Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

animal protection

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

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Rachel Ruggeri sponsored this day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees as a wonderful way to celebrate life! She shared this really beautiful message about today:

“This day is in honor of my 48th birthday! The sanctuary gives me hope that we can create a better world where all living creatures have some sense of freedom and happiness. And it is that hope that I look forward to with each passing year…”

Rachel, you are an amazing friend to the chimpanzees. From our hearts, thank you for all you do for them, for helping us care for them and give them lives their unique and special selves deserve, and for being part of their family. Holding your touching message in our hearts, we are all wishing you the happiest of birthdays yet and many, many more to come. Have a fantastic day!

Annie and Missy:

Burrito:

Foxie:

Jamie:

Jamie walking on fire hose bridge

Jody:

Jody carrying cattail

Negra:

First Responder Days

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The sanctuary is no stranger to relying on the kindness of our community’s first responders. In 2012 we were faced with the terrifying Taylor Bridge Fire, a huge wild fire that threatened and destroyed many homes in our area. Last year another smaller fire broke out on a nearby property.

We know that wildfire is a risk during the summer in this area, and the chimp house was built with that in mind. We have emergency plans in place and now have a sprinkler system that surrounds the building. Still, for each of these events, we were very fortunate to have the Kittitas County Fire Department protecting the chimpanzees’ home. We are incredibly grateful for their service to the community. This year we arranged a couple of special visits for the county’s first responders to come meet the chimpanzees and get more information on our building and property. Last weekend Kittitas County Fire District #7 came out.

 

Of course, Ellie/Buttons had to say hello to some of her old friends:

 

And today we welcomed District #1 from Thorp. As soon as Jamie saw the black rugged boots everyone was wearing, she took off on a walk around Young’s Hill and we all accompanied:

Most of the other chimpanzees also came out to see what was going on.

Today’s amazing group from Kittitas County Fire District 1. It was so nice to meet everyone in a non-emergency setting!:

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The Reason Why

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I have the most amazing job in the world. I know so many people who would love to be in my place and help run a sanctuary for chimpanzees. There are stressful times though; a lot of stressful times, if I’m being honest.

But then there are the moments that bring me back to the mission of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and the reason that I’m here, and probably the reason you are reading this.

Today, it was a simple moment.

I was finishing up a walk with Jamie (wearing a mismatched pair of boots, at Jamie’s request).

Burrito, Jody, Foxie, Annie, Missy, and Negra all came outside while Jamie and I walked the perimeter of the outdoor habitat. By the time I came to the end of the walk, everyone but Negra had gone into the green house.

Negra remained sitting by the “cabin” that we named after her, in a field of green, sampling the fresh grass, as content as any chimpanzee I’ve ever seen.

 

Thank you, Negra, for this reminder today. It’s all about these moments.

 

For Earth Day and the chimpanzees!

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This day was sponsored by Debbie Bloom in honor of the chimpanzees and this beautiful Earth we all share. She shares this lovely message about today:

“In honor of Earth Day it seems appropriate to celebrate all of these beautiful creatures. They bring such joy and intrigue into our lives – especially mine. I only wish that I could read their minds.” 

Debbie, on this day in which we’re given a special opportunity to honor and celebrate this amazing earth, and to protect and preserve all we cherish, we love that you’ve chosen to include the chimps. Thank you so much for honoring the special individuals they are and all they bring to our lives just by being themselves.

There is so much to love on this earth. Especially these seven chimpanzees. Safe, thriving and loved in a beautiful world to call their own, thanks to each of you.

Annie:

Burrito:

Foxie:

Jamie:

Jody:

Missy:

Negra:

In memory of Susan von Beck Turner

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Each year on this date a day of sanctuary is sponsored by Jennifer and James Douglas, in memory of their dear friend, Susan von Beck Turner, on her birthday. Susan is held in the hearts of those who loved her and cherished for the difference she made in the lives of so many humans and dogs. We are so happy to celebrate Susan’s life here at the sanctuary each year and honored to be part of witnessing the difference she continues to make. What a beautiful legacy.

Jennifer and James, thank you so much for choosing to remember Susan by including the chimpanzees in all the lives she’s made, and continues to make, better. We so appreciate all you do to ensure such a kind and loving spirit remains in the world. Our thoughts are with you and Susan’s family and friends today and we wish you all a day of comfort, joy and love as you celebrate her life.

Beloved Missy:

Jamie above, Missy below:

Annie (left) and Missy (right):

Missy standing on bar

 

Thank you, John and Trish!

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This winter morning dawned (at least by my info) at -1 with a -11 wind chill! Dependent on where you are, it may sound horrifying or balmy. But these mornings are some of the most beautiful ones of winter here and the dry cold brings sunrises that turn the surrounding mountains and valleys pink, blue and purple. While all the humans are bundled to the extreme, when greeting the chimps this morning they were all bouncing through their comfy chimp house, safe, warm and excitedly awaiting breakfast service. Negra was sitting in her nest surrounded by several members of her chimp family who were grooming her, each of them wrapped in the morning sun just coming up over the hills and streaming in the windows.

This comforting day of sanctuary was sponsored for the chimps by John Loesch who shared: “My wife, Trish loves the chimps so I am sponsoring a day too!!!” (Trish has an upcoming day of sanctuary this Friday in honor of Burrito’s birthday!).

John, thank you so much for your generous gift and to both you and Trish for loving the chimpanzees! Your compassion makes a safe home filled with love, dignity, comfort and family the every day reality for the chimps. A reality they probably never had the chance to even imagine before arriving to the sanctuary. And we thank you and all who ensure the chimps’ lives are now filled with hope and bright, new horizons every day.

Negra in front of window

And yes, you heard correctly, ANOTHER party is in the works for this Friday! But of course! It’s Burrito’s birthday!