Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Katelyn

Today is for Becky and Karen

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This day of sanctuary was gifted to the chimpanzees by our wonderful friend, Robin Lundy! She shared this note about her gift:

“I am sponsoring this day for my friend Becky and her sister Karen. June 8th would have been Karen’s 61st birthday. Although Karen and Becky were perhaps not as rambunctious in their interactions with each other as when Foxie and Jamie wrestle themselves into the shape of a furry pretzel, or when Missy and Annie chase each other around Young’s Hill to grab each other’s toes, nevertheless, they were each other’s best friends.”

Robin, this is so lovely. Thanks so much for choosing to celebrate the special gift of best friends and sharing that with us all.

Becky, we hope your heart is full of joy, love and comfort on this special day. We’re so happy to think of you and Karen and are grateful to think of her legacy rippling out to make a difference in the chimpanzees’ lives.

Annie and Missy:

Happy Birthday, Karen!

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We’re so lucky to have a double day of sanctuary sponsorship today! To start the day off is a lovely gift from long-time friends of the chimpanzees, sisters, Julie and Karen Olson! Julie sponsored today for Karen with this message:

“I want to sponsor a day for the chimps in honor of my sister Karen Olson’s birthday. She is the biggest animal lover I know. She is the one who introduced me to the chimps. She never misses a day keeping up with their adventures. I never miss a day either! Happy birthday sis!”

Julie and Karen, we so appreciate the love and support you both bring to the chimpanzees’ lives! Karen, may you have the best birthday yet! Happiest of hoots to you!

This guy:

In memory of Robert Ruggeri

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Rachel Ruggeri sponsored today in memory of her father, Robert Ruggeri, and shared this beautiful note about her gift:

“Today would mark my father’s 83rd birthday. And though he passed away six years ago in July, he is ever present in our thoughts and a part of so many of our conversations. My father loved to laugh and he found so much joy in the everyday antics of animals, most especially primates. He would be comforted knowing that the gang of seven now joined by the bovine bunch had found a future filled with peace and independence at the sanctuary in the quiet hills of Eastern Washington. I like to think that my father has also found that sanctuary somewhere in the ether…high above the clouds, but still within a distance to see all the beauty in the world he left behind. We miss him each and every day, but know that “sanctuary” is where we all ultimately aspire to be…”

Rachel, thank you so much for remembering your father in this way and for the difference you make in the chimpanzees’ lives by doing so. We’re honored to celebrate Robert’s legacy and wish you and your family a day of comfort and joy-filled memories as you hold him in your hearts.

Negra:

Foxie and Missy:

Jamie:

Burrito:

(clockwise) Honey, Betsy, Nutmeg and Meredith (front):

Jody, Foxie and Annie:

Happy Birthday, Amy!

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Kristen Elliott sponsored today for Amy Webster and shared this lovely message about today:

“Amy (Webster) spends her life advocating for animals of all kinds. She works tirelessly to ensure animals are cared for, loved and respected. It is truly a breathtaking thing to watch Amy campaign and work for the animals. If there were more people like Amy in the world, everyone – plant, animal and human – would know they are worthy of love. Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is close to Amy’s heart. In honor of the day she entered this world, we’re sponsoring June 5, 2019, for Amy.”

Kristen, thank you so much for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in celebration of Amy! What a wonderful way to be honored.

Amy, we are so happy knowing there are humans like you in the world! May you have the best birthday yet!

The days are getting warmer…

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The chimpanzees were out and about early this morning, enjoying the cooler air and getting some foraging and exploration done before the day heated up. Negra was waiting at the door and led the group onto Young’s Hill before heading off into a shady spot on her own:

Jody made her way back to the greenhouse with a beautiful pine tree, goat’s beard dandelion bouquet:

Annie braved the tall, potentially snake-filled grass, picking dandelions to snack on along the way. Thankfully for Annie (and any snakes), it was a snake-free day:

Annie and Missy, besties:

It’s been a relaxing Sunday for everyone otherwise. As our weather inches closer to summertime temperatures the chimps have chosen to spend much of their day nesting in the cooler chimp house, grooming each other and generally lolling about trying to stay cool.

The chimps are all in their night nests and just let out nest grunts of goodnight with the exception of Jamie, who is in the greenhouse, anxious for the evening to cool off a bit so she can catch up on her walks for the day. So you know what that means…we’re donning cowboy boots for an evening stroll around the hill with the boss lady.

Happy Birthday, Carrie!

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Jenara Miller sponsored today for Carrie Miller in honor of her birthday!

Carrie and her family have been longtime friends of the chimpanzees and we are so grateful for all they help make possible for the chimpanzees!

Jenara, thank you for always thinking of the chimps when you think of Carrie and for celebrating her special day in this way. We so appreciate your compassionate and generous heart.

Carrie, we hope you have the best birthday yet! Many pant hoots for joy (and probably food) from your pal, Burrito!

Beautiful Jody

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We all know how beautiful Jody is, as are each of the chimpanzees of course, but it never hurts to take the time to appreciate her: