Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Animal Welfare

Today is for Meg Lunnum!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Lisa Nowak! Lisa chose to sponsor today for the chimpanzees in a unique way. Yesterday’s Sponsor-a-Day from Meg Lunnum inspired Lisa to do the same and she sends this wonderful message about today:

“I don’t know Meg Lunnum but her sponsorship in honor of the bloggers inspired me to sponsor in her honor. That was such a brilliant idea Meg! I love this blog and am grateful for it everyday. It brings joy and happiness to me every time I read it. Meg your recognition of the bloggers deserves recognition. Thank you to Meg and all the bloggers.”

Lisa, what an incredible thing to do! Thank you for honoring Meg, she is a special person! And we are so happy knowing how much you enjoy the blog and following the chimps. Thank you for also honoring them today through your generous gift and making a difference in their lives.

I think all of us here at the sanctuary are in an incredibly fortunate position to not only care for these seven amazing chimpanzees, but to see the kindness, compassion and love that they inspire in so many humans. That ripple effect surrounds the sanctuary and is such a special thing to witness and be a part of.

An oldie, but favorite of Negra (l) and Jody (r):

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Thank you, Meg!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by long-time friend and supporter of the sanctuary, Meg Lunnum, in honor of the bloggers here at the sanctuary! We are often asked who writes the daily blog posts and the wonderful thing is that we all do. Each of the staff are scheduled to serve as Lead Caregiver in the chimp house on different days and whoever is lead for the day is the one who writes the blog that day.

Meg is such an incredible advocate not only for the chimpanzees, but for bats as well! Through the non-profit Bats Northwest Meg works to protect our Pacific Northwest bat population and helps educate people about these special mammals and the important role they play in our environment and lives. In sponsoring today, Meg shared this lovely message:

“I’ve been thinking about dedicating a day to the fearless copy writers who write the daily blog. After Wednesday’s “Her Royal-Neggie-ness”, I could wait no longer. Much appreciation to those ink slingers, quill drivers, scribes, scriveners, correspondents, journalists, storytellers, poets, and dramatists extraordinaire who bring to life Negra, Annie, Foxie, Burrito, Missy, Jody and Jamie. You make those of us who read the blog feel a part of the energy and vitality of the chimp sanctuary. Thank you.”

Meg, this was such a kind and generous thing to do, thank you! We are so grateful to you for the immense difference you make in the chimpanzees’ lives and are so happy to have you as part of our chimp family.

It’s our goal with the blog not only to offer information and education, but to help all of you feel connected to the chimpanzees and get to know them as the unique and amazing individuals they are. We are honored to be able to share their lives and daily adventures and it’s our sincere hope that you feel a part of their lives. Whether you are just discovering the blog or have been a dedicated follower, thank you so much for taking the time to read/like/share our daily thoughts/ramblings/photos because every single post is inspired by the heart of the sanctuary, the chimpanzees themselves. We couldn’t be more grateful to you for caring about the chimps and for not only making this life possible for them, but building hope for all those still awaiting their sanctuary and all those living their natural wild lives who deserve to do so in peace and protection.

Meg’s pal, Negra:

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In memory of Ron and Betty

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Ron and Betty Kreuscher on their anniversary by their daughter, Ronalyn Huenergard, on behalf of Ron and Betty’s great-grandchildren, “Aaron, Meghan, Jacob, Cody, Austin, Morgan, Kennedy, Lucas, Addison, Nolan, Weston, Calvin, and also Calvin’s brother, Charlie, who was born in 2014, but is now only in our hearts.”

Ronalyn, many thanks to you for all you do for the chimpanzees, and to your family for honoring Ron and Betty in such a generous and compassionate way. We hope in celebrating Ron and Betty today you are all able to enjoy the love and comfort of family that you help make possible for the chimpanzees.

Burrito and Jody:

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Happy Birthday, Jeane!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Jeane Williamson! Jeane is a good friend to the chimpanzees and she also works passionately to rescue hundreds of dogs, helping them to find their forever homes. Today also happens to be Jeane’s birthday and she has generously chosen to celebrate by giving the chimps’ a special day. Jeane shared this message about today:

“We are to be the stewards of the animals here on earth and we have failed miserably by using wild animals for research, entertainment, and a myriad of equally onerous objectives. My heart goes out to the elephants and tigers in the circus, the chimps and dogs and rabbits used for research and all the other animals that are used and abused by us humans. I am SO THANKFUL that you guys stepped up, saw this horrific situation and ACTED on it. What a huge undertaking of heart and faith on your part. It does my heart good to see them free, running and playing, enjoying life for the first time. I thank you for stepping up to help them and I pray that others will be as fortunate who are caught in the same horrific situation, or one similar. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This donation is a birthday gift to myself. Thank you for making it possible!”

Jeane, thank you so much for choosing to celebrate your own special day by making a difference for the chimpanzees! And thank you so much for all that you do for the animals we share our lives with and for helping so many dogs find the homes and lives they deserve. Happy Birthday from all of us here at CSNW!

Burrito:

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In memory of Carlene

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Carlene Olson-Garza by her husband, Tony, and their family who send this special message:

“Today would of have been Carlene’s 58th birthday. She was an advocate for the great work CSNW is doing and an avid follower of the blog. We, her family, mark this day in memory of her by our continued support of the seven.”

As you may recall, as a result of our wonderfully successful Share the Chimp Love fundraiser in February we were able to build the chimpanzees a new climbing structure on Young’s Hill. As part of the campaign two generous families, one of which was the Garza family, won naming rights to the two towers. The tower with the roof was named Carlene’s Tower and the open-air tower was named Jamie’s Lookout by Joan and Pat Borders. And let me tell you the chimps have been loving this structure!!

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We here at the sanctuary, are honored by Carlene’s presence every day. When we walk around Young’s Hill with Jamie, we pass Carlene’s memorial stone along our new Memorial Walkway. Just in the distance of the walkway, is Carlene’s Tower. The chimpanzees sometimes take a detour during walks around the perimeter to climb up one of the towers and often sit quietly to take in the view before crossing over and down the other side to resume the walk. The only person we haven’t seen climb this amazing structure (yet!) is Negra. But she has ventured up to check things out and enjoy the abundance of wild mustard that grows below it in the spring.

To Carlene’s family, our hearts go out to you as you navigate your lives without this special woman whom you all clearly love so much. We are continually touched and inspired by all that you do to ensure her love of the chimpanzees continues. As we all celebrate Carlene’s life today, please know that not only you, but Carlene as well, make a difference in their lives every day. And we are so fortunate to have you all as part of our sanctuary family.

Missy taking in the view from Carlene’s Tower:

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Annie:

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Burrito:

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Boss lady, Jamie:

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Foxie, taking in the view from Jamie’s Lookout on the opposite side:

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Jamie:

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Happy Birthday, John!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was also sponsored by Juliana Olmstead, along with family and friends, in celebration of her boyfriend, John Barbagallo, on his birthday! Juliana organized a fundraiser for John through Crowd Rise in which all proceeds will be donated to the chimpanzees! Juliana shared this message about today:

“John Barbagallo’s friends and family are sponsoring this day in honor of his 40th birthday. John has been passionate about animal rescue for many years, and his birthday wish was to make a contribution to this amazing sanctuary.”

Juliana, and John’s friends and family, thank you so much! This is such a fantastic idea and we are so touched that you all would come together to do something so special for John and the chimpanzees.

John, thank you so much for your compassion and dedication to the amazing animal beings we share the earth with. We so appreciate you sharing your own special day with the chimpanzees and all of you making a difference in their lives. All of the primates here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest wish you a happy birthday full of pant-hoots and food grunts. Just channel your inner Burrito if you need help with the latter:

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