Yesterday, we celebrated Jamieween, one of our biggest holidays of the year! As Jenna mentioned Jamie runs this place, so of course we go all out! And because she runs this place, I wanted to dedicate another blog to her.
I think many of you know by now that I absolutely adore Jamie and love any opportunity to celebrate her. There are countless reasons why she means so much to me. Jamie is wonderfully complex. I often share stories about her silly side or the moments when she’s especially sweet, but I also recognize that not everyone gets to see that part of her. Jamie can be a bully, stubborn, and even a little manipulative at times—but those traits only add to her depth. I love that she’s tough and unapologetically herself. She’s not vulnerable with everyone, and I’m not sure what draws her to certain people, but I’m forever grateful and deeply honored that she chose me. It’s something I will always treasure.
Yesterday, I came in to prep food and help organize the party while everyone else was cleaning. I greeted Jamie with a “Good morning and Happy Jamieween!” before diving into party prep — starting with a blood orange mocktail, among other treats. Once the drink was ready, we thought Jamie should have the first taste, and she gave a food grunt of approval! She seemed so excited, and I think she could tell her celebration was coming soon. Without missing a beat, she requested that I put on a boot and join her for a walk.
As we set off, Burrito, Missy, Annie, and Foxie came along too. But as we began to climb up the steeper part of the hill, everyone took a different path, leaving just Jamie and me to walk together. Walks with Jamie have become less frequent lately — though don’t get me wrong, she still spends plenty of time outside patrolling and exploring. It’s just been a while since we’ve done one of our classic ten-plus laps around the Hill.
Maybe it’s because we staff members have more to do these days as the sanctuary continues to grow. Or maybe when we expanded the Hill, it changed her routine a bit. It could even be that she’s just busier now — with more humans and more chimps to manage, there’s a lot happening compared to when it was just the original seven. We may never know exactly what changed, but that only makes me more grateful each time she asks me to go for a walk.
These are some of my favorite kinds of walks — just Jamie and me, meandering together. This one felt especially meaningful, a walk just for the two of us. I had forgotten my phone, so there were no photos or videos — it was truly just her and me, in the moment.
Walks with Jamie feel sacred to me. They’re a privilege. Being asked to join her feels like the highest compliment — that she wants me, specifically, to share her presence (and trust me, you know when she doesn’t want you to be in her presence!).
JB recently wrote a really beautiful, reflective blog about Jamie and her after-hours walks, that really resonated with me. He was so right, when Jamie wanted to go for her ninth walk in the blistering heat or her third stroll of the evening, we might’ve been thinking about all the things we still had to do, or even looking forward to settling into our own nests for the night. But nowadays, I find myself feeling the opposite — I’m the one wanting to ask her, “Maybe just one more?”
Here are some bonus photos of Jamie’s group from yesterday!
Annie:
Burrito:
Foxie:
Missy:
Negra:
Kelsi, thanks for sharing your story of your very special friendship with Jamie. Sometimes words speak louder than photos ever could.
Gee whiz Kelsi, you had me all misty eyed reading this. To have a close friendship and bond with any one of the chimpanzees would be a uniquely incredible experience, but to be close with Jamie seems like a massively special honor and a privilege. I’m guessing Jamie clearly understands how deeply you care about her. She shows you her true self. I can see this in countless photos you share with us. I appreciate it when you describe your personal experiences with Jamie, it gives us a little window into Jamie’s beautiful inner self. I love her so, even from afar, she has captured my heart and my respect.
PS: I received my CSNW 2025 Yearbook today! I love it. What a fun little keepsake.
“Maybe just one more?”. What a poignant description of a friendship between Jamie and her friend, Kelsi. Now is always the time to experience the gift of being in the presence of those we treasure.
I had intended to sponsor this day of sanctuary in honor of Jane Goodall. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I wasn’t able to do so, though I hope that I can at another time. It is hard to realize that, in the words of Mary Oliver, Dr. Goodall’s “one wild and precious life” came to its conclusion. Her life and work made such a benevolent difference.
On this first day of November, a song is sung in some quarters which begins with the words, “For All the Saints, who from their labors rest…”. It is difficult for me to think of Jane Goodall as being at rest from her labors, and her mission. Surely her legacy endures, as evidenced in the humane treatment which people like Jamie receive at the CSNW.
She’s very special all round, Kelsi and your words and thoughts capture that. I loved her greeting Negra in the video, it’s not a combination we often see. When I saw the huge hauls that some of them got, I did wonder if you give Negra extras when she gets inside, as she can’t forage as far or as fast these days?
Thankyou, Kelsi,for sharing such beautiful words, of your very,very special friendship with Jamie. As Tobin said it is so important to be in the “now” and share precious time with treasured friends. They are magical “Jamie” moments which will last you a lifetime.And you don’t need a camera to capture this.
No need to ask if Halloween at CSNW was a success; those outdoor photos of Burrito, Annie and the gang enjoying their day Halloween style says it all.
:jack_o_lantern::jack_o_lantern::jack_o_lantern::sparkling_heart:
Annie’s hair being all pilo says that excitement was palpable!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the amazing Jamie, Kelsi. Jamie is the true embldiment of fighting spirit and it says a lot about her trust in you that she seeks you out to patrol with her, just the two of you. Jamie is truly an amazing person.
There is only one Boss. You’re fortunate to know her, and I’m so happy that she’s appreciated for everything she is, even if that’s “messy”.
Thanks for the pic of Missy’s final haul count! 🙂 She definitely won the day!
Pumpkin status?