chimpanzee sanctuary

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

March 2, 2019 by Katelyn

Today was sponsored by Jennifer Swift who shared this beautiful message:

“This day is my 50th birthday and I’m celebrating by honoring all of the animals that have touched my life and taught me about myself.”

Jennifer, this is so lovely! It lifts our hearts to hear of your love and compassion for the animals you’ve shared your life with and we’re so touched to know the chimpanzees are included. Thank you for making a difference in their lives in return, we so appreciate you! Happy, happiest of birthdays to you!

Just as each of the chimpanzees are, Jody is an inspiration every single day for not only what she’s endured in life, but how she thrives in spite of it. Every day, a celebration.

Celebrating the memory of Ned and Noreen

March 1, 2019 by Katelyn

Today was sponsored by Joan O’Flaherty in honor of her parents, Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty. Joan lovingly sponsors this day annually in their memory and shared this message about today:

“As always – This is my parents shared birthday, they loved animals and supported conservation and would be delighted that the chimpanzees are in a safe, comfortable and loving home.”

Joan, we’re so touched by your inclusion of the chimpanzees in the celebration of your parents’ wonderful legacy each year. It’s inspiring that you honor them in such a compassionate way. Thank you for the difference you make in the chimps’ lives.

Negra and Foxie:

The power of the fort

February 25, 2019 by Katelyn

“Where did Jamie go?” Those are four words you never really want to utter. But if you know where Jamie is, and she thinks you don’t know where she is, then the fun begins.

Jamie loves to build fort-like nests surrounding herself with all manner of things. Her kitchenette, a barrel, a shopping cart, whatever strikes her fancy. And occasionally she builds them with the pretty clear intention of having some privacy and taking a timeout from everyone. Something we can probably all relate to and of course, who doesn’t love a good fort?

After lunch the playroom was particularly quiet and while we assumed everyone was tucked away somewhere napping, I couldn’t see Jamie. Then I just caught a slight motion of blankets being spun into a nest behind this barrel:

In these instances, Jamie seems to take particular satisfaction in our seeming inability to see her. She grows very still as we call for her and occasionally slowly peeks around the corner at us when she thinks we cannot see her. We get it. So we just go along. I mean imagine living with six family members day in and day out, not to mention a variety of humans hanging around all day. Who wouldn’t need some privacy? Hence, the power of the fort.

Happy Birthday, Kim!

February 24, 2019 by Katelyn

Kim Williams sponsored this day of sanctuary and shared a sweet message about her gift:

“A belated birthday gift to my beloved chimpanzees – especially Negra! XX”

Kim, thank you so much for sharing your own special day with the chimpanzees. What a lovely thing to do. All of us here hope your day was a special as you help make the chimpanzees’ days. And months and years and lives.

Queen Neggie:

A Walk in the Snow

February 19, 2019 by Elizabeth

The chimpanzees have been making the most of the paths we made through the snow this weekend. As soon as the door to Young’s Hill was opened this morning, Foxie, Annie, Missy, and Jody set out to explore.