The world lost a true legend and hero yesterday – Carole Noon. She was the founder and President of Save the Chimps. Hundreds of chimps, including Annie’s son and Foxie’s daughter, are free today because of her, and I can’t think of a better tribute.
I am happy to say that I worked with her a bunch over the last 8 years or so, and I learned so much from her. I remember walking into the halls of the former Coulston Foundation right after she took it over. Words can not even begin to describe how intense that place felt – it was paralyzing. Yet Carole took on the challenge with ease and transformed that dungeon into a joyful, wonderful sanctuary. Years later, she took in several chimps near and dear to my heart who desperately needed rescue.
Carole had a feisty spirit and let no one get in her way. I won’t lie – when she was my supervisor I sometimes feared her phone calls. She didn’t hesitate to tell me exactly what she thought and it wasn’t always pretty! But working with her and learning from her was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. She taught me to confidently carry forth in any chimp situation. I will always be grateful to her for that “chimp confidence.”
Today, I’m very sad about losing Carole. But that feisty independent spirit will always be with me. May she continue to inspire us to keep doing more for chimpanzees everywhere. She left a truly amazing legacy.
Anna says
My hearfelt condolences to you for having lost a mentor and a friend. You do Carole honor here today.
And I’d like to celebrate Carole’s legacy and accomplishments. There are throngs of chimps and gentle hearted humans in heaven rejoicing at her at her arrival.
May we all take up a bit of her mission and passion and do what we can, wherever we are, to aid animals in misery.
Hugs to you, Sarah.
Candace (Tyler, TX) says
I’ve been working on my chimpanzee name list when I decided to take a break and check out CSNW, I was shocked and said, “oh, no.”
When I first saw Ms. Noon in the documentary, “Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History,” I said to myself, “tough lady.” But her compassion shone through and anyone who took on the Air Force had to be tough. I could tell what a focused human being she was and that the chimpanzees came first. I also thought it refreshing that someone would just say it as she saw it and wouldn’t pussyfoot around the truth.
The chimpanzees have lost a great friend, but her legacy and spirit will live on.
Cindy says
It’s a sad time for the extended chimp community to loose Carole Noon. I have followed her work for a long time and admired her tenacity and caring. Her work with the Coulston chimps touched me deeply.
We all share your sorrow today and appreciate the wonderful words you wrote. She left a remarkable legacy that you/we are continuing today.
Debbie says
Very sad and shocking loss. I’ve always said Dr. Carole Noon was one of my heros and she will continue to be. Amazing what she did for the chimps at the Coulston Foundation and bravo to the Arcus Foundation for their support. I’ve watched all the videos on the Save the Chimps website and thought she must be a tough as nails take no prisoners kind of woman (I sure like that). However when you watched her with the chimps she was the most kind, patient, loving, and caring person with them. She probably had no idea how many lives she impacted and how many chimp advocates are now out there because of her work and her passion for chimps. She may be gone but I know I will never forget Dr. Carole Noon and her amazing legacy.
Theresa says
My condolences to you, Sarah on the loss of your friend and mentor. May God wrap you in His loving arms and comfort you. Hugs.
Shelly Knapp says
It’s so horribly sad when the animal kingdom loses such a hero – I was shocked when I read your post, Sarah. Carole was heaven sent for the chimps ~ her accomplishments truly are astonishing and they will continue to be inspirational for so many. Rest in peace Carole – and from heaven, keep a watch over the chimps.
Irene says
I had the chance to work with Carole at the Sanctuary for 2 years and am shocked to hear of her passing. The Chimp world has lost one of their strongest allies and friends. I know that all of us that had a chance to know her will forever be grateful for her dedication to these animals and know that she is now reunited with Coco, and all the other lives that she touched through her hard work and dedication. It is a comfort to know that thanks to her sacrifices, the chimps will forever be taken care of, even after she has left us. I know the Sanctuary will be very quiet for a long time as the Chimps mourn the loss of their mama. 🙁
Jeani Goodrich says
My thoughts are with all of you who knew Carole. I am so glad she was such a tough lady and left her imprint on so many of us. May we carry on the work she started in her honor so that she will live on.
Sara Lissabet says
She can be satisfied with her work while here and the lasting legacy she leaves. The world is turning in a new direction because of people like Carole. And here’s more proof:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/05/01/astronauts.space.chimps/index.html
Desiree says
May Day – A pagan holiday, dating back to B.C.
It is a powerful and spiritual half way point – Nov. 1st/day of the Dead ranking first…
Please take a moment to help two loved, already missed souls to pass HECTOR ARCE, beloved brother & friend and
Dr. CAROLE NOON, matriarch, inspiration, sistah, friend and SO much more than can be mentioned here
Love and light during your transitions…
dee says
oh Sarah.. such terrible news… my sincere heartfelt condolences go out to you, her family, her friends, her STC team.. she will be sorely missed by many (even by those who never met her), and especially by all of her sweet dear chimpanzee friends that she fought for and rescued from decades of pure hell and torture.. She was their real life Angel & Savior. What a courageous tenacious compassionate & exceptional individual.. A real mover and shaker..
She will always be remembered and highly revered..
I am so sorry.
Margaret and Karen says
What terribly sad news. We all needed her for a lot more years.
Roslyn in Montreal says
We heard the sad news early yesterday and we still can hardly believe that Carole is gone. She is one of my heroes. Such an amazing person who did so much good for so many …
There is a link to a guestbook on Carole’s In Memoriam page, here:
http://www.haisleyfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/Haisle1/obit.cgi?user=carole-noon#
( or http://tinyurl.com/c4zdlj )
Morris Crady says
I think I am one of the few male human species that Carole tolerated. I didn’t take her seriously when she first came to me wanting to hire our planning firm to help her obtain approval and build a retirement home for chimps. However, once she told me her story, I could sense her unrelenting passion and I was inspired, like so many others, to help her make it happen. Thanks to St. Lucie County, the Arcus Foundation, the many donors and the sanctuary’s dedicated staff and volunteers, her spirit and passion will live on forever!
Tamela Knapp says
We are so deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Noon’s death. Having met her once, I greatly admired her no-nonsense style and grace and her dedication to providing a safe and natural habitat for retired primates. Her contributions are far-reaching and her legacy will live on through the Save the Chimps sanctuary.
Dawn Prince-Hughes says
Carole was the first person I made friends with at my first Goodalll Institute conference back in 1993. She was always a compassionate warrior — a rare combination.
I just found out through IPPL about her passing. I will miss her.
Dawn Prince-Hughes
Stephen Chin says
Dr Carole Noon should be posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and canonized as a saint. Her work should be made known to ALL children in the world’s schools.