Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Today started, as it often does this time of year, on a peaceful note with most people relaxing in the greenhouse. I found Jody, Missy and Annie grooming each other quietly at the top of the greenhouse as they gazed out over Young’s Hill. Jody was the recipient of this session and I was able to capture her beautiful eyes she soaked in the view and the love from her chimp family.
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Carolyn Clarke! Carolyn has graciously sponsored days in the past in honor of her loved ones. Today she is choosing to celebrate her own birthday by celebrating the chimpanzees and their life in sanctuary.
Each day we are privileged to witness what a life in sanctuary means to each of the chimpanzees. And each day we are privileged to witness how each of you make this possible for them. We are continually moved by the variety of ways in which so many amazing supporters near and far contribute to the chimpanzees’ well-being. And to think that someone chooses to celebrate their own life by ensuring that these seven chimps continue to live the lives they deserve is nothing short of astounding.
Carolyn, thank you so much for including the chimpanzees in your life. We wish you the happiest of days filled with all that brings you joy and love!
In Burrito’s case, that would mean food. Lots of food.
And then maybe a nap in the sun.
Today we are so fortunate to have two people sponsor this day of sanctuary, Monica Best and Linda Miller! Six years ago the chimps’ good friend, Monica Best, officially declared April 23rd “Love a Chimpanzee Day” and she sponsors the day each year for the chimps. Monica has a huge heart full of love and respect for all the special animal beings we share the earth with and she does so much to make a difference in their lives. She shared this message about today: “Love a Chimpanzee Day! In honor of my seven favorite chimps and all the dedicated staff and volunteers who care for them!!!”
Today also happens to be Monica’s birthday! Her mom, Linda Miller, chose to add even more love to the day and celebrate Monica by sponsoring today in her daughter’s honor and she wishes Monica “a very Happy Birthday.”
Monica and Linda, thank you so much for making this day so special for the chimpanzees! We wish you the happiest of days, Monica, and hope you know that because of you, their lives are better. Happy Birthday and Happy Love a Chimpanzee Day!!
Annie:
Burrito:
Foxie:
Jamie:
Jody:
Missy:
Negra:
A super cozy nest in the sun with a beloved cowgirl boot tucked under her chin. And a troll doll for some extra pizzazz. This may be a perfect nest for an afternoon rest in Jamie’s eyes.
The chimpanzees access Young’s Hill through what we refer to as “the raceway,” a short, caged tunnel which leads directly from the greenhouse to their 2-acre outdoor enrichment area. If you’ve been following the blog for awhile, you’ve probably seen us mention how Jamie often likes to stay out late during the warmer months to walk around the hill. One of her favorite tactics to let us know she’s not ready to come inside yet is to sit in the doorway of the raceway so we can’t close it. The chimpanzees all know that we won’t leave them on the hill overnight and wait until they are ready to come in for the evening before closing the door. It’s also one of the chimps’ favorite spots from which to look out onto the hill, the valley below, or just check out what the other chimpanzees might be up to out there, all while staying within close proximity to the greenhouse. It’s also a good spot to assess weather conditions before committing to going out onto the hill. Perhaps the equivalent to poking your head out the door to assess things from a comfortable spot.
Today, as many of the chimpanzees ran out onto Young’s Hill, Annie decided to check the situation out first before making her decision to join them or not. Not so long ago this is where we would see Annie sitting, rocking with anxiety and distress, while her best friend, Missy, explored the hill, not always comfortable following after her. Those days seem gone for Annie now and she typically has no problem venturing out on her own, or sitting peacefully while she makes up her mind as to what she would like to do. She increasingly bases her choices simply on what will bring her pleasure in the moment, as opposed to decisions based on anxiety.
Debbie caught some photos of beautiful Annie, sitting in the raceway, as she watched her friends run out onto the hill, happy and relaxed as she chose to just observe, and with the droopy lip to show it.
Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Don and Karen Young in honor of their granddaughter, Zoe’s, birthday! Zoe is 2 years old today and Don and Karen shared this special message about her:
“Zoe Young, daughter of Ryan and Helena Young, and our beautiful little grand daughter who wins the hearts of everyone she meets. She loves wild animals, domestic too, but her nursery was decorated with wild animals so she gravitates towards them. At 9 months, she would sit for hours and look at individual animal cards! She can make many animal sounds. One day we will take her to meet the Cle Elum Seven. A special birthday celebration for the chimps in honor of Zoe’s life.”
Happy Birthday, Zoe! We wish you the happiest of days! Don and Karen, thank you so much for holding the chimpanzees in your heart and including them in your family celebrations. What a wonderful gift your family has provided Zoe with by teaching her about all the amazing beings we share the earth with.
Burrito:
This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Jayne Roepke! Jayne is such a good friend to the chimpanzees and is always looking for opportunities to make their lives better (as well as the lives of the humans who care for them!). Today also happens to be Jayne’s birthday and we are touched and honored to share such a special day with her.
Jayne shared this beautiful message for today:
“April 17th is my birthday and I’d like to sponsor that day in honor of other supporters (like me) who simply marvel at the endearing chimpanzee beings who are fortunate to call CSNW their home (as well as others who may follow.) I greatly appreciate your willingness to allow ‘regular folks’ to actively participate in the lives of these precious souls. I get so much joy watching their lives unfold before our eyes. They have taught me so much about the power of forgiveness and perseverance.”
Jayne, we hope you have the happiest of birthdays! Thank you so much for celebrating your life by honoring not only the chimpanzees, but all the amazing supporters who grace their lives. What a lovely thing to do! We are privileged to be surrounded by so many compassionate individuals who all make the chimpanzees’ lives here in sanctuary possible.
Beautiful Jody:
