Today must be a magical day, because two wonderful people were born on this day who have loved ones that sponsored a day of sanctuary in their honor.
For the 2nd sponsor-a-day, Ed Brooks shared this loving message for Alisa Lemire Brooks:
Alisa loves animals with a boundless passion. She works on behalf of animals struggling to survive in their native environment. She fights on behalf of animals imprisoned by the entertainment industry.
The seven chimpanzees at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest occupy a special place in her heart. She would rather they get something special from our donation than get a present herself.
We spent a beautiful day visiting the chimps a couple summers back, we were so moved by the beauty of the place, the care and dedication of all the people involved, and the seven beautiful souls we saw out on Young’s Hill.
Happy Birthday Alisa!
All of us at the sanctuary send our happiest of birthday wishes to you, Alisa. Thank you for your caring heart.
The second photo is sweet but heartbreaking. Missy (?) or Jamie (?) is hugging and kissing her “baby” in a manner that I have seen many times in photos of wild chimpanzees. It is a truly natural action and if only she could have enjoyed such intimacy in the wild. It’s easy to enjoy the wonder of the chimps’ current situation but for me it is bittersweet and always overshadowed by the tragedy behind it. Having said that, however, I do celebrate that the chimps have been freed from the torture they have endured!! and can now look forward to a life full of green grass, sunshine, healthy and TASTY food, and the right to choose any of them or all of them!!! That is an enriching freedom in itself. Many blessings to all at the sanctuary!!!