If there’s one universal truth we learn when we work with animals, it’s the fleeting nature of life. One moment, everything seems perfect, and the next, you’re grappling with the unexpected loss of a beloved friend. Their absence is felt for days, weeks, and even years after they’re gone. This poignant experience also teaches us to never take the small things for granted and to cherish the moments of joy that come our way.
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Moments of Comfort & Joy
From the moment that we pull up to the chimp house in the mornings, the day gets busy fast. We jump right into breakfast, then cleaning, then lunch, then chimp house chores and blogging, to dinner and closing!
In between the busy and sometimes chaotic moments, we try and interact with the chimps as much as we can (and as much as they want us to). And, like Jenna wrote in her blog titled ‘Stay Awhile’, sometimes forcing ourselves to pause and be totally present allows us to witness moments that we otherwise would have missed. Or it allows us moments with the chimps that we otherwise wouldn’t have had if we had just moved onto the next item on our to-do list.
It’s a balancing act, definitely. But these moments of pause allow us to witness moments of comfort & joy with the chimps- which, if you really get down to it, is a pretty wonderful part of sanctuary. Check out today’s blog video for just a few of these happy & comforting moments from today. 🙂
Speaking of comfort and joy (look at me go, connecting all the things!)- we want to celebrate these special moments of sanctuary with YOU! If you haven’t yet, head over to our Comfort & Joy, Quid Pro Throw Online Auction to participate in the fun. You can bid on items and experiences for yourself (or for some holiday shopping- it’s never too early) and you can *also* bid on items to give to the chimps! Imagine the bragging rights you will have if you win the Mora Blanket that’s listed for us to give to Mave and Dora themselves? Just, wow. We’re also adding new items throughout the auction, so be sure to keep an eye on things!
Also, registering for the virtual event automatically gets you access to our upcoming Comfort & Joy Virtual Gathering this Sunday, November 12th at 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET. This virtual presentation will cover past, present, and the exciting future of the sanctuary- along with staff intros and behind the scenes footage of the chimp house! It’ll be a great excuse to kick up your feet, grab a yummy drink, all your favorite blankets, and learn more about all of us here. Diana and I will be chatting live with attendees, so be sure to say hi!
Bonus Photos:
Burrito and his favorite red Frisbee from today:
Foxie, enjoying watching the neighbors out in the chute:
Lucky having a moment of comfort in her nest in the front rooms:
A Special Anniversary Message
Arlene and Michael Okun, supporters of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest for the last several years, are celebrating their anniversary today and have chosen to include sponsoring a day of sanctuary as part of their celebration.
They included this very touching message, which I think everyone should take a moment to read before you head into the rest of your day or your weekend:
We have so much to be thankful for, and as we count our blessings we include CSNW among them. Thank you for the outstanding work that you do. We would like to share our special day with the chimps. We wish them and all of you what I think we all would like: to be well, to feel safe, to feel loved, to have good company, to be happy, and to find joy in every day.
What a beautiful message, Arlene and Michael!
It is what we wish for everyone reading this too. A big happy anniversary to you both!
The Joy of Things to Come
For chimpanzees, true happiness is found most often in moments of anticipation. I love watching them play as they wait in expectation of a good meal or an exciting treat.
MISSY on the 6th Day of HOOT!
Since we are racing around getting ready for tomorrow, Missy seemed the perfect choice to acknowledge the eve of the HOOT! 2016 gala.
When Young’s Hill was first opened, we described Missy as “a spring that was coiled up for decades, just waiting to be released.” She embodies the idea that sanctuary is not just a place of comfort and safety, but also a place of opportunity. When Missy finally had the opportunity to run, she seized it and did not let go.
In rare moments of stillness, which could easily be misinterpreted as resting or recuperating, Missy is in fact plotting her next adventure. Her eyes survey the landscape for the next hill to climb or the next tightrope to walk. Thirty years in a cage is a long time…too long to ever let an opportunity go to waste.
We’re so excited about the opportunities before us this year, and we intend to move forward with every bit as much determination as Missy. Tomorrow at Hoot!, we will raise funds for the next phase of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest so that more chimpanzees can call this sanctuary home.
As chimpanzee research comes to an end, let us ensure that every chimpanzee can finally feel the joy that Missy has discovered.