Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Sarah

Leaning forward

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I have a tattoo on the inside of my wrist that says “lean forward to the next crazy venture.” It’s a quote I have always loved from On the Road and it has guided me well, through all kinds of crazy ventures like my undercover work early in my career, many loves and losses, and oh, you know, being a part of a fledgling chimpanzee sanctuary. Looking back, which I rarely allow myself to do, I couldn’t be prouder of the role I’ve been fortunate to play in Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.  We’ve gone from zero to 60 in a very short time. The chimps have certainly undergone spectacular changes in the last five years, and I feel like I’ve lived through those changes and that recovery as well.

I have nothing but excitement about what’s ahead for our chimpanzee friends. Tomorrow, the wonderful and amazing Jennifer Whitaker formally takes the helm as Executive Director here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (although she’s been quietly getting up to speed here for two weeks now). I am so confident that Jennifer will take CSNW to new heights and I can’t wait to cheer for each new victory and each little change.

Of course I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a little emotional about my departure. But I’m not going far. The Seven (and their humans) will never leave my heart or my mind. They are a central part of my family, so after a few weeks off I’ll be returning in a new and improved role as a caregiving volunteer. Nice try, but you haven’t gotten rid of me.

I won’t be saying goodbye. There’s no need to. I’ll just be leaning forward with everyone else. I’ll never have words for how humbled I am by having had the opportunity to do this work. Thank you a hundred times over.

web Burrito laugh bite hand caregiver Sarah outdoor area DSC_0092

PS. If you simply can’t resist saying goodbye, here are my suggestions on where to fuel your energy:

  • if you’ve connected with me or the chimps over the past few years, make a donation today to wish me well and welcome Jennifer to the team
  • buy tickets to our Seattle auction now so that you can support our work and give me a hug (I’ll be there with bells on)
  • help us spread the word about our online auction by sharing the link on Facebook and to all your friends. Start leaning toward all those vacation spots!
  • watch the bidding war over VIP Green Day tickets and backstage access. So much fun.

More love for Honey B

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Today was sponsored for our friend Honey B, this time by Rita, Rita, Donna and Kim: “Honey B … Brave black Queen … Survivor of all … Warrior of silent power … Sent here to be a beacon of light and love for your mom and dad. You are woven deeply into our lives. Dearly missed and never will you be forgotten.”
honey b on the island

In honor of Honey B

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Today was sponsored in honor of a very special member of the CSNW family, Honey B. Here’s the message: “The Wagmanagerie of Stinson Beach sponsors this day at CSNW in honor of Honey B Goodrich-Mulcahy.  Honey B was a member of the CSNW immediate family from the beginning, and her rescue from desperate abandon after Hurricane Katrina, and the support she received throughout her life, are a testament to the same love and affection, devotion and dedication, that our own JB and Diana give to the Cle Elum Seven every day.  Honey B was goofy and beautiful and a handful, and she loved JB and Diana – also like the Seven.  We pay tribute to our friends who took her in and protected her and loved her until she left this mortal plane.”

Honey B

Welcome to Katelyn!

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Our human family is growing by leaps and bounds lately! As many of you know, Jennifer will be joining us starting next week. But we have a new addition today as well. I’m so excited to welcome Katelyn to our team. She is our new office manager, and I’m looking forward to her support and assistance as our no-longer-small organization continues to grow and expand. Katelyn already knows the chimps because she’s been a Level 3 volunteer for a while now. She’ll also be training on being a Lead Caregiver, so you’ll be meeting her as a new blog writer soon. In the meantime, feel free to welcome her here or reach her by email at [email protected]. Here she is this morning trying to make a good impression on her new bosses by giving them some gum.

With Foxie: web katelyn foxie gum caregiver serving

And everyone knows this beautiful chimp below is the real boss of all of us:

web katelyn jamie gum caregiver serving

 

If it weren’t for those meddling kids…

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I learned about chimps at a very early age. Sometimes when a child sends a letter or donation or favorite toy to the chimps, I think “that could have been me!” Of course when I was little there was no internet and there were no chimp sanctuaries, so it probably couldn’t have been me. But I’m continually impressed by this wiser and more connected generation of kids who are doing something.  I want to send a huge thank you to these wonderful kids:

  • Third grader Avalon, who was inspired by the chimps when they were featured as the Community Math Partner in our local school district’s mathematics program, made and sold art projects to raise money for the chimps.
  • Seven year old Ryan who gets $14/month as his allowance and has committed 10% of that per month to the chimps.
  • Eleven year old Sarah who asked for no gifts for her birthday, just donations to the chimps.
  • Lily, who collected money for the chimps.
  • Karaline, who collected toys and clothes for the chimps and made this message:

karaline 1

  • And of course, the always inspiring Brandon Wood, who works tirelessly to “Make a Chimp Smile.” Here’s his latest project. Be sure to lend your name.

I know there are many others who have done sweet things for the chimps too. This is just a small and recent sampling!

 

Happenings on the hill

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We’ve had a fun day on Young’s Hill today. JB installed the sign on Negra’s Cabin, and of course Jamie had to inspect JB’s handiwork:web jamie testing negra's cabin sign burrito inside blankets nests yh.

web jamie climbing yh cabin sign jody burrito

Finding no problems, Jamie went on to have a great time with good friend Foxie. First they played chase all over the Hill, then they played chase through the cabin panels:

web jamie foxie play through negra's cabin panels yh

Then Jamie ushered Foxie along a stroll around the Hill:

web jamie arm on foxie walking together yh enrichment in mouth eye contact with camera

And when it was time to come in to the greenhouse for lunch, Jamie shared her excitement with a kiss:

web jamie kiss foxie yh bedhead walking skateboard troll enrichment eye contact with camera