123123…4! Happy New Year, everyone! And so we begin again. At least in regard to the Gregorian calendar. Whether we come leaping or limping into the new year, we friends o’ the chimpanzees are lucky to have Burrito in ours lives to help usher us in and focus on here and now. The only true time.
In case you’ve missed our blatant hints so far, Burrito is turning 41 on the 6th! (It’s possible there may still be just enough time to scoop up the lingering slinkies on his Wishlist if you are so inclined). If ever there was proof of age only being a number and time being non-linear, it’s this endearing and beloved guy.
So January celebrating friends, you have a pretty high celebration standard to uphold and we hope you do Burrito (and all of the chimpanzees) proud and take in every bit of joy you come across.
Jamie (first photo) and Burrito (above and below) taking in the first views of 2024 on their new climbing structure. And Missy, taking in the first zooms.
Book-ending this birthday month is the beautiful, brave, and regal, Rayne. We will be celebrating her 34th birthday on January 29th! Raynie is queen of exhibiting calm, supportive, and decisive leadership for her fellow group mates when they need it most. Even, maybe especially, when they think they don’t need it at all (we’re looking at her half-sister, Honey B, and Willy B here. 🙂 ).
Gordo and Rayne:
Rayne is so special.
For very different reasons, Burrito and Rayne have spirits made all the more incredible by the fact they have histories not remotely conducive to the development of the glimmering souls they are. I look at them, and their thirteen friends and family members, and wonder with awe, “How?”
There are, I think, more mysteries than answers to that question, but one reason is most certainly, *you*, and the lives in their sanctuary home you help make possible. A safe and loving home for them to shine, just exactly as they are. A priceless gift we are endlessly grateful for and want to radiate out for every living being.
And bonus January birthdays to celebrate!
Negra’s beautiful daughter, Heidi, who lives at Chimp Haven in Louisiana, and is turning 40 on January 8th! We have the special gift of having a staff caregiver (Sabrina) who has had the unique privilege of working with Heidi. Her blog post about Negra and Heidi is really beautiful.
And Jody’s handsome son, Bart, who lives at Save the Chimps in Florida, will be turning 32 on January 14th! (photo courtesy of Save the Chimps):
We are so grateful for you! It’s amazing what just your being here in the world, being yourselves, makes possible for so many. Just like the chimpanzees. 🙂
Happy Birthday, January friends, Happy New Year, all!
Tobin says
May the residents and workers at the CSNW have a safe, healthy, and fortunate new year.
(Now, if only the republic can be so lucky…)
Nancy Duryea says
Amen
Carrie says
Amen!
Linda C says
Happy New Year, Katelyn!
:wave:
Katelyn says
Thanks, Linda, you as well!
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Best wishes to you all as we plunge into 2024. I can see many birthday celebrations this month and plenty of fun. Thank you for sharing the amazing photos of the new climbing structure and the gorgeous chimps. It is a comfort to know that although sweet Jody has passed from us she lives on in her beautiful son Bart.
Take care all of you.
Marie says
Happy New Year…Can’t wait for Burrito and his Birthday Pasta Plate 😀
Linda C says
and “pasta can”! Make it happen, people!
Linda C says
that was supposed to be “pasta CAM”
Kathleen says
Hi Katelyn, any chance you or any of the staff had a chance to climb the new structure before making it accessible to the chimps? The view must be stupendous from the landing. Jamie and Burrito sure seem to be enjoying it. And that first photo of Burrito, eeesh! Springing up off his toes to climb up the ladder to the tippy top.
Looking forward to Mr. B’s and dear Rayne’s birthday parties. I’m adding Heidi and Bart’s birthdays to my calendar! (Heidi truly resembles her mother.)
Happy New Year to everyone!
Linda C says
JB and Jake laid the floorboards up there last. Don’t know who else has been up there, but I’m betting money that for future forages, Chad is niminated! :sweat_smile:
Katelyn says
Hi Kathleen, I’m not sure if anyone other than Jake and J.B. have been on the structure yet, but as Linda noted, forages will most likely get others of us up there. 🙂 I have to say I was surprised Bubs was right to the top! And yes, Heidi is so dear, isn’t she? I love seeing their mamas so clearly in them.
Eli says
So much to celebrate in January! Bubby is 41! I can hardly believe it with his boyish, rambunctious personality.
Beautiful Rayne turning 34. She’s such a beautiful and cool lady.
Of course, I always love hearing about the chimps’ children at other sanctuaries. I know Heidi was in a lab for a long time before she reached Chimp Haven and it makes me so wonderfully happy to see Neggie’s beautiful daughter safe and happy. And Jody’s son Bart turning 32! Youthful looks must run in the family because he certainly doesn’t look it. I know Jody is smiling down at him.
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Beautifully stated about the chimps’ children, Eli, and the suffering that they too endured at the labs- after being taken from their mothers. At least in these cases, they eventually found loving forever homes- But what a price to pay.
Katelyn says
Eli –
Yes, sadly, all of our chimpanzee mamas gave birth to their children in labs and most were there for extended times. An exception is Honey B (Missy’s daughter) who made it out of LEMSIP while still a child and was sent to Wildlife Waystation. We are really thankful that of the chimpanzees’ remaining living children everyone finally made it to sanctuaries of their own. It’s so wonderful to be able to follow their lives, knowing they are safe, happy and well cared for.