Happy LOVE Day everyone!
chimpanzee sanctuary
Today is for Arlene
Michael sponsored this special, lovely day of sanctuary in honor of his wife, Arlene, to wish her Happy Valentine’s Day!
Michael and Arlene, thank you so much for always holding the chimpanzees in your hearts and for celebrating, and contributing to, the myriad of ways love is present in each of their lives. We’re so very fortunate to have you as part of our chimp family. Have a beautiful day!
Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:
Jody and Missy:
Jamie:
Annie and Missy:
Burrito and Negra:
Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:
Burrito smooches:
Mischief
Today we got a break from Snowpocalypse 2019 with some lovely blue sky and sunshine at the sanctuary. When it starts to warm up around here, the snow comes cascading off the roof of the building in big sheets to keep us busy digging out our sidewalks. We are on just the edge of this weather, with the snow just starting to creep over the eaves in a menacing fashion. The main part of the building gets an amazing build up of delicious icicles:
The chimps have been playful since early this morning, running around and engaging their caregivers and each other in games of chase. It’s always a delight to start your day with everyone around you in a cheerful mood.
This morning I opened the door to Young’s Hill. As I walked down the greenhouse steps that lead back toward the main chimp house building, Burrito playfully kicked the plastic covered caging next to me. He likes to start games of chase this way. Having the element of surprise (the plastic makes it hard see him coming) must be pretty satisfying.
As an added bonus to this morning’s game, I also got covered in a waterfall of fresh powdery snow. The force of Burrito’s strong kick managed to knock a stream of (fortunately) soft snow loose off the greenhouse roof. The snow shower may have been an unintended consequence of his game, but either way, well played Mr. B!
It’s still snowing
February appears to be making up for lost winter time. Our relatively mild season so far has suddenly found us in the midst of weeks of below freezing days and nights and inches upon inches of snow. The chimpanzees still have access to their outdoor habitat during the day if they choose to, but they all seemed more than content to stay within the warmth of the chimp house playroom and front rooms. That doesn’t mean they have been busy all day though and really, they like to do most of the same things we humans do on snow days. Eating, having a little fun with snow, staying cozy and taking naps, hanging out with friends, drinking warm tea, creative projects, playing, reading…
Jody enjoyed several blankets warm from the dryer to take an after breakfast snooze while we cleaned the playroom:
We continued the snow snack sculptures which the chimps visited throughout the day.
Jody:
And in between all of her folio projects, Jamie took some time to enjoy her current favorite read, “Dwell” magazine:
In memory of Susan
This day of sanctuary is sponsored annually by Jen and James Douglas in memory of their beloved friend, Susan von Beck Turner, and the legacy of compassion, care and strength she gave those who knew her. “Susan touched the lives of many dogs and humans and made them better.” Learn more about Susan’s life here.
Jen and James, thank you so much for not only holding space for Susan’s memory, but for the love and inspiration she brought to the world. We so appreciate your including the chimpanzees in the beautiful ripple effect of Susan’s life.
Jody:
Happy Birthday, Sherry!
A lovely friend of the sanctuary, Sherry Berman, sponsored today with this special message:
“I finished the book, “The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary” and stumbled upon CSNW. I had 3 surgeries and was house bound for 1.5 years. Seeing the fab 7 daily was one of the highlights of my long days. It has been years now and I do not miss a day of following the 7, especially my lovie, Mr. B. So happy to be able to support the chimps and the humans that take care of them. So, I want to share my birthday with Annie, Missy, Foxie, Negra, Jody, Jamie and Burrito. Love to the chimps and the humans who care for them.”
Happy Birthday, Sherry! Thank you so much for sharing your joy with the chimpanzees, and us all! A beautiful full circle. All of us here are wishing you the most wonderful day of with all that you most love (in which case, Burrito probably hopes there is a lot of food involved). 🙂
Burrito:
Happy Birthday, Meg!
A day of sanctuary was sponsored by the chimps (and humans!) good friend, Meg Lunnum! Meg shared this message about her gift:
“It is my birthday again! I want to say I am SO EXCITED about contemplating new chimpanzees coming to the sanctuary. That is where I dedicate my birthday. More Chimps!!!!!! And cows, and monkeys and whatever else needs rescuing.”
Meg, thank you so much for all you do for the chimpanzees, for all you contribute to their lives and their home, and their future family! We hope you have the best birthday yet! Happiest of days to you from all of us here!
Annie, Missy and Foxie
Burrito and Negra:
Jamie:
Jody (Burrito, background):
