Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Cle Elum 7

In memory of Mandy Newton

by

Friend of the chimps, Peggy Burke, sponsored this special day of sanctuary in memory of her granddaughter, Mandy. Peggy shared this message about her beautiful gift:

“My granddaughter, Mandy Newton would have celebrated her birthday on the 19th but she passed on due to a car accident in 2000 at the young age of 20. This year I want to remember her by honoring the Cle Elum Seven. She loved all living things and would have shared my love of the chimps.”

Peggy, thank you so much for honoring Mandy and the chimpanzees. Mandy sounds like such a lovely soul and we are so sorry for your and your family’s loss. Your gift is such a beautiful way to pay tribute to Mandy and to ensure her life continues to make a difference in the world.

It’s an amazing privilege that we get to have here with Sponsor a Days. It’s because of the chimpanzees, but also because of the incredible humans who are drawn to them. We get to share in the lives of so many people, to celebrate with them, to honor and remember the people, fellow animals, and events that hold meaning in their hearts, and sometimes, just to stand with them in difficult times, to witness their grief, their heartache. And ultimately through it all, to witness love.

Foxie and some of her loves:

Troll Scarves + Negra Update

by

Troll scarves are a uniquely CSNW phenomenon (as far as we know), and they are a strange one. They’re just what they sound like: trolls (and other dolls) tied to scarves. They’re a huge hit here at the sanctuary. Foxie likes them because they’re an economical way to transport as many dolls as possible; many of the chimps love playing tug of war with them; and Jamie likes to wear them, as you can see from this photo Diana snapped this morning.

In other news, Negra is so happy to be reunited with the group and back snoozing in her favorite spot on the playroom catwalk. Her toe is looking great and we’re sharing all your well wishes with her!

Today is in memory of Thomas Burke

by

Today one of the chimpanzees’ new friends, Peggy Burke, is remembering her husband, Thomas, and celebrating their life together by sponsoring a day of sanctuary in his memory. Peggy shared, “January 8th was my husband’s birthday and we used to spend a lot of time in the Cle Elum area. What better way to remember him than by helping the Cle Elum Seven.”

Peggy, thank you so much for contributing to the chimpanzees’ lives and home, providing them the space so heal, grow, transform and to rejoice in what life brings their way each day. Cle Elum is such a beautiful area and it’s wonderful that you have such fond memories of the time you spent here together. We are so touched that you would include the chimpanzees in your life and on such a special day. We’re honored to remember Thomas here today and are sending you all the good thoughts, hoping this day brings you comfort, joy and love as you have helped provide the chimpanzees.

Burrito and Foxie:

It’s often still surprising for people when they learn the chimpanzees are living here. We are so grateful to all our supporters and give special thanks to our local friends and neighbors who have welcomed the chimps with open arms and continue to support and protect them as members of their community. The Cle Elum City Council even awarded the chimps honorary citizens status shortly before their first anniversary here!

Jamie:

Jody, Missy, and Annie:

Annie and Missy:

Foxie and France Dora:

Burrito and Negra:

Happy Birthday, Manuela!

by

It never ceases to amaze us, the love and care that abounds for the chimpanzees from wonderful people the world over. Today Manuela Santacreu is gifting the chimpanzees with a day of sanctuary in celebration of her 50th birthday! Manuela has been celebrating her birthdays with the chimpanzees for the past few years and it means so much to us and especially the chimps. She shared this message about her gift:

“Pour mes 50 ans, le plus beau des cadeau ce sera le bien être sur le visage de Foxie et ses compagnons ! Merci pour tout ce que vous faites pour eux, et pour le plaisir que me procure la lecture de leurs aventures sur FB!” (Translated with relative accuracy we hope 🙂 ) “For my 50 years, the most beautiful gift will be the well being on the face of Foxie and her companions! Thank you for everything you do for them, and for the pleasure of reading their adventures on FB!”

Manuela, thank you so much for your generous gift! We hope you’re having a beautiful day of celebration on your very special day. We are at the beginning of another arctic blast here at the sanctuary with temperatures near and below zero at night and only reaching low teens during the day so the chimps will be celebrating along with you from the warmth of their toasty chimp house.

Foxie and her beloved France Dora, enjoying warmer days:

Thank you, Erin!

by

Erin Delsol gave the chimpanzees the gift of sponsoring a day of sanctuary for them today! Erin is a former volunteer in the chimp house and sends this message:

“I volunteered in the kitchen for a few months, and was so enamored with the chimpanzees! This work is so important.”

Erin, thank you for holding the chimps in your heart and for making their lives here possible with your support. We are looking forward to a new year full of even more possibilities; full of boundless hope, love, home and sanctuary not only for Annie, Missy, Jody, Jamie, Foxie, Burrito and Negra, but for the additional family members we hope will soon be able to call the sanctuary their home as well.

Jody is someone who I think embraces everything life has on offer for her, each day of every season:

In honor of Brian and Polly Caughey

by

Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Kevin and Diane Eilmes in honor of Brian and Polly Caughey! Kevin and Diane shared this message about today:

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Brian and Polly. We are big believers in the mission of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. We know you will enjoy the chimps as much as we have.”

Kevin and Diane, thank you so much for not only including the chimpanzees in your life, but sharing your love for them with others. Your generosity and compassion make the chimps’ lives in sanctuary possible. Your generosity and compassion also make hope, love, home and family possible and we’re so grateful to you.

Brian and Polly, we hope you enjoy getting to know the chimpanzees as the special and unique individuals they are. Thank you for being part of our amazing chimp community!

Meet our boss, Jamie: