Exactly three years ago today, the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees left their laboratory lives behind and began the journey to the sanctuary.
And today we reached our 3rd anniversary fundraising goal – all 220 fence posts on Young’s Hill have been adopted. We have a LOT to celebrate!
The seven individuals we have cared for these past three years have changed and grown so much, and we’ve been so happy to be able to chronicle these transformations.
As amazed and in awe of the Cle Elum Seven as we are, we are equally amazed by the supporters of this organization.
We are all so grateful to you – the people who read the blog, connect with us on Facebook, send donations, attend events, volunteer, and write emails and letters on behalf of great apes.
There would be no Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest without you.
Here’s the first chimpanzee photo we posted on this blog, taken from this June 10, 2010 blog post.
Jody in her transport cage on the way to sanctuary:
and here are just a few of my favorite photos of Jody over the last few years:
Carrie says
I can’t imagine how bleak and frightening her life must have been in this first picture. Thank you for all you have done to make the life of these seven brighter. May Jody always have a sandbox to sunbathe in.
Molly says
Beautiful post! Thank you from the bottom of our souls for what you do for the chimps. <3
Katelyn says
Thank you so very much to staff and all supporters for all that you do for these amazing chimpanzee people. I believe it is creating a ripple effect in many areas and for other chimps and apes. I am truly honored and grateful to be a part of this chimp family and for all that I have learned (and continue to learn!) from the chimps and all of you. I am crazy, mad, nuts in love with them. Happy Anniversary!! XX Lovely post Diana! 🙂
Denice says
I can’t imagine how scared Jody must have been in those days being transported to CSNW. I’m sure she was thinking she was going into another clinical trial with all it’s horrors.
I remember reading in the local paper about the 7 chimps that would become the CE7. In the 3 years being in Sanctuary the CE7 have changed so much and have changed so many including myself. Now, I can’t imagine my life without the CE7, staff, volunteers, supporters, board members and all who have made this dream come true. The dreams don’t stop here, they just get bigger and better and we will not stop until all primates living in captivity are in a Sanctuary.
No one can do it all but together….. we are the sum of all our parts.
I am so horned to be a part of this organization and all who are associated with it.
Happy anniversary, Annie, Borrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy and Negra.
debbie metzler says
“like”
Margaret and Karen says
LIKE very much indeed.
Kathy Haydel says
Jody’s eyes in her cage were so dark and dead and sad looking to know now she has happy eyes. They all do. You guys have done a wonderful job with all 7 of them.
Happy 3rd anniversary and God bless all of you.
debbie metzler says
this post made me tear up, diana. it really is so wonderful to have so much support from people everywhere for these seven amazing individuals that we are all lucky enough to care for. it’s been such an incredible journey seeing how much they have changed, and it’s so exciting to see them continue to grow and become more comfortable in sanctuary. i can’t wait for more years to come.
Marina Cresswell says
What a fantastic change. Seeing jody in her transport cage, it is like looking at a totally different chimp, both mentally and physically.
To jody and all the ce7 – enjoy your 3rd anniversary of freedom and happiness.
marie cross ( uk ) says
sending all our love and best wishes to you all on your special day xxxx
Patricia Meek says
It’s lovely to see the change in Jody from the first day she arrived in her cage. It’s a wonderful job you all do looking after the Cle Elum 7. Thanks for all the videos and pics you do for us. It’s great to see everyone doing so well. Congratulations on your third year xx
Peter Cross (uk) says
It’s been an incredible journey for all the CE7 and made all the better by the staff and volunteers there. The fact that you are with the CE7 Chimpanzees all the time and have seen the constant changes, some quicker than others in the individuals is testament to all the hard work that you have done. What you have and are still doing is telling their story on a day to day basis and this is what draws people to become and continue to be supporters here. It must be very long and hard work, but when you see the changes personally all more than worth it. Happy 3rd Anniversary to all involved and the 4th year is going to be one full of more exciting events. All the best and hope you all have a great weekend. 🙂
Marcia Douthwaite says
Thank you for today’s posting and photos, Diana. Congratulations to all for the outstanding work you do with these Fabulous Seven. They are amazing individuals!
Chris says
This post brought tears to my eyes and I can’t really say any more than any of the previous comments….my sentiments and more, exactly!
Love to all…the caregivers, the supporters and of course, to the beloved Cle Elum 7!
Margaret and Karen says
It is such an honor to be part of the CSNW family. The wonderful CE7 are so much part of our lives it is hard to imagine life without them now. Thank you and love to all the humans who have made the CE7’s new life possible. From Keith’s original idea to the latest of volunteers. Everyone’s part makes up to a wonderful whole for our dear Negra, Jody, Foxie, Annie, Missey, Jamie and Burrito.
teri willson says
Jody is one lucky chimp, as are all of the chimps you care for. There eyes and expressions just make me feel so blessed for them that they have you and people like you that care enough to devote your life to making the feel safe and happy.