. And I’m so sorry for what humans did to you Jody before arriving safely at CSNW. For decades you and your friends enduring all those indignities, all that invasiveness and trauma, pain and suffering… and for what groundbreaking cures exactly? And then on top of all that to be “warehoused” in windowless basements inside caging and cold concrete, like “books on a shelf” (said by one of those soul-less, corrupt research scientists). So effing infuriating to say the least.. forgive me, I digress.
So many great pictures and blog posts about Jody. I can recall one that has stuck with me.. It wasn’t long after the Seven first arrived .. In this blog posting, there was no picture or video, but just a mention about how one of the chimps or Jody herself had dropped a blanket that was preventing one of the pneumatic doors from closing behind them when they were all entering another room.. If I remember correctly I think it was J.B. who had asked Jody to go back and get it out of the way so that he could close it .. and she did! She rightfully so could’ve ignored him or given the finger (you know what I mean), but she didn’t do that. Memorable and emarkable to me their intelligence, how she just knew and understood what the human wanted at that moment without any kind of training. Mad Respect. Love you Jody.
Thank you CSNW for your dedication
and the exceptional care that you provide for them all. Can’t thank you enough.