Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Archives for January 4, 2026

Front Rooms of Fun

by

If you’ve been following us for long, you may know that the front rooms are a beloved spot for both lounging and activities for the chimps living on Cy’s side of the building. There’s FR 7, which is the perfect spot for spying on the humans doing work in the foyer. FR 6 with a food chute to perch on and keep eyes on happenings in the clinic (if you’re Honey B, it’s also a fun activity to have your caregivers open the door to the clinic for you on command!), and FR 5 which connects to the chute and is slightly larger – meaning more room for activities! When George first arrived and into the initial steps of his introduction to Cy’s group, he was living in the front rooms with access to other areas on different days. Because George was occupying the front rooms, the rest of the chimps not being introduced to him weren’t able to visit the front rooms, until just recently! As the introduction group got larger, George and friends moved into a larger space (the playrooms and greenhouses), giving the rest of the chimps the opportunity to rotate through being in the front rooms. I don’t think anyone is more thrilled about this than Honey B!

In today’s blog video, see how Willy B, Honey B, and Mave are making the most of their time in their beloved front rooms!

In memory of Ryan Young, from his family

by

We’re sending our heartfelt thoughts and gratitude to Karen and Don Young, and their family, for sponsoring this special day of sanctuary in celebration of their son, Ryan Young, and his continuing legacy. Through their long-time, dedicated support of the sanctuary they continue to help make so much possible for the chimpanzees, from Foxie’s group, the original seven chimpanzees to arrive at the sanctuary in 2008, to our newest family member, George, who arrived this year. Karen shared this special message:

“The Young family honor the life of Ryan Young today on the fifth anniversary of the end of his journey on earth, and we want to thank him for introducing us to the plight of chimpanzees through NEAVS (the New England Anti-Vivisection Society, now known as Rise for Animals) and through sanctuaries for captive chimps. We know that he would love having a special place for chimps to gather on The Bray called Ryan’s Lookout.  

I discovered CSNW by accident. It was on June 13, 2008, and the chimps had just arrived. J.B. drove them the entire way from Pennsylvania to Cle Elum. They were known as the Cle Elm 7, and they were in terrible condition from years of biomedical research and neglect from horrendous living conditions. That changed quickly as the tender loving care of J.B., Diana and their staff began. 

I visited the website daily, and we began donating by sponsoring Foxie. She had given birth to several babies who were taken from her as part of a captive breeding program, which thankfully has been discontinued through The Chimp Act. The other 6 chimps adjusted and discovered enrichment items including blankets to nest, but Foxie was not interested and sat there depressed until one day she spotted a troll doll. She picked it up, looked at its face, put it on her back, and life began to change for her. I remember sending her boxes of troll dolls. When I have struggles in life, I use Foxie as my role model on how to survive. 

As I continued to visit the website, I realized that I only saw the chimps in a night house so I sent an email asking if they had outdoor space. I was shown a screened in outdoor area, and all winter long, I watched as the chimps sat inside at the door of the night house and stuck a finger into the open outdoor space to scoop up some snow.  

In the summer of 2009, Don, I, Ryan and his fiancé Helena decided to visit the sanctuary. We took a tour, and I remember Ryan asking if there was anyway to enclose the outdoor space. J.B. figured out a way to place removable chimp proof glass inserts over the screens for the winter months , and thus our first project was born. It was thrilling to see the Cle Elum 7 enjoy the winter in this cozy area which became a favorite spot for them during all seasons. 

As the years passed, we have been fortunate enough to see other projects come to fruition. We hope that each one has played a part in helping this amazing sanctuary move forward to what it is today and will become as it moves into the future. It has truly been an honor to have been a small part of the dream of a few extraordinary people- Keith, J.B. and Diana and others. 

A toast to you Ryan. You were an exceptional person, husband, brother and son to us.  Your spirit lives on in everything you touched to make the earth a better place for us all through your dedication to the environment through many companies, especially Textile Exchange. We honor your life on this day and every day. 

Much love and pant hoots! 

THE CHIMPS AT CSNW

Karen and Don, Helena, Zoe and Alastair, Rob, Soo Mi, Helton and Heiwon”

Karen and Don, our thoughts are with all of you today. We’re honored to celebrate Ryan with you.

(Above, George on Ryan’s Lookout on the Bray). Below, Cy’s group, their first day exploring Ryan’s Lookout:

Burrito and Annie reassuring one another during their first moments on Young’s Hill on September 20, 2011(!!):

Foxie’s group, the original seven chimpanzees to arrive in 2008, enjoying Young’s Hill:

Foxie and one of her many beloved dolls, out for a stroll:

Willy B, who has ventured further than he probably thought possible in the last years:

Rayne taking in the view from Ryan’s Lookout:

Negra:

Jamie, on a sunset stroll last autumn: