Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Jennifer

Five Years

by

Just the other day, I watched Jamie, Foxie, Burrito, Missy, Annie, Negra and Jody excitedly forage for corn and sweet potatoes on Young’s Hill. Their enthusiasm was contagious and I couldn’t help but reflect on how far they’ve come over the past five years.

Missy forages for corn

Missy forages for corn

Time has flown by and it is hard to believe that Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest will be celebrating its five-year anniversary on June 13. I am truly humbled to see how Keith LaChapelle, Sarah Baeckler, J.B. Mulcahy, Diana Goodrich and countless others have put their hearts and souls into creating Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest for the Cle Elum Seven.

 

Jody once lived in a 5 x 7 cell.

Jody once lived in a 5 x 7 cell.

In celebration of our five-year anniversary, we are going to launch a special campaign called, Give Five Day. On June 13, we are going to ask everyone to donate $5 (or more if you wish) for Jamie, Foxie, Burrito, Missy, Annie, Negra and Jody.  The numbers are symbolic as $5 pays for one meal for one chimp, we are caring for seven well-deserving chimpanzees, and the Cle Elum Seven are now free from their 5 x 7 cells. In total, we hope to raise $35,000 as part of our summer fundraising goal.

The Cle Elum Seven have space to roam at CSNW

The Cle Elum Seven now have space to roam at CSNW

Please join us on June 13 for Give Five Day in celebrating our many milestones.

 

 

New Beginnings

by

As I drove over the snowy pass on the way to the sanctuary this morning, I was reminded how snow signifies new beginnings and a fresh start. While I have spent many years in the non-profit and primate world, I view my role as executive director at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest as a new beginning for me. For most of my life I have wanted to serve primates in a sanctuary setting and to live in the northwest. I now have been given the opportunity to marry both dreams and I could not be more thrilled. Sarah and the CSNW team have poured their hearts into this organization and have accomplished many things such as providing a safe and healthy environment for seven amazing chimpanzees, expanding space for the Cle Elum 7 by building a greenhouse and Young’s Hill, advocating for all primates by creating Eyes on Apes, and developing a visitors’ program (the list goes on and on).

Jamie and I spending quality time together
Jamie and I got to spend some quality time together

Today, I take the proverbial leadership baton and am looking forward to the future (not just for the organization, but for all chimpanzees). I look forward to helping the organization grow, advocating for chimpanzees around the world, and continuing to care for the Cle Elum 7. In the meantime, I will be getting acclimated to the sanctuary and to the area. I have already met many of our dedicated volunteers and supporters and am eager to get to know all of you. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest team and the chimpanzees have also been incredibly welcoming. I have begun forming special bonds with Jamie, Foxie, Missy, Negra, Burrito, Annie, and Jody…how can I not love them?

Jamie wanted me to show her my boots
Jamie wanted me to show her my boots

Thank you all for welcoming me with open arms. During this transition, feel free to e-mail me with suggestions as to how we can better serve our chimpanzees, community and supporters.