We’re sending our heartfelt thoughts and gratitude to Karen and Don Young, and their family, for sponsoring this special day of sanctuary in celebration of their son, Ryan Young, and his continuing legacy. Through their long-time, dedicated support of the sanctuary they continue to help make so much possible for the chimpanzees, from Foxie’s group, the original seven chimpanzees to arrive at the sanctuary in 2008, to our newest family member, George, who arrived this year. Karen shared this special message:
“The Young family honor the life of Ryan Young today on the fifth anniversary of the end of his journey on earth, and we want to thank him for introducing us to the plight of chimpanzees through NEAVS (the New England Anti-Vivisection Society, now known as Rise for Animals) and through sanctuaries for captive chimps. We know that he would love having a special place for chimps to gather on The Bray called Ryan’s Lookout.
I discovered CSNW by accident. It was on June 13, 2008, and the chimps had just arrived. J.B. drove them the entire way from Pennsylvania to Cle Elum. They were known as the Cle Elm 7, and they were in terrible condition from years of biomedical research and neglect from horrendous living conditions. That changed quickly as the tender loving care of J.B., Diana and their staff began.
I visited the website daily, and we began donating by sponsoring Foxie. She had given birth to several babies who were taken from her as part of a captive breeding program, which thankfully has been discontinued through The Chimp Act. The other 6 chimps adjusted and discovered enrichment items including blankets to nest, but Foxie was not interested and sat there depressed until one day she spotted a troll doll. She picked it up, looked at its face, put it on her back, and life began to change for her. I remember sending her boxes of troll dolls. When I have struggles in life, I use Foxie as my role model on how to survive.
As I continued to visit the website, I realized that I only saw the chimps in a night house so I sent an email asking if they had outdoor space. I was shown a screened in outdoor area, and all winter long, I watched as the chimps sat inside at the door of the night house and stuck a finger into the open outdoor space to scoop up some snow.
In the summer of 2009, Don, I, Ryan and his fiancé Helena decided to visit the sanctuary. We took a tour, and I remember Ryan asking if there was anyway to enclose the outdoor space. J.B. figured out a way to place removable chimp proof glass inserts over the screens for the winter months , and thus our first project was born. It was thrilling to see the Cle Elum 7 enjoy the winter in this cozy area which became a favorite spot for them during all seasons.
As the years passed, we have been fortunate enough to see other projects come to fruition. We hope that each one has played a part in helping this amazing sanctuary move forward to what it is today and will become as it moves into the future. It has truly been an honor to have been a small part of the dream of a few extraordinary people- Keith, J.B. and Diana and others.
A toast to you Ryan. You were an exceptional person, husband, brother and son to us. Your spirit lives on in everything you touched to make the earth a better place for us all through your dedication to the environment through many companies, especially Textile Exchange. We honor your life on this day and every day.
Much love and pant hoots!
THE CHIMPS AT CSNW
Karen and Don, Helena, Zoe and Alastair, Rob, Soo Mi, Helton and Heiwon”
Karen and Don, our thoughts are with all of you today. We’re honored to celebrate Ryan with you.
(Above, George on Ryan’s Lookout on the Bray). Below, Cy’s group, their first day exploring Ryan’s Lookout:
Burrito and Annie reassuring one another during their first moments on Young’s Hill on September 20, 2011(!!):
Foxie’s group, the original seven chimpanzees to arrive in 2008, enjoying Young’s Hill:
Foxie and one of her many beloved dolls, out for a stroll:
Willy B, who has ventured further than he probably thought possible in the last years:
Rayne taking in the view from Ryan’s Lookout:
Negra:
Jamie, on a sunset stroll last autumn:
Such a touching tribute! So many thanks to the Young family for all they’ve done for CSNW. I’ve been following since only 2018 so don’t have memories of how it all started. Clearly, this family has been instrumental in bringing this fabulous sanctuary to where it is today.
Another year gone by… thank you once again, Karen and Don, for including the chimps in your remembrance of Ryan. You have done so much throughout the years to enrich their lives–and through them, ours. I don’t need to hear “Young’s hill” or “Ryan’s lookout” to think of your family. I think of you every time I see Missy racing up the hill or Neggie sitting in the sweet spring grass, enjoying some prickly lettuce, and all of them rushing out the raceway to get their dose of sunshine and fresh air (and snow snacks).
Thank you, Karen and Don, for your poignant tribute in your Ryan’s honor and memory. These photographs, of George taking in the view atop Ryan’s Tower, of Jamie patrolling Young’s Hill at twilight, and Annie and Burrito embracing each other on their first day on their hill, speak volumes of Ryan’s love for the chimpeople at CSNW and his vision for their well-being.
This is a lovely tribute in Ryan’s honor, and it speaks volumes of the generosity that runs through your family. I cannot tell you how many times I think of you, Karen and Don, even though we have never met. Very often when I see Foxie and her crew exploring and forging, looking so small out on Young’s Hill, I think of you. And when I see someone climbing or meditating on the top of Ryan’s tower, you come to mind. But I have never heard your story of connection to the sanctuary in full detail until today. Call me foolish, but I have this feeling that Ryan is somehow out on the hill with his favorite chimpanzees. A big compassionate heart like his never rests. It continues to give.
What gorgeous photos and such a beautiful tribute. Thankyou, Karen and Ron for sharing your and Ryan’s amazing journey with us and for all you have given to our beloved sanctuary. Ryan’s legacy will always live on.
My sincere apologies as I should have written Don, not Ron!
Thanks to Katelyn and staff at CSNW for putting together this beautiful tribute with photos to honor our son, Ryan. It was truly extraordinary!
A special thanks to Mo, Linda C, Tobin and Kathleen for your beautiful, touching and much appreciated comments. It’s an honor to meet you. Happy New Year! This year is special for we all will have a front seat to watch CSNW create yet another wonderful addition, this time for their well deserving human staff! No more trailor!
Love, blessings & pant hoots!
Sorry we left out your name Susan Kathleen Freely in our thanks. We missed your lovely comment by 2 minutes before we sent ours so we’ll take this opportunity to thank you for thinking of Ryan and us!
Thank you both and I totally understand how some things get missed in our wonderful cyberspace. I feel honoured to be part of CSNW and all the wonderful people like yourselves and Ryan who have helped make it a haven of love and hope.Bless you and take care.
Thank you, Karen and Don, for all that you and Ryan have done, and what you continue to do, for CSNW and all the Chimps there. What an amazing legacy to make the lives of others better. This is a beautiful tribute
Thank you, Karen for this beautiful letter – and thank you all for helping the sanctuary! :rainbow::sun_with_face::hibiscus:
As always, what a beautiful tribute to Ryan. You guys have done so much for the individuals at the sanctuary. It’s so wonderful when one can say they changed the world for better, as you have done. Thank you.
Our dearest Young family, It is stunning to hear of your contributions to the sanctuary. Not the dollars. The love. The love!
And oh how we love you for it. Thank you thank you