Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

Today is in honor of Lisa Stuverud!

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The wonderful “Pay it Forward for the Chimpanzees” streak continues today through the generosity of the chimps’ good friend, Julie Lawell, who sponsored today’s day of sanctuary in honor of Lisa Stuverud (who sent out out another wave in this ripple effect of giving yesterday, in honor of Lisa Nowak)! Julie shared this message about today:

“Recognizing the bloggers who bring us such wonderful daily news and great pictures and videos seems like a nice tradition to start. I wouldn’t know nearly as much as I do about the chimps and their beautiful sanctuary without the blogs. Its really is wonderful to see the incredible things you do for the chimps and how much their lives have improved by being with you all. Your email is a cherished highlight of my day. Thank you so much!”

Julie, big, big thanks to you for all you do for the chimpanzees and for honoring Lisa and all of us today! We all love writing the blog so much! It makes it even more rewarding to know that sharing the lives of these wonderful chimpanzees with our amazing supporters is not only so welcome and enjoyed, but that it’s inspiring such compassion among our fellow primates.

Burrito, adorable man-chimp extraordaire:

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Today is for Lisa Nowak!

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What a fun and amazing week it’s been so far! With so much love for the chimpanzees, their Summer Lovin’ party last Saturday seems to have kept going right into an “Autumn Lovin'” week full of continued generosity and love for the chimps and humans alike. Much to our delight, this day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lisa Stuverud in honor of Lisa Nowak (who sponsored yesterday for Meg Lunnum who honored the bloggers the day before)! Lisa shared this message about today:

“I too have been inspired to sponsor a day in honor of Lisa Nowak who honored Meg Lunnum who honored the bloggers at the sanctuary because like so many others I look forward to the daily sanctuary blog posts whether they be educational or entertaining, the writing is superb and insightful and they are filled with lots of wonderful pictures of the seven amazing beings I have grown to adore!! Thank you so much!”

We’re grateful to you all for the loyal following of the chimps and their lives through our blog! And Lisa S., thank you so much for honoring Lisa N. and continuing this flow of inspiration and kindness! It often makes people feel more comfortable to see kindness as a weakness. But only from a place of true strength can we walk in kindness and compassion and not only give to others (especially those we may not even know), but inspire and empower others to do the same. Just look at the ripple effect of these gifts. They not only make a big difference for each of these seven chimpanzees, but for so many people connected to them. And how much more powerful does it get than that?

Jamie, finally living her life surrounded by so much love:

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Today is for Meg Lunnum!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lisa Nowak! Lisa chose to sponsor today for the chimpanzees in a unique way. Yesterday’s Sponsor-a-Day from Meg Lunnum inspired Lisa to do the same and she sends this wonderful message about today:

“I don’t know Meg Lunnum but her sponsorship in honor of the bloggers inspired me to sponsor in her honor. That was such a brilliant idea Meg! I love this blog and am grateful for it everyday. It brings joy and happiness to me every time I read it. Meg your recognition of the bloggers deserves recognition. Thank you to Meg and all the bloggers.”

Lisa, what an incredible thing to do! Thank you for honoring Meg, she is a special person! And we are so happy knowing how much you enjoy the blog and following the chimps. Thank you for also honoring them today through your generous gift and making a difference in their lives.

I think all of us here at the sanctuary are in an incredibly fortunate position to not only care for these seven amazing chimpanzees, but to see the kindness, compassion and love that they inspire in so many humans. That ripple effect surrounds the sanctuary and is such a special thing to witness and be a part of.

An oldie, but favorite of Negra (l) and Jody (r):

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Thank you, Meg!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by long-time friend and supporter of the sanctuary, Meg Lunnum, in honor of the bloggers here at the sanctuary! We are often asked who writes the daily blog posts and the wonderful thing is that we all do. Each of the staff are scheduled to serve as Lead Caregiver in the chimp house on different days and whoever is lead for the day is the one who writes the blog that day.

Meg is such an incredible advocate not only for the chimpanzees, but for bats as well! Through the non-profit Bats Northwest Meg works to protect our Pacific Northwest bat population and helps educate people about these special mammals and the important role they play in our environment and lives. In sponsoring today, Meg shared this lovely message:

“I’ve been thinking about dedicating a day to the fearless copy writers who write the daily blog. After Wednesday’s “Her Royal-Neggie-ness”, I could wait no longer. Much appreciation to those ink slingers, quill drivers, scribes, scriveners, correspondents, journalists, storytellers, poets, and dramatists extraordinaire who bring to life Negra, Annie, Foxie, Burrito, Missy, Jody and Jamie. You make those of us who read the blog feel a part of the energy and vitality of the chimp sanctuary. Thank you.”

Meg, this was such a kind and generous thing to do, thank you! We are so grateful to you for the immense difference you make in the chimpanzees’ lives and are so happy to have you as part of our chimp family.

It’s our goal with the blog not only to offer information and education, but to help all of you feel connected to the chimpanzees and get to know them as the unique and amazing individuals they are. We are honored to be able to share their lives and daily adventures and it’s our sincere hope that you feel a part of their lives. Whether you are just discovering the blog or have been a dedicated follower, thank you so much for taking the time to read/like/share our daily thoughts/ramblings/photos because every single post is inspired by the heart of the sanctuary, the chimpanzees themselves. We couldn’t be more grateful to you for caring about the chimps and for not only making this life possible for them, but building hope for all those still awaiting their sanctuary and all those living their natural wild lives who deserve to do so in peace and protection.

Meg’s pal, Negra:

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Her Royal Neggie-ness

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The chimpanzees welcomed in the first day of autumn with a breakfast forage on Young’s Hill complete with chimp approved weather – cool air and warm morning sun. Negra, in particular, was exceptionally active, climbing structures and venturing to parts of the hill that we don’t usually see her in. With each handful of food she found she would take the time to sit and enjoy it in the warm sun as she took in the view of her beloved valley below.

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After all that activity, Negra came in for a well-deserved rest with the sun streaming into her nest and onto her belly. A day befitting the queen.

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Today is for Becca and Lars!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Brian Kostol in honor of “the Beautiful Marriage of Lars and Becca Jorgensen.” Becca is a long-time dedicated volunteer caregiver and a good subordinate human at that. She spends much time catering to the every whim of our beloved boss, Jamie, and always brightens all the primates’ days. More recently, we’ve also gained Lars as an amazing volunteer in the chimp house! We are so grateful for the commitment and compassion these two bring to the sanctuary and the chimpanzees’ lives.

We know the chimps are considered as family to Becca and Lars and through Becca’s beautiful artwork and creativity, they even made sure that each of the chimpanzees were represented at their wedding as a way for them to be present and share in their special day.

Brian, thank you so much for such a meaningful gift in celebration of the Jorgensen’s marriage and for making a difference in the lives of the chimps they hold dear.

Becca and Lars, we’re so happy for you! Thank you so much for everything you do for these amazing chimpanzee people. We are all so glad to have you as part of our sanctuary family and wish you a life of “hope, love, home and sanctuary.”

Boss lady, Jamie, was in heaven when she received new boots from Becca:

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In memory of Ron and Betty

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Ron and Betty Kreuscher on their anniversary by their daughter, Ronalyn Huenergard, on behalf of Ron and Betty’s great-grandchildren, “Aaron, Meghan, Jacob, Cody, Austin, Morgan, Kennedy, Lucas, Addison, Nolan, Weston, Calvin, and also Calvin’s brother, Charlie, who was born in 2014, but is now only in our hearts.”

Ronalyn, many thanks to you for all you do for the chimpanzees, and to your family for honoring Ron and Betty in such a generous and compassionate way. We hope in celebrating Ron and Betty today you are all able to enjoy the love and comfort of family that you help make possible for the chimpanzees.

Burrito and Jody:

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