Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Cle Elum Seven

In memory of Mandy Newton

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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

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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

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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:

Digging Out

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Our cold snap seems to be over for the time being. Today’s high of 30° is a marked improvement over the highs in the teens that we’ve been experiencing for the last several days. This combined with some welcome sunshine means that Jamie is very eager to get outside. Unfortunately, the chimps’ outdoor habitat is still covered with a thick blanket of snow (including several inches of fresh powder from last night). Jamie briefly considered shoveling herself a path out, but ultimately thought better of it.