Katelyn

Well, we’ve barely recovered from “Jamieween” and yet we find ourselves solidly into November celebrations!

November 2nd was the 7th anniversary of the arrival of our tiny bovine family! Dr. Erin and her son, Dylan, brought some favorite fresh browse and treats for them to enjoy with their celebration.

Meredith enjoying her fresh willow alongside, (l) Ryan, one of our two amazing Facilities and Grounds Tech staff members (the other being Teresa!), and (r) Dylan, son of Dr. Erin, who often graciously helps out when extra hands are needed:

Betsy sporting her gorgeous winter floof, Dylan, and Dr. Erin:

It’s hard to believe this tiny bovine herd have been here seven years! The fact that this sweet family is able to live out their lives together, surrounded by peace, individualized care, and respect for the unique beings they are, is no small thing. All of which you make possible for them.

Honey, Meredith, Betsy, and her beloved “baby” boy, Nutmeg (who sadly passed away last year after an unexpected health crisis) enjoying their glorious summer pasture:

Nutmeg is greatly missed by his bovine and human family, but by none more so than his devoted mom, Betsy:

Sweet Lucky is turning 34 on November 6th! Mangoes have been stocked and party prep is already underway for our beautiful Lucky Lou:

Unlike her brother, Cy (alpha of their group), Lucky often prefers to quietly observe things from afar. But don’t for one second think she doesn’t see all. This behooves her in engaging in one of her favorite things to do: launching onto the caging seemingly out of nowhere as unsuspecting humans (the newer, the better) pass by and scare the daylights out of them. Maybe even try to grab them for added effect. I’d think it must feel pretty delightful. 🙂

But Lucky is sweet and curious and she will just as likely engage you in a super surprise game of chase (once even wearing a box as a kind of “tutu”), or sit quietly with you and groom, especially if she can check out your shoes and/or feet.

She’s also half-siblings with Rayne (below, r) and Honey B:

We celebrate beautiful Honey Cow turning 18(!) on her celebrated birthday of November 10th:

Enjoying some browse with her daughter, Meredith (r):

Honey and her family (Meredith and Betsy) enjoyed a long season in their spring and summer pastures and while they’ll be heading back to their winter pasture soon, they will be welcomed by a new barn. It’s always wonderful to see them at the furthest reaches of their pastures in the warmer months, enjoying their own little world and all that the varying seasons offer them.

The chimpanzees and cows always enjoy a big celebration on Thanksgiving Day (or as Negra probably calls it, “Hawaiian Roll Day”), which lands on November 27th this year.  We are always in awe of all we have to be thankful for, all that you each make possible for the extraordinary individuals who call the sanctuary home, and for we humans, who have the immense privilege of caring for them.

Sweet Terry on a Thanksgiving past, gazing at his Field Roast:

And book-ending our November celebrations is Willy B! He will be turning 35 on November 30th! If you’ve been following us for awhile you’ll be aware that Willy B doesn’t always make choices that might be the most easeful for himself or his fellow group mates. But honestly, when you look at each of the chimpanzee’s histories, it’s endlessly incredible that they are somehow the resilient people they are and that their extraordinary selves still find a way to shine through into these lives they find themselves living.

Willy B has truly come so far in the last couple of years. It would take immense courage to go from never touching the earth, to tenaciously working your way up to feeling comfortable exploring a two-acre outdoor habitat all on your own. It makes our hearts sing for him and we have a lot of awe for this guy:

Handsome Willy B!:

As always, we are so grateful to you all for being here with us and for all the ways your support and presence shines through. I hope you know the difference you each make in so many lives. Have a beautiful November, friends!