Katelyn

Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and gratitude are going out to long-time friend and supporter of the sanctuary, Thyra Rutter, who sponsored this special day for the chimpanzees and bovines in memory of her beloved husband, David Rutter, who recently passed away. David was a beloved Arte for Elephants (AFE) Adventures Co-Founder and wildlife photographer.

Through Thyra and David’s art, advocacy, passion, and business, Arte for Elephants, they’ve worked to create hope and understanding for elephants living in ethical captivity while supporting the indigenous communities who share their world with elephants and other wild animals. David and Thyra have been wonderful supporters of the chimpanzees and you will most likely recognize some of Thyra’s beautiful artwork she has generously shared for our auctions and fundraisers.

To Thyra, and all who love and miss David, we’re holding you in our hearts. Thank you so much for allowing our amazing residents to be part of David’s incredible legacy.

Foxie:

Burrito, Foxie and Annie:

Jody:

Terry and Rayne:

Dora:

Annie and Missy:

This day of sanctuary is “Part II” of yesterday’s really lovely sponsorship from Lisa Nowak. Yesterday, Lisa’s sponsorship was in celebration of the blog and its writers and today, is in celebration of you, our wonderful readers!

From Lisa’s kind heart:

“To all my fellow daily blog readers that share my passion of this blog, the chimps, bovines, and caregivers. Even though I am not a commenter, I love reading all the comments and feel like I have come to know a small part of the daily readers/commenters. I know your favorite chimps, I value your observations, humor and insights as well. I always look for Tobin and Kathleen’s comments. They add one more special aspect to this blog. I feel there is a comradery amongst the daily blog readers’ appreciation of this blog.”

It’s such a joy and a privilege to be able to share the chimpanzees’ and bovines’ lives with you. We’re so humbled and grateful for your loyal following and the community you’ve created always makes us smile. We appreciate you being here with us more than you know.

Cy and Rayne:

Rayne:

Jamie:

Negra:

Jamie reading in bed:

Nutmeg and his mama, Betsy:

Many thanks to Lisa Nowak, who sponsored a day of sanctuary in gratitude for our daily blog here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and for the loveliest message she shared:

“Hopefully this blog is a labor of love. I know it adds a significant responsibility for the caregivers who already have a jam/packed schedule taking care of these beloved chimpanzee people and bovines. I think I speak for all the other blog readers as well when I say that this blog means so much to the readers. You allow all of the readers to become an extended family not only to the chimps and bovines, but also to you, the dedicated caregivers. This blog enriches my life and adds joyfulness to it every time I read it. My appreciation for it is immeasurable and thank you doesn’t seem substantial enough to convey how meaningful this blog is to me. You have my heartfelt gratitude for providing me the treasure of this blog!

And to all the CSNW caregivers for their impressive writing skills on the blog. I find it fun to try and guess who wrote the blog each day. Sometimes the titles themselves give away the author. I so appreciate that the blog writers keep the content honest, transparent, educational, heartfelt, humorous, soulful, respectful and even in vulnerable times allow the readers beautiful insight into the happenings at the sanctuary and their own lives. You all share the amazing ability of bringing everything to life with your words. I am often in awe of the multifaceted talents of all the caregivers at CSNW. You are all truly extraordinary people.”

We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness, Lisa! It makes us so happy to know how much the blog is loved. While occasionally true that the daily blog posts are not always the easiest to produce, it’s our privilege and joy to be able to share the lives of these of special individuals we love so much with everyone and we’re profoundly grateful to you all for being part of all our lives. The chimpanzees’ and bovines’ lives in sanctuary would, quite sincerely, not be possible without you. <3

(Insider’s tip: This is Part I of II, so be sure to be on the lookout for the next of Lisa’s gracious sponsorships tomorrow!) 🙂

Jamie, hard at work, as always. I was just imagining what Jamie might say if she were to write a blog about, well, everyone else – HA!:

Cy:

Rayne:

Gordo:

Jamie:

I suspect the cattle wouldn’t give two figs about the blog, but I’m certain they appreciate the loyal support of you all in helping us keep the hay bales stacked high and the grain bins heaped full:

Meredith 🙂

Our heartfelt gratitude to long-time supporter of the sanctuary, Joseph Garza, for sponsoring this day of sanctuary in memory of his late wife, Carlene, who loved the chimpanzees so.

“In memory of my late wife, Carlene K. Olsen-Garza on what would have been her 66th birthday. Carlene fell in love with the chimps when there were only seven and followed their adventures until the end. She loved to hear about what Jamie, Foxie and Burrito (her favorites) were up to and dreamed of one day visiting the sanctuary to see them in-person. That was not to be, but I was bestowed that privilege the year after her passing. Thank you CSNW.”

Thank you for allowing the chimpanzees (and us all) to be part of Carlene’s beautiful legacy, Joseph. We’re honored that her loving heart and memory continue to dwell here at the sanctuary, bringing so much to the chimpanzees’ lives.

Jamie:

Jamie in Carlene’s Tower:

Burrito:

Jamie, Foxie and Burrito (Carlene’s Tower in the background):

Foxie:

Missy, Foxie and Jamie in Carlene’s Tower, in it’s new location under the pines since the Young’s Hill expansion last autumn:

Many thanks to Suzanne Van Ness for sponsoring today’s day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in honor of her husband, Darrell Van Ness, on his 80th birthday!

Happy Birthday, Darrell! We hope you have a fantastic day of celebration!

Wonderful Terry:

Sweet Honey B enjoying her spaghetti:

Dapper Burrito:

Handsome Gordo: