There’s a lot to love about summer, but for most of us here at the sanctuary – not all, but most – the long spells of heat isn’t high on that list. So with the arrival of September, we usually get the best of both worlds with more respectable summer days (not this week, but it’s coming, right??) and the arrival of magical autumn days. That alone would be celebration enough in my world. But that just adds a special flare to the birthdays ahead this month!
Disclaimer: This is an even bigger month than I realized when I set out typing, so if you can’t pull up a chair, please feel free to just enjoy the photos of all the beautiful beings who we’re celebrating this month. 😉 We’re in awe and wonder of each of them every day.
First is beautiful, beloved Annie turning 50 on September 10th. 5-0!!!:
It wasn’t long after I’d come into the chimpanzees’ lives and they into my heart that Annie’s group gained access to their 2-acre outdoor habitat, Young’s Hill, for the first time. The first time any had stepped on the earth in decades, if ever. The first time seeing the sky overhead, unobstructed. As a still relatively new volunteer at the time, I wasn’t physically present during the enormity of that day. Understandably, they had no idea how things might go and with security a top priority thought it best to have only fully trained staff and volunteer caregivers onsite in the event of an emergency. A beloved friend who was here that day texted me a moment by moment report as I sat who remembers where, clinging to my phone. I have it printed out and framed and reading it even now makes my heart sway, especially those first words, “They’re out!! They’re all out together!”
All these Septembers later, we are somehow getting ready to celebrate Annie turning 50!! How is this possible?!
And in fact, this month (on September 20th) will be the thirteenth anniversary of her group’s first day on Young’s Hill. Whether you’ve seen the video from KOMO4 news of that day before or not, it’s not easily forgotten. PSA: Grab some Kleenex first. I’ve always loved this photo of her hugging Burrito in those moments in what I’m sure was a wild mix of excitement, fear, and reassurance (you can see this live in the video linked above):
After the initial days of excitement (Diana even noted in the blog that Annie seemed to be the one who spent the most time outside that first day), everyone took to the hill in their own time and way. In those days, Annie was glued to Missy’s side even more so than she is today, but she wasn’t as comfortable engaging much with the others, or sitting it out while Missy socialized. I remember so clearly one day Missy had raced outside to collect some of their forage put out to encourage them, but Annie held back. She seemed equally as distressed at being separated from Missy as she was at the idea of going outside with her. Sitting in the doorway leading from the greenhouse to the hill, eyes GLUED on Missy, Annie rocked back in forth with clear anxiety. It broke my heart to watch, but I also trusted Annie would get there in her own time.
And she sure did. Eventually, it became increasingly common to find Annie out on the hill all on her own, often at the furthest reaches taking in the view. It didn’t matter if it was a bluebird sunny and freezing 9 degrees and we had to coax her inside with gum when we began to worry for her, or if she chose to bipedal it in classic Annie-style across the snowy field, or if shifting the chimpanzees for cleaning was delayed by 30 minutes because none of us could find her, but knew she was on the hill somewhere even though everyone else had moved inside. And summer evenings, those became a favorite of mine. After saying goodnight to the chimpanzees and locking the chimp house up for the night I’d make a last spin by the greenhouse on my way home where I’d find Annie, in peaceful solitude as she sleepily gazed out over the hill from her nest. She’d acknowledge me, but her eyes never left the expanse of her hill lit up in the sunset.
Those became some of my most cherished memories of Annie because we’ve had the incredible privilege of seeing just how far she would come once she was ready. It speaks so quintessentially of true sanctuary, what it means, and what it provides each of the chimpanzees. It’s a story I used to share at most of the summer visits I led so that people could see what they helped make possible, how much Annie has transformed as a result of being provided a second chance at a life closer to one she deserves. I realized this summer that I never quite have time to get to that one now. The chimpanzees each have so many stories to tell now we can’t begin to share them all. Isn’t that a gift?
Annie and her bestie, Missy:
Annie is a kind, gentle, curious, and endearing person. She fills the chimp house with her “bird noise” whistles when she’s extra content, delights us with her headbands-as-waistbands fashion, hates snakes with the fire of a thousand burning suns and lets everyone in earshot know, screams like a banshee when wildcard Burrito blusters into the room (who can blame her), loves wild games of wrestle more and more with said wildcard, and has moxie enough for us all. Sometimes I can’t help but love the moxie the most. Why just last week I watched her stand toe to toe with boss Jamie and smack her during a strongly worded disagreement and as Annie is someone who is lower in the hierarchy, though we don’t recommend this line of action, sometimes our hearts can’t help but secretly root for her sheer courage alone in occasionally standing up for herself. Oh, and sandal season for the humans? It’s possible she loves our bare feet as much as we love chimpanzee feet. I adore her. We’re so grateful we get to celebrate this incredible birthday with her.
We also have the privilege of celebrating Miss Meredith Cow, who is turning 9 on September 23rd!:
Meredith is another endearing being with her own unique sense of independence and it’s the thing about her that makes me smile the most. (Which one of these is different? 😉 ):
Meredith and her mama, Honey:
Look at baby Mere! (photo courtesy of Farm Sanctuary):
Meredith has been through an awful lot in the past year. She was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and underwent significant treatment which required a lengthy recovery period with limited activity. In the midst of her recovery her sweet family lost Nutmeg, Betsy’s son. No matter the age, bovines are extremely bonded with one another and having grown up with Nutmeg we have no doubt his absence is deeply felt by Meredith. As by us all.
Despite everything Meredith and her family have faced this year she has been such a trooper throughout it all – they all have – and when she, Honey, and Betsy were ready to make their way to their summer pastures I’m sure they could not have been happier. They’ve spent all these weeks up there, lost in the tall grass and summer breezes, at ease, together.
As you may be aware, in most any other life, or had Meredith and her family remained in the dairy industry, none of these options would have been provided for her. So while we are full of gratitude to you, our amazing supporters who make Meredith’s life in sanctuary possible, we’re also full of gratitude for the privilege of seeing cows living out their natural lives with their families, getting to know them as the unique individuals they are, and for the hope-filled awe of seeing so many humans coming together creating a different way. For Meredith, for others who may be so fortunate, and for each of us humans. And for the longed for ripple effect we hope goes far and wide.
Gorgeous Meredith:
And on September 25th we celebrate Mave who will be turning 35! Mavie!!:
If you follow us regularly you know that Mave’s big news of the year so far is that after months of feeling too unsure to venture into her group’s outdoor habitat, the Bray, she’s courageously finding her way out there now! Here she is with Cy:
One might even say this has been her version of a social butterfly year. From day one, Mave has been an utter delight. We just had no idea that Mave with an even happier heart was someone we’d yet to see. Though a devoted half of her beloved “Mora” (Mave+Dora), she now occasionally morphs into “Mora B” (Mave+Dora+Honey B). We just celebrated her, Willy B and Honey B’s fifth anniversary here at the sanctuary and though we’ve said it before it bears repeating: Mave isn’t the same person we knew her to be five years ago. Going outdoors, making friends, going from being a member of a group of three to a group of nine, might sound simple enough (well, okay, that last one makes introvert me shudder), but it takes an enormous amount of courage for someone for whom these choices and opportunities weren’t always possible.
“Mora”:
Oh Mavie, how we adore you:
We’d also like to celebrate the September born daughters of three of our chimpanzee mothers, all of whom we are so entirely grateful to say are living wonderful lives at Save the Chimps in Florida.(Photos courtesy of Save the Chimps).
Negra’s beautiful daughter, Angel, is turning 39 on September 4th! She looks so much like her mama:
Annie’s gorgeous look alike daughter, Mariah, is turning 33 on September 19th! Just look at her!:
And Jody’s stunning daughter, Andrea (the 2nd), is turning 34 on September 30th! Oh, she looks so much like her beautiful mama. And while it squeezes our hearts, we celebrate seeing Jody in Andrea and knowing she is living a wonderful life at Save the Chimps. After all, Jody wouldn’t want it any other way:
And to all of you Annie, Meredith, Mave (and Mariah and Andrea!) birthday twins, we’re celebrating you, too! Thank you for being here everyone, and whether anticipating autumn or spring, happy September!
