Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for August 23, 2025

Missy’s 50th Birthday!

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A 50th birthday is a huge milestone! Today is Missy’s 50th birthday. Can you believe it?!

Thank you to Paulette for sponsoring Missy’s birthday party today! She was the first of many Missy birthday sponsors- thank you all so much!

As you probably know, Missy is a tomato enthusiast. It doesn’t matter what kind, the size, or the color – Missy loves them all the same. On brand, today, we had a tomato themed birthday celebration with every tomato you can think of, a tomato “cupcake” I attempted yesterday, watermelon bowls (tomatoes, cabbage, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, snap peas), and drinks (sparking cider and mix of guava, pineapple, and watermelon).

The chimps absolutely loved it! Especially Missy. Check out the party video above!

Happy Birthday, Missy, from Patti!

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Thank you so much to long-time volunteer caregiver and Chimpanzee Pal to Missy, Patti Sims, for also sponsoring today and being part of the incredible parade of love for Missy and her 50th birthday celebration!!

“I’m thrilled to sponsor Missy on her birthday! Her quiet, effortless confidence always amazes me. Known as a “chimp’s chimp,” she prefers her chimp family to humans, which makes it extra special when she does connect—whether through a playful chase or the honor of grooming. What I admire most is her fierce devotion to family. Protective, loyal, and brave, this compact athlete can be quite fearsome! Happy Birthday, Missy—you’re one of the coolest people I know”.

Thank you for adding so much to Missy’s special day, and life, Patti! We appreciate you!

Missy is such a special person and we all love her so much.

That time Missy fearlessly climbed up on the roof of Carlene’s tower to explore, while her caregivers fear-grimaced below (forgetting she’s not only a chimpanzee, but Missy chimpanzee). 😉 :

Missy and Annie:

Happy Birthday, Missy, from Tobin and Annie!

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Many thanks to Tobin for also sponsoring today in celebration of Missy’s birthday on behalf of Missy’s BFF Annie!

Annie and Missy have been in one another’s lives far longer than they’ve been in sanctuary together. How extraordinary, after all they’ve been through, that these two best friends have both reached their fifties together. Thank you much for honoring their special friendship, Tobin!

Annie and Missy top of Twister

Annie grooming Missy

For Missy Chimpanzee!

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So many thanks to dearest long-time friend of the sanctuary, Kathleen Corby, for sponsoring this very special day of sanctuary in celebration of Missy, who is turning 50 miraculous years old today!

“Today Missy turns 50! An astonishing accomplishment considering Missy almost didn’t make it out of LEMSIP to travel with the rest of the Cle Elum Seven to their new sanctuary home because of a health concern. Not to be ignored, Missy is an amazing, exuberant athlete, even now as she turns 50! I have a special pocket in my heart for Missy. When I first followed the blog, Missy was easily recognizable so I grew attached to her. Missy, BFF to Annie and the pine tree climber. Happy Birthday! xoxo”

Missy had her first opportunity to climb a tree at the age of 47 and she didn’t waste a moment. It’s safe to say that’s how she’s approached every day of her sixteen plus years in sanctuary. We love her so. (We are so grateful to have several sponsors for Missy today – be sure to tune back in later for her party!):

Annie and Missy, an oldie, but goodie: