Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

For Ellen

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Long-time friend of the sanctuary, Meg Lunnum, also sponsored a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees today, in memory of her mother, Ellen:

“June 28 would have been my Mother’s 100th birthday. She has been gone 10 years and I miss her so much.”

Thank you, Meg, for sharing such a special day of remembrance with the chimps. Our thoughts are with you today as you celebrate your mother. What a wonderful legacy, her life continuing to make such a difference in the lives of so many. Happy 100th Birthday, Ellen. <3

Negra:

Missy:

Her daughter, Honey B, taken (unintentionally) several months apart by different caregivers!:

Rayne (Honey B’s half-sister):

Burrito:

Happy Birthday, Gaynell!

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Many thanks to Gaynell Schenck for graciously sharing her special day with the chimpanzees today!

“June 28 is my birthday, so I am celebrating by sponsoring a Day of Sanctuary to be enjoyed by all the chimps, but especially Cy. I was a literature major in college and just can’t get over how intently he ‘reads’ his magazines. I will send some to him as soon as I remove all those staples.”

Happy Birthday, Gaynell! Cy is a special guy for sure. He would probably hope you get to spend the day reading, eating good snacks and having some peace and quiet. But however you choose to celebrate, we hope it’s a wonderful day for you! 🙂

Jamie and her beloved Lucy the bonobo book:

Rayne:

Maybe Cy’s bibliophile tendencies are rubbing off on his group members (Rayne in background):

Gordo:

Cy:

Of course, Burrito would make other suggestions on how to spend your day…

Happy Summer Solstice!

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Many thanks to Dylan Most for the “Happy summer solstice!” wishes and for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees and bovines in celebration of the first day of summer here in the northern hemisphere!

We appreciate you always sending your kind and light-filled thoughts to all of us here at the sanctuary, Dylan. <3

Wherever you find yourself, may you all find beauty in your days. Happy summer! (Or winter, as the case may be!)

Our sweet Jody, always here in heart and ether:

The beautiful joy-filled blur that is Burrito:

Annie and Missy:

Gorgeous Meredith in her independent glory:

At some point I’ll move on from sharing this photo of stunning Rayne, but that day is not today:

We love this wonderful guy, Gordo:

Barn Kitty enjoying the sun:

Regal Cy, so handsome:

The Sun Queen herself, Negra:

The celebrations begin!

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It’s here! The Trifecta Jubilee! The day on which we celebrate the arrival anniversary of the original Cle Elum seven (15 years ago!), Negra’s birthday (she turns 50 today!) and Terry’s birthday (he turns 33 today!).

We begin this day of celebration with thanks to two humans who’ve sponsored a day of sanctuary today, the first being Tobin, who shared this message:

“On this fifteenth anniversary of the arrival of the original seven chimpanzees to their sanctuary home in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains I wish to celebrate the following quartet:

For Negra, who is the embodiment of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, over which she reigns with majesty and the most adorable food barks.

For Terry, who has the good fortune and taste to share a birthday with the Queen.

For Diana, who merits another day to celebrate her birthday. I asked Neggie and Terry if they would be willing to share their birthday celebration with Diana. Her Majesty barked forth a royal, ‘But, of course, you Royal Subject!’ Terry responded with an email that read, ‘Bptbptbpt…with a raspberry emoji to confirm his approval.’

And for Jody, who arrived at the sanctuary fifteen years ago after years of maltreatment, but who, through the endeavors of Diana, J.B., and so many others was given a life worth living.

In deepest gratitude, Tobin.”

Let the celebrations begin!

Negra:

Terry:

Jamie and Diana:

Jody:

CWU Graduation Day!

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Many thanks to Dr. April Binder of Central Washington University for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in celebration of all the individuals who are graduating today!

“Congratulations to all BS/MS graduates in the Primate Behavior programs from CWU!”

We are so thankful to all the CWU graduates who have contributed in so many ways to improving the lives of the chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home and we appreciate their hard work! Not only for the chimpanzees, but for all the beings they will make a difference in the lives of as they move forward to their next chapters and adventures.

Congratulations, everyone!! We’re so proud of you and wish you all the good things!

Cy:

He would probably hope you all get a little time for some lighter reading now:

Burrito and his beloved giant Kong enrichment:

Dora and her popsicle:

Honey B:

Rayne:

Missy, Foxie and Jamie:

Happy Birthday, Donna!

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Many thanks to Donna Dinsmore for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees and helping to make their days special as well!

“This is my birthday and I would love to have the chimps celebrate it with me”.

Happy Birthday, Donna! We really appreciate you thinking of the chimps and including them (and us!) in your celebration.

Honey B!

Her mama, Missy:

Gordo:

Foxie:

Happy Birthday, Karen!

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Julie and Karen Olson are loyal friends and supporters of the chimpanzees and we’re thankful to Julie for giving us the opportunity to join in celebrating her sister, Karen, with a day of sanctuary.

“I am sponsoring this day of sanctuary in honor of my sister Karen’s birthday. She is the one who told me about the original Cle Elum 7 coming to live in Washington. I feel this is her favorite gift each year. She follows the blog daily and I do too. Happy Birthday Sis!”

Happy day from all of us here, Karen! We hope it’s a beautiful one! We appreciate you both.

Missy and Annie:

Jody and Foxie:

Mave and Dora:

Negra and Jamie:

Jamie and Burrito: