‘Twas a night before Christmas (in July),
When all through the Chimp House,
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even Burrito.
The stockings were washed for the chimps with care,
In hopes that more gifts soon would be there.
The chimps were nestled all snug in their nests,
While visions of new enrichment puzzles danced in their heads.
Ok that might have been a bit of a stretch (and thank you Kelsi for the idea from your blog a few Christmas’s ago), but it’s still fun nonetheless! If you haven’t heard, we are celebrating Christmas in July and are asking you to celebrate it with us by helping us to clear our wish-lists. It’s truly amazing how much support we’ve received and our wish-lists are looking amazingly sparse, but there are still a few items remaining- like Jamie’s favorite bonobo books, one of our important behavioral support medications, and every-day cleaning and office supplies! It’s hard to believe that there are just a few days left before August, but that means there’s just a few days left to help us reach our goal. From all of us (chimp, bovine, and human) here at CSNW, thank you for supporting the work that we do every day.
BONUS PHOTO:
It has been a gloriously cool, rainy day here in Cle Elum, WA and the chimps spent a lot of the morning nesting in their greenhouses where they could feel the breeze and hear the sound of the rain on the roof. A while later the rain stopped and Katelyn, who was on a walk (run? chase? sprint?) around Young’s Hill with Burrito called on the radio that Foxie was climbing on TOP of one of the new structures! Enjoy this mediocre photo of a really special moment from today. The word on the block is that Burrito also climbed one of the trees, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to snag any photo evidence. 🙂 Hopefully next time!
Oh my Foxie! What a brave girl. Maybe her new American Doll gave her extra courage.
CSNW has the best supporters. It’s wonderful you almost emptied your wish list. Maybe by this time Wednesday the elves shelves will be bare. Will the chimps get a Christmas in July party on the 31st?! I’m pretty sure Negra is already dreaming about a little celebration.
Foxie!!! Yay!! Is this her very first time climbing to the top of the new structure? Wow. And thank goodness she made it to the top. I know she inspected it so now you can rest knowing it’s solid and safe. And did I read this post correctly??!!? Burrito climbed one of the trees? Used-to-be-awkward Burrito? That Burrito?! Squealing with joy for him. Please tell me someone captured that historic moment on their phone. Amazing! I am so proud of him. Makes be recall the day he tackled the Twister. There’s always something special happening at the sanctuary!
I met Katelyn on a trail last week, and now I’m dialed in and look forward to being s part of ChimpsNW
Welcome to a daily peek into Shangri-La! The sanctuary residents, chimpanzees and bovines, will fill you with joy, amazement, hope, love, and endless laughter (I’m looking at you Burrito boy!) And none of this would be possible without Katelyn and the outstanding staff. So be sure to sign up for your daily email reminder and sit back, relax for a few minutes each day, and discover the amazing ripple effect of Hope, Love, Home…Sanctuary.
Welcome!
You’ll have to make sure to tune in on Aug 1st to get a Katelyn blog, they are beautiful and not to be missed, but they only come once a month now.
So nice to *see* you here, Dede! Thanks so much for following along with the chimpanzees! <3
Hoping to see you soon
Foxie and Burrito climbing up high?! It’s amazing to see them embracing new parts of themselves even after 15 years of sanctuary. CSNW’s residents never cease to amaze me.
Lovely poem! Thanks to all generous sanctuary supporters for their contributions!
ooh, the Tiny One was wearing her adventure pants! Thank you, Grace! Burrito in a tree, what a thing to see!
welcome Deidre, i hope you enjoy getting to know all of the chimps personalities and shenanigans as I have.