So many links in this blog! Had to first review the KOMO story. Still brought tears. Wonderful to see their joy at getting outside. Horrified for poor Neggie touching the fence. And Happy Birthday, Annie and Meredith, and the daughters. Loved seeing those beautiful offspring. My birthday is also in September, so I’m particularly interested in these.
Well, happy birthday to you, too!
Thank you!
Thank you Katelyn, I love that video, it makes me cry everytime.
All these picture are great, and I can’t believe how much Jody’s daughter looks like her.(more crying.)
So many birthdays to celebrate, it’s like they finally have a reason to live on because of this wonderful sanctuary.
Thank you for loving them, and taking such good care of them.:revolving_hearts:
Same here, CeeCee – no matter how many times I see it, or how much time goes by, sob every time. Thanks so much for being here.
I’ll pull up a chair for a Katelyn blog any time!
I, too, love seeing Annie stand up to Jamie. The one I remember the most was the day she protested Jamie’s stealing Missy’s lunch chow. She wasn’t arguing for herself, she was arguing for her bestie. She had her teeth showing in a grimace, was screaming, and everything from the wrist forward was moving at 90 miles an hour! I can’t remember the name of the video.
And it seems like dear, sweet, Annie is always the first one to summit most of your new structures when they get them!
One of our trusty personal cheerleaders, thank you always for your kindness and dedication to the chimpanzees, Linda. We appreciate you. Just love Annie and her brave heart.
Wonderful heartfelt blog. One of the best I’ve read in a long while. Bravo to all the chimps and cows.
Thank you for your kind words, Mark. We appreciate you following along with the chimpanzees’ and cows’ lives.
What a wonderful post! So many memories. And I see Jody’s spirit shining in her daughter’s eyes.
Thank you, Edie. “Seeing Jody’s spirit n her daughter’s eyes”…exactly, I love that.
Fun and September birthdays galorious with loving and tender thoughts reaching out to Annie, Mave, Meredith and everyone. Heartfelt love for those special children of our beloved chimps and sad that they could not be together. At least it is comforting to know that some of those delightful offspring reside in comfort and care at Save the Chimps sanctuary. Blessings to you :heart::heart::sparkling_heart:all and have one heck of a September celebration xxxx
Yes, agreed, it’s an incredible gift to be able to not only know where their children are, but that they are safe and cared for and we get to see them. It’s so often not the case.
Beautifully written post, Katelyln, thank you! (And I must add that beside the daily dose of excitement when reading the latest posts written by the sanctuary staff, I – as a non-native speaker – always learn something new about the gorgeous English language since all of you plus the commenters use it in a really sophisticated way!) :hibiscus:
Thanks so much, Adrienne. I would say English as a second (or first!) language isn’t one of the more intuitive ones and I think this is one of the loveliest things I’ve heard about the beauty of language.
So many celebrations in September!
I can’t believe beautiful Annie Bird will be 50! Reading the older blogs, it’s amazing to me how far she’s come. Gone is the anxious wallflower, instead Annie has truly blossomed into a wonderful chimpanzee person with her own brand of confidence! She might be a low ranker, but she’s not afraid to stand up for herself or even (as evidenced by the blog from May 19, 2020 (Old Tools New Ideas)) siphon away Jamie’s smoothie as she’s drinking it! Annie is truly an amazing soul.
Of course, sweet and independent Meredith is also celebrating! I can appreciate someone who marches to the beat of their own drum and she definitely does that! I know she’s had a rough year, so I hope she enjoys lots of treats and scratches on her birthday!
And, of course, beautiful Mave’s birthday! Brave, silly, and a certified relaxation queen, what’s not to love? I’ve said it before, but it’s really been the year of the Mave! She’s accomplished so much this year so far and it’s been absolutely amazing to see her getting comfortable with the great outdoors.
Lastly, Angel, Mariah, and Andrea’s birthdays. While it pains me they were never able to know their amazing mothers, I’m so happy that those three lovely ladies get to enjoy the sanctuary life. They all look so much like their mammas, it really amazes me.
I loved that siphon trick!
I always like to celebrate those independent moves as well, especially given all it’s taken for them to arrive there within themselves. Annie’s siphoning is the best!
A wonderful blog Katelyn, one to enjoy and tne pitures are amazing. What a wonderful soul Annie is, so glad she has had this second chance of life thanks to you all for what you do!
Thanks so much, Janice. Annie is so special – thanks for being here with us.
Thank you so much for the chance to see the KOMO4 News video. Today’s blog, and every CSNW blog tells so much about the chimp people, the bovine people, and the human people that have made and continue to make CSNW the remarkable haven that it is. Even from far away, the blog has taught me to recognize each of the non-humans imediately and to feel as if I know them personally. My guess is that you guys don’t fully grasp the impact that you have on so many things and the importance of what you all do together every single day! Whatever you might think it is, it is loads more.
Thank you so much, Roberta. That’s really a lovely thing to say (and hear).
I will confess to reading this post instantly upon seeing it in my email. But I had to reread it this morning over my cup of coffee so I could save her every word. I always enjoy the first of the month posts by you, Katelyn. September issue did not disappoint! The link to the first time the chimpanzees venture out onto Young’s Hill will always make me cry. As I have said in the past, the chimpanzees reactions are just as heartwarming as all of your faces and the dialogue amongst you. Katelyn, I can’t imagine your very own anticipation as you followed, blow by blow, on your device. Your heart had to be in your throat every single breathtaking second! This video is something everyone should see. It changes you.
Annie! 50! It seems unbelievable. At the same time, this realization fills me with joy. Thanks to everything you have done and everything you continue to do, Annie’s life within sanctuary has been rich, fulfilling, and physically, mentally and emotionally, a game changer for her. She entered the sanctuary anxious, unsure of the world around her, and overly dependent on her dearest friend, Missy, and look at her now! She’s the gal we often see, sitting outside all by herself, comfortable in her own skin and the quiet of the moment, enjoying her beautiful surroundings, enjoying the place she considers home. It’s such a substantial change that sometimes it’s hard to fathom. It is why I deeply admire, respect, and love beautiful Annie. Such courage.
Can’t wait to celebrate Meredith. As a fellow sister who has always followed her own path, no matter the direction, I feel a connection to Meredith. I hope the cattle ladies have all gotten used to the empty space in their family, the big hole that Nutmeg left behind. Knowing how social they are, and how close their bonds become, I can’t imagine what this year must have felt like to each of them. Making this birthday for Meredith all the more important. We must really celebrate in her honor this year. Bring on the alfalfa!!!
Floofy, freckly, adorable, loving, brave, and now adventurous Mave….there’s not enough words in the English language to paint a portrait of Mave. She’s uniquely unique! I mean, just look at these photos of her! Who needs words? It’s all there for the eye, and the heart, to see. Looking forward to her big day, too.
And it always takes my breath away, just a little, when I see photos of the children of the ladies we love. I am so grateful to the accredited sanctuaries who give these chimpanzees a life full of everything they deserve. Touching to see how they look so similar to their mothers (especially Andrea!).
Thank you again, Katelyn, for bringing all of our birthday friends to life. I was sad to see Summer coming to an end but now I can see there’s so much to look forward to in the month of September.
Kathleen, we so appreciate you and your gracious, sincerely thoughtful, and dedicated presence and all you share with us. That video is amazing – no matter how many times one watches, it never gets old. Agreed, how Annie is 50 I’ll never know. In a bold move, summer has decided to hang on with a fury, but this time of year often feels like a fifth season to me. And if it eases into a lovely long autumn for the chimpanzees, cows, and humans, won’t that be a thrill? Especially with Jamieween on the horizon…:)
Katelyn, you did not write a blog, you wrote a book with photos, a very personal, heartfelt recollection of the wonderful lives at CSNW. Thank you very much. So far, i’ve read it twice with all the comments and video. I’m heading off for a box of tissues before my third, not the last, reading.
Thank you so much for sharing your precious time reading the blogs and sharing in the chimpanzees’ lives with us, Gaynell. We’re so grateful for the dedicated blog community you all have created here.