Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

Happy Birthday, Negra!

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Lucky June 13th. Today is one of the biggest and most special days of celebration at the sanctuary. Nine years ago today seven chimpanzees found themselves at the end of the road trip of a lifetime, having made their way across the country from a windowless basement in Pennsylvania and decades of use in biomedical research, to pulling up the driveway to a new life, a second chance, in their sanctuary home. A home that was created just for them. A home where every single thing that happens, where every single human who enters (in person or from afar) is to ensure their comfort, dignity, safety and well-being above all else for the rest of their lives.

And as such, this is also the day that was chosen as Negra’s honorary birthday because it’s the day her life was returned to her and her six chimpanzee friends. Today we are celebrating Negra’s 44th birthday!

To kick off the celebration, dear friends of the sanctuary and Negra’s pals, Althea and Ahmad Dani, are sponsoring this first of two days of sanctuary and shared this sweet message:

“Happy Birthday Negra! We’re wishing you the most beautiful and perfect day for the most beautiful and perfect girl! We love you very much! Althea and Ahmad.”

Althea and Ahmad have two of the most generous, compassionate hearts you could ever know. They share so much love and make such a difference in the lives of many chimpanzees and orangutans and we’re so fortunate to have them as part of our chimp family.

Althea and Ahmad, thank you so much for sponsoring the Queen’s special day and for all you’ve done to make it a celebration to remember!

Her Royal Highness / Birthday Girl:

Festivity preparations are in the works so be sure to check back later today as we all celebrate hope, love, home, sanctuary, and Neggie!

Morning grooming fest

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When I arrived to the chimp house this morning I found the whole family (with the exception of Missy who was still asleep in her nest) at the top of the sunny greenhouse together nesting and grooming. Grooming is extremely important in chimp society. While it does serve to care for wounds and keep each other clean, it’s a primary means of building relationships, maintaining bonds, and offering comfort.

The chimps had a doozy of an argument yesterday (as chimps’ often do) and while it was pretty much resolved by the end of the day, it was really nice to see everyone relaxing together this morning, amends made, grievances forgiven. The business of chimp families.

Annie and Negra (background):

Annie self-grooming:

Annie in her nest, Jamie grooming Jody:

Jamie is grooming Negra, but Burrito was actually trying to get Negra to play by ruffling her hair, play-stomping and laughing. Negra was not remotely interested in anything but being groomed.

After making the grooming rounds with her chimp family, Foxie swung down to say hi:

It’s been a peaceful day in the chimp house. And good thing, because the chimps need to rest up for the big celebration tomorrow! Not only is it their 9th anniversary since arriving to their sanctuary home (9 years?!!), but it’s Negra’s 44th honorary birthday! And it’s going to be a party fit for a Queen, naturally.

Happy Birthday, Lorraine!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in honor of Lorraine Lofton for her birthday by her son and daughter, Max and Coral Nafziger! Lorraine was one of the amazing volunteers who helped make our annual Hoot! Gala such a wonderful success!

Lorraine, happiest of birthdays to you from all of us at CSNW! Thank you so much for all you do to help us ensure a bright and secure future for these seven amazing chimpanzees, as well as any future family members. The gift of your time and compassion is so greatly appreciated.

Max and Coral, thank you for celebrating your mom on her special day with a gift for the chimpanzees! We are grateful to your family for helping us care for this chimp family!

Have a beautiful day, Lorraine!

Missy:

Jody:

jody smelling rose

Annie:

Happy Birthday, Donna!

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There has been a lot of thought around the chimpanzees and sanctuary this week as so many generous supporters have been including the chimps in their lives by sponsoring a day of sanctuary! It makes us so happy to see the chimps included in so many of your memories and celebrations and we’re grateful beyond belief for the difference you make in their lives.

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by a long-time supporter and friend of the chimps, Donna Dinsmore! Donna shared, “This is my birthday and I would love to have the chimps celebrate it with me!”

Donna, Happy Birthday! Thank you so much for your kind and generous heart. We’re all so happy to be able to celebrate with you and are wishing you a beautiful day filled with adventure, contentment, and all your favorite things:

Jody:

Happy Birthday, Karen!

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Julie Olson to celebrate her sister, Karen Olson! Julie and Karen are long-time friends of the chimps and we’re so happy to join them in their festivities today! Julie sends this message about today:

“I am sponsoring a day for the chimps in honor of my sister Karen’s birthday. She introduced me to the chimps and I am so glad she did! She truly loves all creatures great and small except for spiders :-D” 

Julie, thank you so much for sponsoring today in Karen’s honor! Your compassion and generosity ensure that every day is one of sanctuary for these amazing chimps and we’re truly grateful to you and Karen.

Happiest of birthdays to you, Karen! We hope your day is filled with Annie-Missy style joy and love! Well, maybe not the games of wrestling and chase at dangerous heights, but still the joy and love. 😉

Missy Annie running behind

For Angela and the chimps!

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Brian Dixon in honor of his wife, Angela Demele, on her birthday! Brian shared that Angela inspired this gift and felt what better way to celebrate with her!

Brian, thanks so much for including the chimps in your celebration of Angela! We really appreciate you honoring her by making a difference in the chimps’ lives.

Happy Birthday from all of us here at CSNW, Angela! We’re so happy to celebrate your special day with you and hope it’s the best one yet! Thank you so much for caring about the chimps and including them in your life.

Burrito and Foxie always know how to celebrate:

Today is in honor of Robert Ruggeri

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It is a beautiful and peaceful day morning here at the sanctuary.  The chimps started their day, as they do most days this time of year, basking in the early morning sun coming into the greenhouse, and our neighborhood elk, Ellie, was still dozing in the shaded green grass when I arrived. Such a day couldn’t be more fitting as we celebrate a day of sanctuary sponsored in honor of Robert Ruggeri by his daughter, Rachel Ruggeri. Rachel shared this beautiful and touching message about her father:

“This day is in honor of my father, Robert Ruggeri, who would have celebrated his 81st birthday on June 6th. Though he passed away four years ago this July, his vital spirit continues to remain present in our minds and in our hearts. His love of animals was part of the fabric of his being – always with a dog by his side and happy to see all creatures enjoying their natural habit and the freedom that ensued. He would love nothing more than to see the chimps enjoying a sense of well-deserved peace and harmony among the acres of Eastern Washington, the place he himself fondly called home.”

Rachel, thank you so very much for your generous gift for the chimpanzees in memory of your father. We are honored to celebrate Robert and our hearts are with you and your family, hoping that the incredible memories you must have of him fill you with love and comfort. He sounds like such an amazing being and we’ll be holding thoughts of his special spirit here with us all.

Burrito, in all his courage, on top of the Twister:

Jamie and Foxie:

Annie (below) and Missy (top):

Annie and Missy top of Twister

Master Forager, Jody:

Jody with forage haul

Negra:

Sunset over the sanctuary: