Whenever we add a new feature to the chimpanzees’ home, we have to make sure it’s chimp-safe and chimp-proof. Jamie and Foxie can both be relied upon to give any new structures a thorough once-over; Jamie because she wants to try to take them apart, Foxie because she wants to make sure they’re safe.
Animal Welfare
It’s Love a Chimpanzee Day!
It’s that time of year again! The official-unofficial holiday, “Love a Chimpanzee Day”! Long-time supporter and friend of the sanctuary, Monica Best, crowned April 23rd as Love a Chimpanzee Day nine years ago and she continues to sponsor this wonderful day each year in honor of: “My seven favorite chimps and all the wonderful staff, volunteers and donors who help care for them so they can have: Hope. Love. Home….SANCTUARY.” Monica shared this note about the celebration:
“LOVE A CHIMPANZEE DAY. A day to honor all chimpanzees, in sanctuaries, zoos, the wild and especially those waiting in labs to come home to find sanctuary. We will never forget you and we will never leave you behind. We won’t quit till every chimp; from research labs, the entertainment industry, backyard zoos and anywhere else they are mistreated and forbidden to live a life free of fear and pain, have found SANCTUARY.”
Monica, thank you for living life from your generous and compassionate heart. You play a big role in helping to ensure these chimps, and so many of our fellow animals, have the kind of lives they deserve and we’re so grateful for you being in the world. And thank you for making up this wonderful holiday! We can never have too much to celebrate when it comes to these seven amazing individuals!
In perfect timing, we get to share what’s been happening on the hill with you all today! The AMAZING new structure for the chimps built by staff and incredible volunteers was finished yesterday afternoon! We can’t wait to show you more and today’s celebration for a breakfast forage on the new structure is underway!
The finishing touches:
The first inspection!
Happy Birthday, Sandra!
Alex Purins sponsored today’s day of sanctuary for Sandra to wish her a happy birthday.
Life is Good
It’s probably safe to say that there is nothing better on this planet than spring at the sanctuary. The doors are thrown open and a warm breeze blows through the chimp house. The chimps alternate between napping in sunspots and frolicking in the bright green grass outside on Young’s Hill. Everyone’s feeling light and free.
Spring has put an extra bounce in Burrito’s step today. Each time a caregiver passes by, he stomps his foot playfully and passes them this sock for a game of tug of war. Life is good.
Today is for Janet Holmes, chickens and their humans!
Janet Holmes sponsored this day of sanctuary and shared this message about her gift!
“For my birthday, and to honor rescued chickens and their people. “I have always loved animals, but for many years I was afraid to get involved with animal rescue because I couldn’t imagine how I would deal with the heartbreak. A few years ago, I decided that animals needed me more than I needed to be comfortable, and I began volunteering for animal rescue groups as a photographer and caregiver. Through this volunteer work I have met many extraordinary individuals (human and non-human) who have taught me about resilience, forgiveness, hard work and love. In particular, in the past year I’ve been working on a special project that involves making portraits of vegan women who rescue and care for chickens. I love those moments when I’m able to make a portrait that allows the extraordinary personalities of these birds and their humans to shine through. You can see some of these portraits here: http://www.blurb.com/b/8541787-why-would-anyone-rescue-a-chicken For the same reasons, I love to (virtually) visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest to see the photographs, videos and stories about the chimpanzees and the people who help them enjoy a safe, loving and enriched environment. And so for my birthday this year, I decided to bring these two communities together through a donation that supports the Sanctuary and honors rescued chickens and the people who care for them. You can read more about this project here: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/chicken-photo-book-janet-holmes. Thank you to everyone who helps Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest provide the best life possible for the chimpanzees!”
Thank you so much, Janet, for choosing to celebrate your own special day in such a compassionate way. Thanks for all your efforts to make the world a place where everyone is honored for their place in it. Happiest of birthdays to you!
Here’s to everyone having a place to roost and call home, surrounded by love for exactly who you are:
In memory of Doris Sims
Our second special Sponsor a Day of the day comes from long-time volunteer, Patti Sims, in memory of her mother, Doris. Patti shared this message about today:
“I’d like to sponsor April 18th in honor of my mom, Doris Sims, who would have been 89 years old today! She took great interest in my volunteering with the chimps, and always asked how they were doing every time we spoke on the phone. She may not have completely understood my attraction to these seven hairy individuals, but she supported my involvement wholeheartedly. When I’d go back to Iowa to see her, I’d pull up the blog and we’d watch videos of their day. I think, like me, she shared a kindred spirit with Negra. I wish they could have met.”
Patti, thank you so much for always holding the chimps, and all animals, in your heart and for your passion and commitment to making their days better in every way possible. We’re happy to celebrate your mom’s memory with you today. Our hearts are with you and hope it’s a time filled with comfort, love, and reveling in the Neggie spirit.
Happy day to Sharon and Matt!
We have two special sponsorships for this day of sanctuary which begins with Sharon Langone, who sponsored today with so much to celebrate! Sharon shared this message:
“I’d like to sponsor this day to celebrate both my husband Matt’s birthday and our ten year wedding anniversary! We love to read the blog and see what is going on at the sanctuary each day! We’re also looking forward to visiting the sanctuary in the summer and seeing more of the great work you all do!”
Sharon, how wonderful of you to include the chimpanzees in your day of celebration, love and family! Congratulations to you and Matt on your anniversary! And Matt, we hope this is the best birthday yet! Many thanks to you both for bringing that celebration and love to the chimps’ family and we’re looking forward to your visit this summer!
Love comes in many forms here at the sanctuary. Thank you for helping to ensure there’s a never ending stream coming into the chimps’ lives. All of us here wish you the happiest of days!
An oldie, but goodie of Foxie:
Jamie:
Missy:
