Lucky June 13th. Today is one of the biggest and most special days of celebration at the sanctuary. Nine years ago today seven chimpanzees found themselves at the end of the road trip of a lifetime, having made their way across the country from a windowless basement in Pennsylvania and decades of use in biomedical research, to pulling up the driveway to a new life, a second chance, in their sanctuary home. A home that was created just for them. A home where every single thing that happens, where every single human who enters (in person or from afar) is to ensure their comfort, dignity, safety and well-being above all else for the rest of their lives.
And as such, this is also the day that was chosen as Negra’s honorary birthday because it’s the day her life was returned to her and her six chimpanzee friends. Today we are celebrating Negra’s 44th birthday!
To kick off the celebration, dear friends of the sanctuary and Negra’s pals, Althea and Ahmad Dani, are sponsoring this first of two days of sanctuary and shared this sweet message:
“Happy Birthday Negra! We’re wishing you the most beautiful and perfect day for the most beautiful and perfect girl! We love you very much! Althea and Ahmad.”
Althea and Ahmad have two of the most generous, compassionate hearts you could ever know. They share so much love and make such a difference in the lives of many chimpanzees and orangutans and we’re so fortunate to have them as part of our chimp family.
Althea and Ahmad, thank you so much for sponsoring the Queen’s special day and for all you’ve done to make it a celebration to remember!
Her Royal Highness / Birthday Girl:
Festivity preparations are in the works so be sure to check back later today as we all celebrate hope, love, home, sanctuary, and Neggie!
Queen of my Heart! Happy Birthday to you Neggie! I love you. XO
What queen needs a sceptre and crown when she has beauty, a big heart and a bouquet of lilacs. Happy Birthday Negra!
Happy Birthday Negra! Let your hair down…just alittle, and enjoy your special day! love you.
Happy Birthday Negra????I love you so, so much????????xoxo
Although I know this story of their lives well…each time I read about it, it breaks my heart all over again. But this chapter in their lives is certainly one to celebrate…with much love!
Happy Birthday beautiful Negra…and I hope you have many, many more.
Much love to you, Queen Negra and also to Jamie, Annie, Burrito, Jody, Missy and Foxie!
Oh sweet Negra may this be your happiest birthday so far with many more to come. Also Happy Anniversary to CSNW and thank you for all the wonderful work you do:)