I’ve had this thought for awhile that is really just a vague notion in my head. More of a feeling, really. I haven’t been able to articulate it even for it to make a lot of sense to me, but I going to give it a try. Maybe someone who reads the blog can take the notion and form it into something more solid and eloquent.
Our sanctuary if fortunate to have loyal and long-term supporters. People who have been following the stories of the chimpanzees for years. People who feel a genuine connection to the individuals in our care. This blog, as we’ve said many times, is a labor of love. It helps us process events, articulate feelings and ideas (sometimes poorly, like now), and share the personalities of the sanctuary residents in a personalized way. It’s been a gift for me, and I’m so grateful for those who tune in – whether on an everyday basis or just from time to time.
I often wonder what it is that keeps people engaged, including myself.
I think it’s because what we really write about and share is just… life. Life, with it’s ups and downs, challenges and celebrations. In life you never know what the next moment will bring.
We have the unique privilege of seeing and sharing life through the lens of these amazing beings who are so incredibly resilient, who surprise us every day and help us grow and understand our own lives from a different perspective.
That’s it. It’s a simple idea, but somehow profound in my mind.
Here’s Rayne climbing to the top of Ryan’s lookout with Gordo below early this morning:
Today, we put out a few buckets with watered down Gatorade as part of the forage on the hill. Foxie went right for a bucket and drank it in one sitting:
Missy did the same:
While Foxie, Missy, and their group were foraging on Young’s Hill, Rayne, Lucky, and Gordo were hanging out watching them on the Bray:
Linda C says
Diana, between the blogs and the videos, compounded by the fact that the troops are smaller, we get a sense from you of what the sanctuary life is like, and what the chimps are like as individuals. When you talk about the tomatoes and berries, I know which corner of the bldg you’re talking about. When I see pics of Neggie hugging her legs and holding a doll, like SofĂa’s pic from yesterday, I know that’s the “portrait studio” front room, and that she’s looking like she’s waiting on breakfast service, because she’s seated where she has a view of the kitchen. The only thing you can’t communicate to us is smells, lol.
I learn from the blog, but I also get to experience as closely as I ever will what life with them is like. The blog and what they’ve been up to truly is a great part of my day. Every day. (and the other blog readers, too)
Gaynell says
Diana, I think you articulated everything very well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. i bet my guy Cy was insude catching up on reading, as I’m doing now. Happy Sunday, hope all of us primates are staying cool. See you at HOOT.
Marie says
THOSE sweet Chimps have a Second Chance in life… and that’s Beautiful to Watch and it’s just that these very Simple things….are the Very things….. …..that sometimes bring the Greatest Joy…….. Nice how just watching them eat a Watermelon Bowl or some Chow can Smooth the edges of a long day….Amazing:relieved:…. or maybe I should say Chimply Amazing:grin:
Marcia says
Diana i think you put it very well. you inspired me to give you my take on it.
i always look at things from a spiritual perspective. I feel that the chemistry of SNW, is perfect for putting us in touch with or reminding us of our true nature as loving beings, something many of us forget in our day to day. It’s the chimps overcoming the abuse of the past, opening themselves to loving and trusting humans again and simply being joyful and the humans giving everything they have to their care and happiness, no matter what anyone says or whatever doubts or troubles you have. Just following your heart day after day. it’s no small thing. We feel it every time we tune in. It feeds our souls on a profound level. That and so much more is what keeps us coming back.
Gaynell says
Marcia very well written, captures feelings from the heart.
Tobin says
I agree with all of previous statements. As Marcia wrote, I find that following the CSNW blog and financially supporting the Sanctuary and those who live and work there is nourishing for the soul. While I’ve never met the residents in person (I assume that the Boss misplaced my application to move in), I love them completely, and I am grateful that they are part of my life.
And, at risk of repeating myself and stepping on ideological toes, it must be said that Diana, J.B. and others rescued seven people from a living death and brought them back into life, and since then they have lived life in abundance.
Linda C says
I don’t think anyone would disagree with that, Tobin
Tami Roy says
Diana,
I think that iit is the magic of the chimpanzees, cows, and the special people who care for them. The chimpanzee gang are so special and inspirational, and all of you are are special people for the love and care you give to those incredible souls. Their resilency is a lesson for us all. I think when we see them we see a little of ourselves and hope we are as brave as they are. They inspire me every day to live my best life! Thank you for sharing so much of theirs and your lives with us. we are forever grateful.
Diana says
100%! I hope I am half as brave as they are. Their residency is inspiring to me, and I’m glad to you too. Thank you!
Caroline says
I love reading the daily blog about life in your sanctuary, and tuning in to the videos to watch the chimpanzees interact. Speaking for myself, the thing that keeps me engaged is wanting to see how much better their lives are now that they are free from experiments and confinement, and loneliness. I want to see how happy and healthy they have become, how like a family you all are, and how their relationships have strengthened. I hope this makes some sense, I feel as though I am ranting a bit, but it fills my heart to see the joy on their faces, knowing the suffering they have all endured at the hands of humans.
Thank your team of caregivers again from me, you are a special group of your own!
Diana says
This absolutely makes sense and I appreciate you commenting, Caroline. I’m struck by how many people used that word family in their comments. That definitely resonates with me.
Gabby says
I’d like to add that the photography on the blog is unfailingly superb.
Reading the blog, supporting the work, and seeing the chimps day to day always make me feel like I am keeping up with the relatives.
I am lucky to spend mondays with a couple of troops of gorillas and wednesdays with orangutans, so I feel a certain completeness as I check in on the Cle Elum families.
Diana says
Thanks, Gabby! All of the caregivers are great photographers and we are lucky that taking photos has become easier with technological advancements. Thanks for checking in on the family!
CarolR says
You’re so right Diana about life…..so unpredictable, but every day, we learn from both the chimpy people and the caregivers who so generously share that life with us. Kindness and squabbles, happy faces and screaming, it doesn’t matter….we see emotions and behaviours that they were never free to feel or express for decades. And the wonderful caregivers who accept and dedicate themselves every day to provide for their needs. There’s lessons in Life to be learned from all of it. My email arrives most days in the mornings and it sets me up with thoughts for the day….I love to see how ‘family’ are doing!
Diana says
Thank you, Carol!
Marcie says
I became a supporter because I’m an animal advocate and lover of every creature. I read the daily blog because I respect these resilient intelligent chimps and bovine who enjoy their sanctuary life, accept it and maybe now understand that not all human beings mean them harm. But more than all that I consider the sanctuary residents an extension of my animal family and the CSNW staff my fellow ambassadors to the animal world. And yes I agree we are priviledged to share a life with them in it.
Diana says
Thank you for expanding your family with the addition of the chimpanzees and bovines here, Marcie!
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Thank you for reaching out to us, Diana, and for sharing your thoughts. For me, the daily blog is a constant reminder of the blood, sweat and tears that you at the sanctuary pour out each day to ensure all your beloved residents have the life they always deserved. While the blog, photos and videos make me feel part of something wonderful, it also makes me realize that each day is a gift to us all. one day, hopefully many , many years from now the sanctuary will no longer be, the chimps will pass and someone will say ” oh, yes, there used to be a Chimpanzee sanctuary up on that hill and the chimps finally found their place in the sun “. The memories will live on and you will always be remembered. I thank you all and salute you, so, please keep those blogs going.
Diana says
Thank you, Susan. Your future vision brought on some tears. I hadn’t really envisioned that day in the future and I like your vision for it that the chimps found their place in the sun.
marianne says
Dear Diana,
I am not completely sure what your doubt is and where it comes from.
Are you unsure if all the support will last for as long as the sanctuary needs it? Or if you are doing the right thing?
Like many other supporters, what I do first thing with my breakfast is tuning in to the blog, reading about what’s going on at the CSNW. ( I used to live in the PNW so that is a extra connection ).
It makes me feel connected to all members of the family ( you are MY chosen family ), and there are many times when the stories and video’s touch my hart and make me cry.
So please, know that this blog is very important to me and many others; we support you and your fantastic sanctuary because it is real, no fuss, just is.
Thank you for your wonderful energy and love.
I need that every day!
Lots of love,
Marianne from the Netherlands.
Diana says
Marianne – Thank you for your words. I LOVE reading that the sanctuary is your chosen family!) My uncertainty in this post was more about not quite being able to put into words why the blog draws (the best) people in. I do definitely have constant thoughts and worries about sustaining support for the next several decades too 🙂
Nancy Potter says
Diana, I look forward to the blog on a daily basis, it gives me joy to know that every day life for these wonderful chimops and bovines is something special. Sometimes every day life to humans is not so positive and upllifting and just taking a moment to read and see maybe a small differance you are making somewhere in this life brings a smile and knowing this is the best it will get for them other than being free. thank you so much.
Diana says
Thank you, Nancy!
Kathleen says
Diana, I think you nailed it. Your words, and everyone response, are woven together with a similar thread. We all share, and feel, so many of the same emotions all because of this one little sanctuary in Cle Elum, Washington. It’s amazing when you stop to think about it.
When I first came upon your sanctuary, it was the Cle Elum Seven who touched me so deeply. Peeking in on their daily lives, and seeing so much joy, was moving. Especially because of their tragic pasts. I knew in an instant I was here to stay. Your blog was/is so personal, so informative, so enlightening, so honest, and the Cle Elum Seven so extraordinarily magnificent, brave, and full of such fortitude and zest for living, that I couldn’t wait to return day after day after day to see what they were up to. You have grown since then, and my feelings and love for each individual, and everyone as a whole, has grown too.
Now, many years later, I find myself deeply grateful to all the humans who have given their time to give this life to the chimpanzees and cows. I have such respect and admiration for all you do. It’s hard work, physically and emotionally. Sometimes humanity seems dark and bleak. Each and every single one of you have inspired me and given me hope! There really are people who sacrifice deeply for the betterment of another species! It’s the way things should be but we rarely see it. How fortunate am I to witness it everyday?! Thank you.
We need a case study on the effects of your blog posts. Talk about enrichment!
Diana says
Kathleen – you always have insight and share it with such eloquence. Thank you. HOPE! It’s what keeps us all going, isn’t it?
Paulette says
She’s right! This blog is our daily enrichment! 100%!!
Paulette says
What keeps me engaged?CSNW is the only sanctuary with a daily blog. It’s also the smallest sanctuary. That allows us to get to know each individual in your care on a deeper and more intimate level. What keeps me engaged? My love for the chimps. And I could only fall in love with them because you provided this venue for us to follow their daily ‘Life,’ to share in the joy and sorrow, the conflicts and the friendships, the fears and the bravery, the silliness and the serious. Their ‘Life.’ And I’m so very grateful!
Diana says
Thank you, Paulette!