Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Jamie

Happy Birthday, Amy!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Julia Simpson in honor of her mom, Amy Simpson, on her 85th birthday! Amy, Julia wishes you “the happiest birthday!”

Julia, you do so much to make a difference in the lives of the chimpanzees and we are touched that you would include them as you honor your mom today. Thank you for thinking of them in this way!

And Amy, thank you for sharing your celebration with the chimps! We hope you have a beautiful day full of love, comfort and all that brings you joy. Happy Birthday from all of us here at CSNW!

Jamie and her good friend, Foxie, are good at finding the joy in life:

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Between Storms

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Today at the sanctuary we received several genuine downpours of rain. Not just sprinkles or mist, but actual, much needed rainfall! The chimpanzees spent the rainy part of the day inside, either sleeping in their warm nests in the playroom, or hanging out in the cooler, covered greenhouse.

In a particular break in the weather, Jamie and I went for a walk around Young’s Hill.
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And Missy ate a snack at the top of the hill.
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Annie got a drink of fresh rainwater that had collected on a platform.
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And then we all returned inside to watch the next rain cloud roll in.
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It takes a village…

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The Cle Elum Seven are lucky to have an army of humans at their disposal who all contribute directly to their well-being. Chimp house volunteers make sure the chimps always have good, healthy food, interesting enrichment, plenty of blankets, and a clean and safe place to live.

A few dedicated volunteers are chosen to continue on to the highest available level of training, and become direct caregivers to the chimpanzees. These are the volunteers who develop personal relationships with the chimps, serve their meals, play and groom with them, and get to know each individual intimately to ensure everyone’s needs are being met.

These volunteer caregivers become such a regular and seamless part of the chimps’ lives that it’s hard for everyone to say goodbye when the time comes. Volunteer Connie has been a constant presence in the chimp house for over six years, but this is her last week as a caregiver to the Cle Elum Seven since she is moving on to new adventures in another state. We haven’t yet figured out a legally sound way to require lifetime service from our volunteers, so we are forced to let her go. 🙂

In all seriousness, we will miss Connie’s smile, energy, and enthusiasm. She has been a wonderful friend to the chimps and humans at CSNW, and will always be a part of the family.

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Thank you to Connie and to all of our volunteers for helping these chimps live as happily and freely as possible.

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In memory of Carlene

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Carlene Olson-Garza by her husband, Tony, and their family who send this special message:

“Today would of have been Carlene’s 58th birthday. She was an advocate for the great work CSNW is doing and an avid follower of the blog. We, her family, mark this day in memory of her by our continued support of the seven.”

As you may recall, as a result of our wonderfully successful Share the Chimp Love fundraiser in February we were able to build the chimpanzees a new climbing structure on Young’s Hill. As part of the campaign two generous families, one of which was the Garza family, won naming rights to the two towers. The tower with the roof was named Carlene’s Tower and the open-air tower was named Jamie’s Lookout by Joan and Pat Borders. And let me tell you the chimps have been loving this structure!!

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We here at the sanctuary, are honored by Carlene’s presence every day. When we walk around Young’s Hill with Jamie, we pass Carlene’s memorial stone along our new Memorial Walkway. Just in the distance of the walkway, is Carlene’s Tower. The chimpanzees sometimes take a detour during walks around the perimeter to climb up one of the towers and often sit quietly to take in the view before crossing over and down the other side to resume the walk. The only person we haven’t seen climb this amazing structure (yet!) is Negra. But she has ventured up to check things out and enjoy the abundance of wild mustard that grows below it in the spring.

To Carlene’s family, our hearts go out to you as you navigate your lives without this special woman whom you all clearly love so much. We are continually touched and inspired by all that you do to ensure her love of the chimpanzees continues. As we all celebrate Carlene’s life today, please know that not only you, but Carlene as well, make a difference in their lives every day. And we are so fortunate to have you all as part of our sanctuary family.

Missy taking in the view from Carlene’s Tower:

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Annie:

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Burrito:

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Boss lady, Jamie:

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Foxie, taking in the view from Jamie’s Lookout on the opposite side:

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Jamie:

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Happy Birthday, Keri!

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Pat and Dave Heniff in honor of their daughter, Keri, on her birthday! Yep, this is “our” Keri, caregiver and enrichment coordinator extraordinaire here at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest! Keri’s parents shared this message about today:

“It makes us happy to know Keri is working doing something she loves. We are happy to be able to sponsor a day for the chimps honoring her on this special day. Happy Birthday Keri.”

Pat and Dave, thank you so much for including the chimpanzees as you celebrate your amazing daughter on her special day. It’s so lovely of you to honor her passion while making a difference in the lives of the chimps she holds dear. The humans and the chimpanzees couldn’t ask for a better friend and colleague.

Keri, your compassion, dedication and kindest of hearts are clear in all that you do and I think you must be a blessing to everyone you meet. We are so grateful to have you as part of our family, too. Happy, happiest of days and celebrations to you!

Keri and Jamie:

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Our boss, Jamie, sends birthday pant hoots to you and expects you to wear cowgirl boots all the live long day. What kind of celebration would it be otherwise?:

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To Annie on Her 41st Birthday

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Dear Annie,

You haven’t always had it easy. Your first thirty years on Earth were full of fear, pain, and boredom. A lab cage is no place for anyone. Even now in your sanctuary home, you have your struggles. Being the lowest in the hierarchy isn’t easy.

But we have watched your anxiety diminish and your confidence grow. We’ve watched you make new friends, gain the courage to stand up for yourself, and learn to appreciate your own company. We love how much you love your best friend Missy. We love that as you start your 42nd year, you are still growing. We love that you haven’t let the world harden you. You inspire us all.

Happy Birthday,
Your devoted humans

Annie:

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Jamie:

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Missy:

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Jody:

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Negra:

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Foxie:

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Burrito:

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Sanctuary Vantage Points

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One of my all time favorite views of the sanctuary is from the top of Young’s Hill. From this spot you can see the Cascade Mountains and the Yakima River. You can see extensive forests of pine trees as well as the hustle and bustle of cars and trains going by. If you are lucky, you can spot chimpanzees taking full advantage of this beautiful weather.

Chimpanzees like Missy
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And Jamie
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