As year 2025 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year had at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
While the sanctuary routine mostly stayed consistent and predictable, a spanner was thrown in the works when we got news of a 21-year-old male chimpanzee, living alone at a roadside zoo in Oregon, and planning to be seized by OSP and OHS.
Rescuing George was undeniably the biggest thing that happened at our sanctuary this year. Whether it be the rescue itself, the quarantine period after, building relationships with George as he adjusted to his new home, watching him explore the outdoors in a way he has never before, or conducting chimpanzee introductions for George to integrate into a social group, it has been a rewarding adventure.
Other highlights of the year include: Willy B getting silly, Honey B started to throw bouncy balls out of the Mezzanine (heads up caregivers!), Missy turned 50 years old in August, the HOOT! fundraiser in October, new Bray structures built, and it really was the year of PRT hand injections for exams (all chimps voluntarily participated in their injections to be anesthetized for their exams – a hard task!).
What was your personal highlight of the year from CSNW? What was your personal highlight outside of CSNW?
Tell us!
Mave:
Without a doubt, Jenna. The Bray and George! George! George!
Bless him.
Although I did enjoy seeing him get smoked in a downhill race by a 50 yr old!
I’ll have to look through this year’s videos to see.
My CSNW highlight was not only seeing George rescued but seeing George adapt so well so quickly to a new life saving environment with chimp friends under the guidance and care of the most magnificent leader, Cy. George hit all the high marks in record time.
On a personal note I really enjoyed my visit to the sanctuary to see the chimps enjoying being outside and seeing Jody’s lovely sculpture and then a few days later attending HOOT.
Well, that is an interesting question, Jenna, as each time I visit the blog it highlights so many sanctuary activities ie from one of the chimps indergoing complicated medical procedures to watching out for rattlesnakes in the enclosures! However I have to say that for me the arrival of George and his step by step integration into his forever home at CSNW was a mega highlight along with Jody’s beautiful sculpture and the creation of the memorial garden. My personal highlight this year was being able to attend Dr Jane Goodall’s memorial service at the Australian branch of the Jane Goodall Institute here in Sydney. The service was held on a glorious evening at our beautiful Taronga zoo overlooking Sydney harbour. During the service we had a minute’s silence and I swear I could feel Jane there with us all. It was a fitting tribute to one of the most inspirational women on this planet.
Well being introduced to our sweet George was the highlight of my year. I also started a small monthly donation to the sanctuary and I sent a couple of trolls to adorable Foxie. Wishing everyone at the sanctuary a wonderful Christmas season and thank you for all you do for the chimps and keeping us up to date on the goings on.
Happy Holidays,
Britta
Thank you so much for donating dolls to Foxie! She loves her dolls so much!
Among other major occurrences that transpired, I think that it was a breath-taking event when the PBS nature show was able to capture footage of the elusive Pan Hibernata ascending from Terra firma and climbing a structure in her home range.
There are too many favorite memories to list here! I guess I would say that one of my favorite CSNW things happens to be your first of the month posts (Actually making it 12 favorite things!). It is always so heartwarming to read about all the celebratory occasions each moth holds. These posts express everything about who you are as a sanctuary. They truly bring to life your message of Hope, Love, Home…Sanctuary.
Ahhhh, Marvelous Miss Mave and her beautiful floofy face. Yet another Favorite Thing!
I am so thankful that George is in your loving care. Thank you!
Most exciting: George!
Memorable blog: The one that inspired my dream of hanging out with Miss Honey B high up on the mountain, around a campfire, cooking up some shenanigans!