Join us in celebrating Love a Chimpanzee Day by honoring this day with a donation of any size on what also happens to be the first day of early giving for GiveBIG!
Donate specifically in honor of Monica (leave a birthday note for her) on our joint birthday fundraising page or on our general GiveBIG page – all funds, which are very much needed right now, go directly towards all the costs associated with providing the individualized care we give at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
It all started in 2010 when donor Monica declared April 23rd (her birthday) to be Love a Chimpanzee Day and sponsored the day in memory of her cat Ozzie.
Monica sent a care package of toys for the (then) seven chimpanzees, and you can see the video of them enjoying that day here.
It’s difficult to avoid the nostalgia that watching that video, and thinking of other Love a Chimpanzee Days in the past, brings up. One favorite memory for Monica was from the 2011 Love a Chimpanzee Day when Burrito so graciously posed with a photo of Duran Duran, Monica’s favorite band.
So much has changed at the sanctuary in the ensuing years. It wasn’t until the fall of 2011 that Young’s Hill, the outdoor area for Jamie’s group, came to fruition.
Then there was adding additional land to the sanctuary property, bringing the total to over 110 acres, followed by welcoming four bovine friends to our little family to help us keep the pasture grass under control.
The last six years have been the busiest in terms of construction and expansion.
Back in 2010, we couldn’t have envisioned what the sanctuary would look like today. Or the joy, delight, excitement, love, laughter (and, let’s be real here, worry, stress, and sleepless nights) that the group of nine chimpanzees (three plus six) from Wildlife Waystation would introduce into our lives, nor the incredible volunteer and staff caregivers who would join the team and the amazing supporters who would add their valuable insight, encouragement, and donations – making all of this possible.
We couldn’t have predicted that it would be so many years before we were faced with the loss of a sanctuary resident or that it would be beautiful and loyal Jody and gentle giant Nutmeg who we would say goodbye to within a year.
Throughout it all, Monica has been with us, donating towards every conceivable fundraiser and providing support that goes well beyond monetary gifts.
Thank you, Monica! Happy birthday and happy Love a Chimpanzee Day 2024!!
Don’t forget to donate in honor of Monica on our joint birthday fundraising page or on our general GiveBIG page for early giving during Washington State’s days of giving!
So much to celebrate today! I will start by celebrating Monica, the best and dearest friend the chimps could ever ask for. Thank you, Monica, for all do beyond the creation of Love a Chimpanzee Day. (I imagine you trying to make this a national holiday, and why not?!) And I celebrate the chimpanzees who thrive in the comfort and safety of CSNW. Lastly, I celebrate all the caregivers and volunteers who cater to the needs of the sanctuary residents while making it all look like such fun. But, we all understand that with the fun experiences the job can be difficult, challenging, and stressful — physically, mentally and emotionally—regardless, you smile through it all, grateful for your friendships and the privilege of making your friends better, richer.
Happy Birthday to you, Monica! Happy Love A Chimpanzee Day to everyone, especially my 15 favorite chimpanzees who reside at CSNW. Best luck during GiveBIG WA!!!
Thank you, Monica for your generosity to CSNW. You are the gift that keeps on giving. i hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
The video from 2010 was great. Thank you, Monica, for having such a huge heart, and I wish you a happy and cheerful birthday full of chimpie pant-hoots!:monkey_face::champagne_glass::birthday::rose::cat:
Happy birthday and thank you to Monica, the bestest of the Bests!
(and, bc I know it’s coming up soon, happy birthday to Diana, early)
Happy birthday to Monica! Those videos of previous Love a Chimpanzee days are just so lovely to watch!