It’s Annie’s birthday! And the lovely fairy godmother of chimpanzee birthdays, Paulette Wrisley, has graciously sponsored this day of sanctuary in celebration of Annie on her special day!
Paulette, thank you so very much for helping us celebrate dear, beloved Annie! You just lift all our hearts with your kindness!
Classic Annie and Missy:
If you’ve been following us for while you probably already know many of Annie’s endearing qualities. In short, Annie is a delight! She’s beautiful, kind, loves endless games of chase and wrestle with her best friend, Missy, likes to wear fashionable headbands around her waist in the springtime, fills the chimp house with “bird noises” by whistling with her mouth and hands when she is particularly relaxed and content, and is our resident snake alarm, letting all the world know the instant she sees a snake near the chimpanzees’ enclosures.
Annie is turning 47! While we don’t know her exact date of birth, we know she was born in 1974, most likely in Africa. Since the arrival of Annie’s group to the sanctuary over 13 years ago, it’s Annie who has probably changed the most. She tends to be so inextricably linked with her best friend, Missy, that “AnnieMissy” is often considered one word here at the sanctuary. Yet with each passing year, she has become increasingly brave, adventurous, curious, creative and independent in her own right. Not to mention, filled with moxie. Yeah, that last bit gets her into a little trouble at times, but we can’t help but secretly love it all the same.
These days Annie seems to embrace the peace she finds in solitude and solo adventures. It’s not uncommon to find everyone inside except Annie, who might then be found at the top of Young’s Hill, at the top of a structure, all on her own, serenely taking in the view. Or curled up in a nest of blankets at the top of the greenhouse on warm summer nights as she looks out over the hill, falling asleep as the sun sets while everyone is tucked into their night nests indoors. In fact, some of my most cherished of summer moments are when I’m able to tiptoe out to the greenhouse after the chimp house is settled for the night, just before I leave, to see if she’s out there and whisper goodnight to her. It’s really not in the saying goodnight that I cherish, but in the seeing her there, content, at ease, in her own little world of wonder.
These may not sound like big deals, but for someone who has overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds she has, these moments that she now gets to choose are life-changing. And while we can only imagine just how much, our hearts sing and soar along with her.
Happiest of birthdays and fullest of hearts, Annie!! You are so cherished!
Be sure to tune back in later today for the party happenings! You never know what the chimps will get up to and we’ve got a box of fresh coconuts with Miss Annie’s name on it. 🙂
What a sweet post about Annie. You wonder what her thoughts are when she is outside and up high!
In reading yesterday’s blog about enrichment I am wondering if Cy would like children books with the touch and feel pages. I know they wouldn’t last long but I would send along a couple if you approve.
Hi Debbie, Thanks so much for thinking of Cy and wanting to expand his library! 🙂 But the six are a bit different regarding enrichment in that they tend to ingest inedible items, which can pose health risks. We are still figuring out what they can safely interact with and wouldn’t be able to give Cy those kinds of books just yet. Regular magazines (no staples) and books are okay though – thanks for asking! 🙂
Sending Annie all my love and best wishes for a happy birthday. I hope the joy celebrated today follows you throughout the entire year!
Katelyn, your sweet tribute to Annie oozes with your love and affection for this dear, brave girl. Who would have thought that Annie, who was initially too anxious to venture outside…even to follow her beloved companion Missy, would find comfort and serenity in her solitude drinking in the beauty of her own backyard. I think Annie would agree with Dorthy—“There’s no place like home.”
Thank you Paulette, you fairy godmother of chimpanzee birthdays. I wish I could send you a magic wand, instead of a star it would have a big heart at the top.
coconut and sunflowers!
Thank you, Paulette, and happy birthday, beautiful Annie!
I feel so happy that all of the chimps are now safe and healthy and having fun. She looks great for 47 :heart_eyes:
Katelyn. i’ve learned overtime that your knowledge and tremendous love for these chimpanzees, along with your beautiful and emotive writing style, draws a picture that we can all see and feel in our minds and hearts. Thank you for doing that once again for Annie. I feel like I know her better today than ever. and love her more today than ever.
Thanks so much, Paulette, that’s very kind of you. I know we are all thrilled to share the chimpanzees with you all as much as possible. 🙂 Thank you for helping to make her day extra special, we so appreciate you.
Happiest of birthdays dear,sweet Annie! I know you now have wonderful sweet dreams in your nest of blankets in the greenhouse. Enjoy your Home Love Sanctuary!:two_hearts::blush:
A very Happy Birthday to dear sweet Annie! I hope your day is filled with love, laughter and loads of treats!
Love,
Caroline
Happiest of birthdays dear,sweet Annie! I know you now have wonderful dreams in your nest of blankets. ihope you enjoy the Hope Love Sanctuary!Thinking of you and the others with love! Jeani Gooodrich:two_hearts::blush:
Happy birthday dearest Annie. You are such a light. I know you will have a wonderful birthday celebration today with all who love you. Beautiful pictures!
some years ago, I had some allergy tests done….one of the positives was coconut…i almost cried….all my life I have loved coconut cake…..a favorite item to bake on a rainy weekend……alas, no more….enjoy my share Annie………..
Aw! You can have Annie’s mangos…:wink:
This is a heart felt tribute to a beautiful 47 year old, Annie. so enjoyed reading about her life at the sanctuary. it is wonderful that she hasa best friend. Thank you!
Katelyn…thank you for your poignant tribute to Annie, she is very special. Thanks to Paulette for sponsoring Annie’s day of celebration and a big Happy Birthday to beautiful Annie.
Happy birthday Annie! May you enjoy many more beautiful days in your world of wonder!
I just watched the birthday party and the look on Foxie’s face when Jody took the coconut was priceless.
If you watch their video “Sharing “, the look on Jo’s face when Foxie hands over the coconut is just as priceless!
Happy 47th Birthday Annie! I hope you have the best day yet!!