Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
Today was sponsored by one of our wonderful supporters in Canada, Jenna Miles! It thrills and amazes me that these very special beings have gone from spending decades suffering in biomedical research, unknown to most, to living in sanctuary and being loved and cared for by so many people around the world. Thank you so much for thinking of the chimpanzees, Jenna! Negra (left) and Jody (right) send pant hoots, along with everyone else.
Today was sponsored by Kerrie Wooten, in memory of her friend, Lassen Pig. Kerrie shared a very touching story about Lassen:
“I first met Lassen Pig on July 1, 2004 when I interned at Farm Sanctuary in Orland, CA. He was a young, happy, sometimes cranky, spoiled pig and I grew to love and appreciate his personality. In 2006 I began working at the sanctuary and I was thrilled to be helping to take care of Lassen every day. Last year, on October 4, 2012 (the day after my birthday) we said goodbye to Lassen – he was a little old man, but I still saw the young, spry pig I’d first met years before. My wish is to honor the memory of my dear friend by helping the chimps, who deserve to have a joyous, fulfilling, carefree life the way Lassen did.”
Kerrie, this is such a sweet and generous gift! Thank you so much for helping to give Lassen, and the chimps, wonderful lives.
Cle Elum is in the middle of a heatwave, and the high temperatures are sapping everyone’s energy (we couldn’t even convince Jamie to walk around Young’s Hill with us, and that’s usually a many-times-a-day activity). I think Burrito speaks for all of us in these photos taken in the greenhouse this afternoon.
Today was sponsored by Margaret Lunnum in honor of her mother, Ellen’s, birthday. Margaret shared the following sentiments for her mother: “I would like to thank my mom, Ellen, who turns 90 today for putting up with me for 66 years. She has been my best listener and advice giver. She counts my four legged and two winged critters as her grandchildren. She also appreciates my interest in and love for the Cle Elum Seven.” Margaret and Ellen, thank you so much for sharing such a special day with the chimpanzees! Have a wonderful day, Ellen!
Foxie is usually never without a troll doll or Dora the Explorer doll. But there’s been some occasions where she differs from the usual and pick dolls or enrichment that are entirely different, and sometimes—shockingly—she’s been seen walking around Young’s Hill without any doll along for the ride. As endearing as Foxie’s doll love is, I think it’s really good to see her varying a bit in her choices for enrichment.
Sometimes she picks a troll AND a Dora:
Sometimes it’s something totally different (in this case, a “My Little Pony” pink horse head)
Sometimes we can’t be for sure if she’s carrying one or not… but she sure looks good with that beautiful forest background!
And sometimes she’s interested in enjoying the sunshine with her chimpanzee friends and leaves the dolls to wait for her inside:
It often seems as if Missy vibrates with kinetic energy. Whether exploring Young’s Hill or playing with her friends, Missy’s athleticism is certainly nothing to scoff at; I have seen some amazing acrobatic feats! Every good athlete knows, though, that there is a time for action and a time for rest. Although you might not believe it, Missy is just as good as resting she is at running. Really, Missy is just one of those individuals who is good at whatever she puts her mind to!
When I watch Missy in motion and at rest I am reminded of one of my favorite translations of the word “aloha” which is “I see the spirit in your earthly form.” I am in awe of Missy’s spirit and am so glad she has a place where it can shine.
I love Jody’s eyes. And in this picture, Negra’s eyes peeking over to Elizabeth as she’s taking the photo really bring a smile to my face!
