Our heartfelt thanks to long-time friends of the chimpanzees, Don and Karen Young, for sponsoring this special day of sanctuary in memory of their son, Ryan, and for continuing to share Ryan’s legacy in such a wonderful way. Don and Karen shared this lovely message about today:
“We are Karen and Don Young, and we have been active supporters of Chimp Sanctuary Northwest for many years. We first became involved in rescuing captive chimps through our son, Ryan. He passed away almost three years ago, and August 7 would be his 50th birthday.
We are providing a day of sanctuary to honor him on this day and to thank him for getting us started on our journey to help provide for rescued chimpanzees.
He found his calling as Chief Operating Officer of Textile Exchange, a worldwide organization devoted to helping companies achieve environmental sustainability in the products and services they offer, from raw materials to finished products.
We were involved in the creation of Young’s Hill, and we now welcome the Bray with a special tribute to Ryan. The structure is known as Ryan’s Lookout, and it provides a breathtaking unobstructed view down the valley for the chimps who use the Bray. We hope it is a highlight for them when they are on the Bray.
We thank Diana and J.B. for all they have done for the Sanctuary over the years and for making Ryan’s Lookout possible.”
Thank you so much for all that you do to help make possible in the chimpanzees’ lives, Don and Karen. We’re immensely grateful to you and Ryan, and we’re thinking of you and your family and loved ones today.
Be sure to join us later today as the chimpanzees enjoy a summer celebration of their outdoor habits, Young’s Hill and the Bray!
First day on the Bray and Ryan’s Lookout:
Handsome Gordo (looking at Foxie!):
Sweet Terry in one of his favorite spots:
Lucky:
Rayne:
Ken & Sonny says
im so sorry for the loss of you son, Don & Karen.
yes, what wounderful work all the Caretakers have done and continue to do at the Sanctuary.
wishing many blessing to all and most importantly, the Chimpanzees.
God-bless
Karen and Don says
ken and sonny- Thank you for being a supporter of CSNW and for your kind words. Karen and Don
Jennie Mackanos says
I will be thinking of Don and Karen and Ryan today. Such a beautiful tribute to your son – both the words above and the manifestation of your love for Ryan and the chimps in both Young’s Hill and now Ryan’s lookout! It is just a lovely way to honor his life and keep him in everyone’s memory. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Ryan!
Karen and Don says
jennie- Ryan was Heaven sent for sure. He’d love his Lookout. thank you for the lovely thoughts! Karen and Don
Mark B. says
Fabulous photos! Thanks to the generosity of Ryan and his parents, the chimps on the Bray will enjoy untold hours gazing at the countryside–and at the other chimps on Young’s Hill–from Ryan’s lookout. CSNW and its supporters are the best!
Karen and Don says
Mark, You are right about CSNW supporters. i call the sanctuary Chimp Heaven. There is no place like it. Thank you for your lovely comments. Karen and Don
Paulette says
Oh that photo of Rayne looking up to the sky. I can feel the sunshine on her face. that just says it all doesn’t it?
Thank you so very much for all that you have sponsored. We are all so grateful. Thinking of you and Ryan on this day.
Karen and Don says
Paulette- We are so happy to honor our son with Ryan’s Lookout. The chimps seem to love it too! Thank you forvsupporting the sanctuary and for thinking of us! Karen and Don
Linda C says
I’ve said it before, Don and Karen, but I’ll say it again. Thank you. I think of you every time I read “on Young’s Hill”. Not only because of whom and what you lost, but because of what Ryan inspired the two of you to do. There are so many things at this little sanctuary that are owed to you, and I’m guessing there are many more that we’re unaware of. It simply wouldn’t be the idyllic place that it is without your help. It must be so poignant and at the same time so rewarding to see the chimps benefiting from your donations on a daily basis. Thinking of you both today with gratitude,
Linda
Don Young says
Linda –
Thanks for your kind words about Ryan, Karen, and me. We realy appreciate that you took the time to reach out to us in this way.
Don
Gaynell says
Thank you for honoring your son’s memory and dedication today and all the support you have given to the Sanctuary. i’m certain that just as the chimps look up from Young’s Hill your Ryan is looking down on them.
Karen and Don says
Gaynell, What a beautiful thought of Ryan looking down as the chimps look up at him. Thank you for being a supporter of the sanctuary and these amazing chimps! Karen and Don
Nicole Moore says
Such a beautiful way to continue to honor your son’s legacy. Thank you for all you do for the sanctuary.
Karen and Don says
Nicole, How nice of you to think of us and Ryan as well as being a supporter of this special sanctuary!
Thank you so much. Karen and Don
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
What a beautiful tribute to your son, Don and Karen,and so fitting “Ryan’s Lookout”. Those views from the Bray are magnificent and heartfelt thanks for all you have done for the Chimpanzees and the enrichment in their lives; those amazing photos are a testament of that! I send you all pant hoots, hugs and love. Bless you and bless you, Ryan as your memory lives on.
Karen and Don says
Susan –
Thanks for your beautiful and thoughtful comments about Ryan’s Lookout and our contributions to CSNW. Thanks also for reaching out to Ryan the way you did. We appreciate your consideration.
karen and Don
Marcie says
Thank you for your generosity.
Karen and Don says
Marcie, Thank you for your support as well. The Cle Elum and the Wildlife Waystation chimps are so special! Karen and Don
Kathleen says
Ryan’s memory sparks curiosity, inspired bravery, offers contemplative quiet moments, and brings joy. Every time the chimps climb high on Ryan’s Tower, just imagine what they must be feeling! Such an incredible gift, all of it, Young’s Hill and the Bray and the happiness it gives all of us. Ryan’s Ripple Effect…..
Thank you Karen and Don Young.
Paulette says
Ryan’s Ripple Effect
I love that. So true.
Karen and Don says
Paulette, We agree with you. Wherever Ryan went in life, he created positive ripples. He’d love to see the chimps enjoying Ryan’s Lookout! Karen and Don
Karen and Don says
Kathleen –
Thanks for the beautiful comments about Ryan’s memory and the feeling the chimps must have as they climb to the top of Ryan’s Lookout. Thanks for inventing the concept of Ryan’s Ripple Effect. We will remember it for ever.
Karen and Don
Karen and Don says
Kathleen, Thanks for the beautiful comments about Ryan’s memory and the feeling the chimps must have as they climb to the top of Ryan’s Lookout. Thanks for inventing the concept of RYAN’S RIPPLE EFFECT. We will remember it forever. Karen and Don
Sang Batoff says
The Hill and the Bray look beautiful. I am sure Ryan is looking down and smiling. xoxo
Karen and Don says
Sang Mi, We are so blessed to have you in our family! Thank you for being with us on this journey with Ryan and for honoring us and him with your lovely comments! Remember to sign up for the the daily blogs from CSNW. The boys would love getting to know the chimps as well! ?Karen and Don
Adrienne says
Dear Karen and Don,
you have found a beautiful way to commemorate your son Ryan while making both the chimps and chimp-fans happy. Thank you for this chain-of-goodness.Best wishes and heartfelt greetings from Hungary.
Karen and Don says
Adrienne- Thank you for your beautiful words
(love ” the chain of goodness”) and for supporting the amazing chimps at CSNW all the way from Hungary! We are so glad we share our love of this special sanctuary. Karen and Don
Susan L Belyea says
Dear Karen and Don, Happy Birthday to Ryan, I love your contribution to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary for Ryan. I love the Chimpanzees ,especially the rescued ones, Ryan loved them too, He would be so proud of you for following his dream to free the Chimps and place them into an enviorment so serene , where they belong. You are wonderful parents…Steve and I send our love and hugs to you.
Karen and Don says
Susan and Steve, Our history spans decades as our two sons shared an incredible friendship during grade school and hogh school. Thank you for reaching out to us, for your comments about Ryan, for being on this journey with us and for your care and concern for rescued chimpanzees. CSNW is a beautiful place- a one in a million sanctuary. Please know we are always thinking of you and your incedible Bryan. xoxo Karen and Don
Jackie Downey says
Ryan obviously followed in the footsteps of his parents, full of love and compassion! The world needs more people like you!! Because of you, we have supported the chimps for many years and have loved doing it! Those are the newcomers, Right? So cute!