This day of sanctuary was also sponsored by our good friend, Kathleen Corby, in honor of two very special occasions. Today we celebrate both the honorary 42nd birthday of sanctuary royalty, Queen Negra, and the chimpanzees’ 7th year anniversary in sanctuary! Kathleen shared her beautiful and heartfelt sentiments about today’s celebrations:
“I would like to make two donations for the same day. One donation goes to NEGRA on her 42nd BIRTHDAY. Let me state that I do not have a “favorite” chimpanzee. I admire, respect, and care for each individual equally — quirks and all. But there is something about Negra. Negra instantly captured my heart and I never saw it coming. When I see a photo of Negra or read about her on your blog I often find myself with a catch in the back of my throat, a slight pang in my heart, (sometimes a tear in my eye!) and I experience this fuzzy little feeling. Ah Negra!
This year I want to thank Negra for giving me such pleasure and for teaching me that it is okay to take your time as you embark on a new path. She has shown me that trust, in others and in ourselves, should be afforded the time and nurturing it needs to blossom. Trust is very precious and the offering or earning of trust needs to be handled delicately.
Negra also taught me that you can never count an old gal out! This year she rallied with the best of them, finding new comforts in Foxies trolls and now in her “France Dora” doll. Negra has proven her bravery by venturing out onto Young’s Hill to forage, enjoying time alone in the tall grasses while eating and relaxing in the warm sunshine. I feel so very lucky to be able to witness Negra’s progress into her brave new world and I am grateful that at this stage in her life she has CSNW to allow her these experiences and freedoms. Happy birthday dear Negra. May this entire year unfold before you day by day offering new delights with the passing of time. XOXOXO.
My second donation is in CELEBRATION of the 7 years of SANCTUARY for 7 amazing CHIMPANZEES (and all the care givers, past and current, who make sanctuary happen)! Happy Anniversary to all. I look forward to the future plans of CSNW becoming a reality. On this day I celebrate your passion and compassion. Thank you for educating, inspiring, and connecting us all into one community of people who want to improve the quality of life for chimpanzees. CSNW truly is HOPE. LOVE. HOME. SANCTUARY. Much love always, Kathleen Corby.”
Kathleen, you have embraced each of the chimpanzees and welcomed them into your heart in countless ways. Though it may be from afar, your support and engagement in their lives, and in each step they take toward becoming more fully themselves, is inspiring. We are immensely grateful to have you as part of our chimp family and thank you so much for sponsoring such a special day full of celebration!
Happy Birthday, Negra! We love you!!
And Happy 7th Anniversary Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy and Negra! May all your days continue to be filled with love, respect, joy and comfort. And may you live each day knowing you are home. We could not possibly love each of you more.
Annie:
Burrito:
Foxie:
Jamie:
Jody:
Missy:
Joanna Gabriel says
Thank you, Kathleen, for your beautiful tributes. I feel the same way and I could not have said it in a more beautiful and loving way. Thank you for what you bring to this community…we are all blessed.
Jackie says
Beautiful! Thank you, Kathleen. Happy Birthday to Queen Negra! Happy Anniversary to everyone at the sanctuary! Looking at the expressive faces of the chimps, I’m reminded of the true meaning of beauty! I wish all of you days filled with peace and love.
Beverly Donovan says
Happy Birthday Negra……to another great year.!
Aimee says
What a lovely post. I love and identify with each of the chimps in their own way. And with Negra, my feelings are very sweet and there is also a little heartache. I’m so thankful she is safe and granted the patience and time to grow in her own way. My wish for her birthday is that she feels how much she is cared for, from her caregivers and those of us who admire her from a distance.
Denice says
So many milestones have been accomplished in the seven short years of Sanctuary. Milestones are a very objective thing but when it comes to the “7” and all the days within that seven years, no one can argue that this has been a very good run. And the most exciting thing is … It’s not over! It has just begun. All this an more to come is thanks to everyone who supports the Sanctuary and the “7”.
To all of us who support the “7” weather it be by hours volunteering, money donated, spreading the word or your love and devotion to the “7”. I say Happy Anniversary to us, all of us who make possible the HOPE, LOVE, HOME, SANCTUARY to “7” very special people.
And shall we not forget the Queen. Happy Birthday Negra. I love you.