What a year it’s been! I think as humans we like to keep time within tidy borders. Days, weeks, months, seasons, years. The steadiness of knowing, generally, what’s to come, having wonderful things to look forward to, connecting ourselves with somethings and someones. It helps to strike a comforting and familiar balance to the unpredictable and unknown side of life. It’s probably not just us humans who feel that way. Most of us thrive within a sense of safety and security. It’s those very things that often allow most living beings the freedom for our unique expressions and authenticity to flourish within a sense of belonging.
Back at the start of this year, I can tell you that none of us expected that we’d be welcoming another chimpanzee home. I’d guess that our newest family member, George, couldn’t have imagined a life different than the one he’d been living for so long either. And yet, despite what must often feel like uncertainty amid so many new experiences (how could it not?), George continues to amaze us and do his very best to willingly show up for it all. And for us, well, it’s only been months, but how’d we ever live without him in our lives?
None of the beautiful individuals who call the sanctuary home has a (known to us) December birthday to celebrate. But in looking over the fleeting year, I can’t help but look over the flow of all the minutes of their lives, in awe. I’m not sure if the chimpanzees or bovines dwell on days that were particularly exciting or were particularly horrible. On what they’ve gained, or who they’ve lost. If they “pat” themselves on the back for leaping into something new with bravery, or standing up for themselves or someone else, even when it’s risky to do so. If they think about times when their bodies moved with more ease, or they breathe a sigh of relief from thinking about more ease in their lives now. I’m not in their heads, but this isn’t to say I don’t observe moods or behaviors that would correspond with such thoughts and memories. I do, absolutely. But chimpanzees in particular seem adept at moving through their lives more often in the present. Almost certainly better than we humans do.
Each of these extraordinary individuals is a wondrous story of a life woven together by ups, downs, sideways, miracles, devastation, joys, pain, loss, love…all the things that life is for every living being. I’ve never believed non-human animals don’t have a voice. We’re just the lucky ones who get to hear them, and share them, when we listen to their language.
Thank you for helping to give each one of them the chance to be heard, in their own telling. Through every moment following their lives on our blog or social media, donating your money, in-kind gifts, and time, attending our events, showing up over and over again with such dedication for our fundraisers, keeping an eye out for necessities like dolls and boots and magazines and Lucy Bonobo books, spending your time getting to know them and seeing them for the remarkable people they are, and all, somehow with such unfailing kindness and support…you are also woven into their stories. We could never thank you enough for that.
Annie:
Betsy:
Burrito:
Cy:
Dora:
Foxie:
George:
Gordo:
Honey B:
Honey:
Jamie:
Jody, in memory, always:
Lucky:
Mave:
Meredith:
Missy:
Negra:
Nutmeg, Betsy’s forever baby boy who is always missed:
Rayne:
Terry:
Willy B:
Though we aren’t celebrating any resident birthdays this month, we’re definitely celebrating the birthday of Angie (the 1st), Foxie’s beautiful daughter who resides at Save the Chimps in Florida! Angie is turning 38 on December 21st (photo courtesy of Save the Chimps):
In other December news, Giving Tuesday is tomorrow, December 2nd! (To all of you who have been able to donate so far, THANK YOU!). And as we look ahead to the next phase of expansion of the sanctuary for the chimpanzees, cows, and humans alike, you can donate and/or learn more about a special chance for all donors and non-donors alike to win something very special (you won’t want to miss this!) on our Giving Tuesday donation page:
“This year, you helped us welcome George to sanctuary. Now we’re building for the future, starting in the spring with a support building needed to care for a growing sanctuary. Your *matched* gift today helps us take the next step! BONUS: All donors are automatically entered to win a custom chimpanzee sweater featuring the CSNW chimpanzee of their choice! Donors and non-donors have an equal chance of winning the custom sweater. Non-donors can enter here. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Entries must be received by 11:59pm PT on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Winner will be drawn Wednesday, December 3 at 9am PT and notified by email. Sponsored by Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.”
Happy holidays and wintering (or summering) ahead, friends, and whether you celebrate in any way or not, thank you again for being here with us through all the ups, downs, and sideways that time brings, and for all that you make possible in the chimpanzees’ and bovines’ lives. And in all of our lives. We hope you’re celebrating that, and all your gracious hearts. We sure are.
