Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

Happy Birthday, Dalyce!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Dalyce Kowalski! Dalyce is a great friend to the chimpanzees and in celebrating her own birthday today, she has chosen to give the chimpanzees a special day! Dalyce shared this sweet note:

“I really just wanted to have a day for the chimps to have a party.  I know how much they love a party!”

Dalyce, thank you for such a generous and compassionate gift for the chimpanzees! They definitely love a party! It makes it all the more meaningful that you are choosing to celebrate your own life by making a difference in their lives. All of us here wish you the happiest of birthdays!

Queen Negra hopes you enjoy your day and if you need any ideas, she has some suggestions:

Eat your favorite foods:

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Stretch out and relax:

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Play bite your friends:

Negra and Missy playing

Enjoy a moment of solitude in nature:

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Snuggle with a cozy blanket:

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And birthday naps are always a good idea:

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Happy Birthday, Ardy!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by the chimpanzees’ wonderful friends, Tracy Headley and Bruce Clifton, in honor of Tracy’s aunt, Ardith Porter, on her birthday. Tracy and Bruce do so much to help ensure that the chimpanzees live the best lives possible here in their sanctuary home and are a very special part of our family. Tracy shared this sweet message about today:

“Bruce and I are sponsoring today in honor of my aunt Ardy. She said the only present she wanted from us was a donation to the chimps.”

Tracy and Bruce, thank you so much for always holding the chimps in your minds and hearts and for including them in your family celebration. We are so grateful to have you in the world!

And Ardy, thank you so much for sharing your special day with the chimpanzees! We wish you the happiest of days full of love and joy. Happy Birthday pant-hoots from all of us here at CSNW!

Jody is the best at knowing how to enjoy every moment:

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Happy Birthday, Dawn!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Jo Arroyo in honor of Dawn Garcia on her birthday! Jo and Dawn are long-time friends and supporters of the chimpanzees and Jo shared this beautiful message about today:

“I want celebrate Dawn on her birthday. Dawn’s heart is full of love for our planet, everyday she points out its beauty. She has the faith in humanity, that sometimes I lack. She is the most positive, happy person I know, she brings love and sunshine into my life. And so do the chimps we dearly love! They are the epitome of strength, courage, forgiveness, adaptability, and remind us to live in the moment! Thank you to the extraordinary individuals and all the donors who step-up everyday to give the chimps the closest thing to freedom!”

Jo, thank you so much for sponsoring this special day for Dawn and the chimpanzees! We are so grateful to you both for holding the chimps in your hearts. And Dawn, all of the primates here at the sanctuary wish you the happiest of days filled with all the beauty, joy and love you bring to life and inspire in others. Happy Birthday!!

I am pretty sure your pal, Burrito, would send some birthday pant-hoots your way!:

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Hitching a lift

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As autumn transitions into steadily colder and darker days, the chimpanzees (even Negra!) have been extra busy on Young’s Hill. And thanks to the Armstrong family, with a new structure to explore, and new dolls to explore with, Foxie took her current favorite troll doll along to check things out. And JB got some ridiculously adorable photos!

One of Foxie’s most endearing habits is how she carries her dolls on her back. Chimpanzee mamas are highly invested in raising and nurturing their children. The bond they share is the same we experience with our human children. They carry their infants for about the first six months of their lives and then as the babies become strong enough to grasp for extended periods, they begin to ride around on their mother’s back. Chimpanzee children are highly dependent on their mothers and even as they grow and become more independent they remain in close contact for the first several years of their lives.

Foxie’s four children were all taken from her during her years in biomedical research and it’s emotionally appealing to think that she carries the dolls on her back with her children in mind. But we can never know what she’s truly thinking and it may just be a natural and effective way of carrying her beloved dolls with her when she’s on the go. Whatever the reason, though bittersweet, it never fails to warm our hearts and I think it’s safe to say, hers as well. And that’s what matters most.

Foxie and troll, on the go:

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Today is for Deb Wagman!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Charlie Neath in honor of Deb Wagman! As some of you may know, Deb is one of our volunteer caregivers and she and her husband, Bruce (a dedicated member of our Board of Directors) are two amazing humans who do so much to make a difference in the lives of so many animals. Charlie has been a supporter of the chimpanzees and the humans and animals endearingly known as “the Wagmanagerie” for a long time and shared this simple and lovely message about today:

“Deborah Wagman is my hero.” 

Charlie, thank you so much for giving both Deb and the chimpanzees a special day! We truly appreciate you thinking of all of them today.

And Deb, you are a special soul who brings a lot of light to a lot of lives, both human and non. May all of that come back to you tenfold. Human hugs, chimp kisses and much love to you!

Jamie, from one amazing woman to another:

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