I’m very excited to say that Michael Moore has joined the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest staff as our new Director of Development. He’s been with us about a week now, and I think it’s fair to say he’s completely smitten. And Jamie definitely approves of his footwear. Please do welcome him by connecting with him on Facebook or dropping him an email at [email protected].
Spring!
We brought springtime inside this morning to celebrate the equinox in memory of our friend Katie Gieser. The chimps had a lovely forage with lots of lettuce (always a special treat!). Plus paper flowers and decorations galore! Here are a few highlights:
Missy (tho I wouldn’t have known it was her unless Jackie told me!) feasting away:
Mister B amidst the spiderweb of yellow ribbon:
Jamie with her collection from the forage:
And Jamie again, posing perfectly for the camera in her springtime nest (note the boot in her hip pocket):
“Spring Fling” in memory of Katie Gieser
Today we celebrate and remember a very special friend of the Cle Elum Seven, Katie Gieser. Katie was a very devoted blog reader, and so passionate about primates that she followed her passion all the way to Africa to visit sanctuaries on seven separate trips. Katie passed away on March 14, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. I am touched and humbled to say that her sponsorship of today’s party was on her mind in her last days and she wanted to make sure that the chimps were able to celebrate spring in style. She also wanted us to use her love of the chimps to inspire others to support the sanctuary. If you’d like to make donation in her memory, I know her family would be honored. Please join me in celebrating this first day of spring in honor of Katie.
Wine, beer, cider. And chimps
I want to meet you at our annual Sippin’ for the Seven event on March 24th in Roslyn, WA! What can be better than tasting a huge array of wine, beer and cider while helping the chimps? I say it’s win-win. Get your tickets now! If you’re far away, you can still participate through Biddin’ for the Seven, our online art auction (new this year). Find out more here.
And just for good measure, here’s a picture of Foxie enjoying some wine vines in the greenhouse.
We’re hiring!
I’m thrilled to say that CSNW is hiring its first development director. If you’ve got professional fundraising experience or know someone who does, please check out our ad here. It’s a great job for the right person, and what better way to help the chimps than to help raise money for their cantaloupes and caregivers? Thanks for helping us spread the word.
Happy Love Day
The chimps and humans have had a fabulous Valentine’s Day around here. We started the day with roses for breakfast, then had a party with strawberries, tons of new toys, pinatas stuffed with nuts and berries (and beads for Mr. B), a TON more roses, and lots of red decor. Then the humans took a little break to celebrate with chocolate, strawberries, and vegan whipped cream. So delicious! Thanks so much to all who helped make this day (and all the days around here) so great, including everyone who bought gifts through our holiday store, Robbi and Dick for the always amazing goodie bags, volunteers Stephanie and Katelyn for arriving with a total bonanza, and Seana for going above and beyond with the streamers. Here are a few of my favorite pics of the day (with thanks to Jackie for her photography skills).
Annie with a pinata:
Missy chowing down on a rose:
Jamie writing some love notes:
Foxie snuggling one of MANY new dolls she got today:
Burrito feasting on some rice and peppers for lunch:
Last chance for sharin’ the love
I KNOW you have a secret crush on someone, and you want to confess to them via an inscription on a fence post at the sanctuary. Or maybe you reject traditional gender roles and think that boys like Burrito should have jewelry on Valentine’s Day too. Or perhaps you just really love the chimps and want to share your enthusiasm? We can help you with all these things. Place your order by tomorrow at 6pm so we can mail your sweetie a special chimp photo and Valentine’s Day card.
In all sincerity, your love for the chimps can go a long way. Check out the video below, of Negra on her first day in the playroom in June 2008. If you’ve known her for a while, I think you’ll be touched. If you’re just getting to know her, watch the video and then check out her new self here. I think you’ll fall in love too.
