Heartfelt thanks to long-time friend of the chimpanzees, Nicki Walters, who sponsored this day of sanctuary in memory of her beloved husband, Bill Walters. Bill was lovingly known as “Twister” by his family and friends and if you are newer to the blog and wonder if there’s a connection to the chimpanzees’ climbing structure on Young’s Hill that we call the Twister, well, there sure is!
Nicki shared this beautiful and gracious message about today:
“On this day 5 years ago the world lost an amazing human, Bill Walters. Yet today we not only concentrate on celebrating his life but also the addition of the Lucky 6 to the Amazing 10! The generosity of the caregivers to take us along in such personal blogs has brought so many laughs and joy to my life and did to Bill‘s life. I love seeing Missy scaling the Twister and so many times they all gather below as if in a fort. I so look forward to following along this journey as the Lucky ones acclimate and join others to build an incredible community. Thank you to all the caregivers, Diana and JB for all you do for the chimps and for us in sharing so many wonderful events and funny antidotes on a daily basis. You allow us to feel like we know each of these amazing characters. You all make the world a better place for the Chimpanzees and for for all of us by doing so.”
Nicki, we’re sure thinking of you and Bill today. It’s such a gift to witness the chimpanzees continue to find courage, joy and shenanigans on the Twister. Even these years later, seeing someone gaining the courage to climb to the top for the first time, or seeing someone enjoying a moment of solitude up there as they take in the view, is incredible to witness. We can only imagine what the chimpanzees’ must be thinking when they’re up there, but we are so grateful to you both for giving them the opportunity to see more, to see further, to climb higher, than they at one time ever imagined. We’re so grateful to you both for continuing to bring new adventures and make a lasting difference in all the chimps’ lives. We hope your heart and memories are filled with comfort, ease and love today.
And if anyone would like to learn more about Bill’s wonderful legacy at the sanctuary, you can read more here.
Missy!
Annie, Missy, Jody and Jamie:
Missy:
Annie and Missy:
Missy (top) and Annie (below):
Cheers to Nicki and Bill! Thanks for the reminder of the great gift he gave the chimps!
To Nicki, I’m sorry for your loss of your beloved. The sentiments you shared about how you feel about the caregivers and chimps is so perfectly written and I share those sentiments with you.
The Twister is my favorite structure and not until today did I realize that “Twister” was Bill’s nickname, making the design and the gift all the more meaningful today. I think about how much Jamie enjoyed sitting on one of the top fire hose slings, just hanging out taking in the magnificent view. And the very first day Burrito (awkwardly) made his climb up to the top. Can’t think of a finer legacy than that structure. I hope it brings you great comfort and pleasure, especially today.
What a lovely note Nikki. I hope you are doing well. I’m new around here and knew little about the twister so thank you! I love seeing the chimps on the twister. What a great gift that is.
Thank you, Nancy, and thanks always to your Twister for the generosity and vision of his gift. I have no doubt that Missy, her best friend Annie, and their friends Jamie, Burrito, Foxie, Jody and Negra have found great enjoyment in their Young’s Hill twister. It is heartening to see a photograph or video of one of them ascend to the top and look out over the mountains and the valley.