Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

The celebrations begin!

by Katelyn

It’s here! The Trifecta Jubilee! The day on which we celebrate the arrival anniversary of the original Cle Elum seven (15 years ago!), Negra’s birthday (she turns 50 today!) and Terry’s birthday (he turns 33 today!).

We begin this day of celebration with thanks to two humans who’ve sponsored a day of sanctuary today, the first being Tobin, who shared this message:

“On this fifteenth anniversary of the arrival of the original seven chimpanzees to their sanctuary home in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains I wish to celebrate the following quartet:

For Negra, who is the embodiment of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, over which she reigns with majesty and the most adorable food barks.

For Terry, who has the good fortune and taste to share a birthday with the Queen.

For Diana, who merits another day to celebrate her birthday. I asked Neggie and Terry if they would be willing to share their birthday celebration with Diana. Her Majesty barked forth a royal, ‘But, of course, you Royal Subject!’ Terry responded with an email that read, ‘Bptbptbpt…with a raspberry emoji to confirm his approval.’

And for Jody, who arrived at the sanctuary fifteen years ago after years of maltreatment, but who, through the endeavors of Diana, J.B., and so many others was given a life worth living.

In deepest gratitude, Tobin.”

Let the celebrations begin!

Negra:

Terry:

Jamie and Diana:

Jody:

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. tomaustin says

    A MAJOR DAY………………..
    Happy Birthdays to QUEEN NEGRA and TERRY……..:heart_eyes:

  2. Linda C says

    Thank you, Tobin. And yes, Diana definitely deserves another shot at a happy birthday celebration!

  3. Arlene and Michael says

    Thank you Tobin for your beautiful and meaningful words and for sponsoring today for the incredibly special quartet as you have named them. I absolutely love that.
    I wish happiness to each of them, as it is so deserved.

  4. Kathleen says

    Oh Tobin! Your last paragraph on Jody brought tears to my eyes. Well stated. Thank you.

    Let the celebrations kick off and last throughout the year! Please tell Negra I have been awaiting this day with bated breath! 50 years! And 15 years spent living as a Queen. I love Negra so dearly. And I adore handosme Terry too! And I think it’s a brilliant idea to celebrate Diana today as well.

    Here’s to those we admire and hold dear!! Hoots to you!

  5. Rosalie Allen says

    Happiest Birthday Wishes to the Queen of Hearts (and sanctuary)Negra, TremendousTerry and amazing Diana!
    Congraulations to the Seven for their years celebrating freedom of choice and living their best lives! It is an honor to to be a small part of the family!!

    • marianne says

      Oh wasn’t it; so heartfelt and full of love.
      It makes me so happy to be a blog family member of this beautiful sanctuary.

  8. CeeCee says

    Happy birthday to the queen and her subjects!
    Thank you Tobin for this beautiful tribute.:revolving_hearts:

  9. Marie says

    Very Sweer Tobin.:tulip:….. Little Jody in the last picture looks like she came down from Heaven to watch over her friends …..like a Mother Hen watching over her Chicks:hugging:…..I thought I heard her say…LET’S PARTY:sunglasses:

  10. Marya says

    Thank you, Diana, for your wonderful video tribute to Negra and to all those who support the sanctuary both near (like cleaning cages and shucking corn!) and far (like all of us out here in blogland). I’m so grateful to be a part of this community of people who love and value the lives of others including our sister/brother species. I adore watching Neggie roaming outdoors and looking up at the sun, but I especially identify with her blanketed face peering out from her latest nest. What an old soul! What a woman! What a blessing!