Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.

Sponsor-a-day

Happy Birthday, Krissy!

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Jason Merritt sponsored a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in honor of Krissy Brasfield, one of our amazing chimp house volunteers and “neighbors” for her birthday! We couldn’t be happier to celebrate Krissy and deeply appreciate the hard work and love she bestows upon the chimpanzees to make their days better in any way she can. Example: In between winter storms when the sanctuary found itself without an ounce of snow left to meet Burrito’s snow snack needs, Krissy scooped up a huge bowlful from her neighboring, slightly higher in elevation town, and brought it to the sanctuary just for him! To tell you he was thrilled, is an understatement.

Jason, thank you so much for such a kind gift for Krissy and the chimps!

Krissy, we hope this has been your happiest birthday yet and so appreciate your full heart for the chimpanzees!

Burrito:

Thank you, Becca!

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Becca Hines, a long-time volunteer caregiver and friend of the chimpanzees. Becca and her husband, Lars Foster-Jorgensen, who has also volunteered in the chimp house, are off to the next chapter of their lives. Becca shared this message about her gift of sanctuary today:

“I would like to sponsor a day for the chimps as a “see you later” party before I move to IN. With the corona virus I can’t celebrate with them in person, so I thought this was the next best thing! It’s a bittersweet goodbye, after 8 years these chimps are truly some of my longest friends. The best times of my life have happened with these chimpanzees and I am forever grateful for the staff for creating this volunteer program and putting up with me for so long! I love these chimpanzees with all of my heart and I will miss seeing them dearly. I would also like to sponsor this day in honor of a former staff member, Elizabeth. I know she will probably hate this but she gave me my volunteer orientation in 2012 and has become one of the greatest friends I have ever known. She (and these chimps, mostly Jamie with all the walks around young’s hill) have mentally and physically turned me into the person I am today, and I am not sure I would be standing here without her. Thursday’s in the chimp house will always be my favorite memory. Thank you for all you have done for me EK.”

Becca, we’re so sorry you couldn’t be here in person for a “see you later” party and know how incredibly difficult that must be. But that’s why it’s “see you later” and not “goodbye.” Thank you for always holding the chimpanzees, and all animals, in your heart. You’ve been a wonderful friend to the chimpanzees and a dedicated subordinate human to Jamie Chimpanzee, and we can’t thank you enough for all you and Lars have done for them. All of us here wish you and Lars all the good things as you head toward your new lives. Do boss lady, Jamie, proud in your new endeavors. She’ll be watching you. We don’t know how, but she will. 😉

Happy Anniversary, Michael!

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Today was sponsored by our dear friend, Arlene, in honor of her husband, Michael, on their anniversary!

“I want to wish a Happy Anniversary to my husband Michael. In happy times and trying times like these, I am thankful for your love and support all the time. I am blessed to be staying home with you, someone whom I am truly happy to be with and who makes me feel safe. I wish those same feelings of love, hope, home and many blessings to all of you at the Sanctuary for what you do everyday, and to all of the Chimps and Bovine who are lucky to be there, and to everyone – stay safe and be well.”

Arlene, thank you so much for thinking of all the sanctuary residents on your and Michael’s special day and allowing us to celebrate with you!

Happy Anniversary to you both, from all of us here! We’re so glad you have each other and are safe and well at home in your own sanctuary.

Burrito and Negra 🙂

Today is for Lacy!

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Today’s day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees was sponsored by Shaun Mayo for Lacy Rambo!

“For the person who has such an amazing heart for the gang… and also who loves a good Jamie story now and then.”

Shaun, in addition to the difference you help make for the chimpanzees as one of our interns, we so appreciate your kind heart in choosing to celebrate Lacy with a day of sanctuary!

Lacy, all of us here hope you have the best day and thanks for loving the chimps from afar!

Jamie:

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

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This day of sanctuary was generously sponsored for the chimpanzees by Kelly Catlin Walker! Kelly is celebrating her birthday today by giving the chimps a gift!

Happy Birthday, Kelly! Thank you so much for celebrating your day by helping to ensure every day is one of sanctuary for the chimps. All of us here hope you have a beautiful day!

Jamie:

Mave:

Jody:

 

Happy Birthday, Sarah!

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Brynn Edwards sponsored a day of sanctuary and celebration in honor of Sarah Sweeney!

“Happiest of birthdays to one amazing lady! We hope you are having an amazing day!”

Brynn, thank you so much for including the chimpanzees in your celebration of Sarah! We love that they are held in so many hearts and minds.

Happy Birthday from all of us here, Sarah! I’d say have one filled with Honey B-style, but it could perhaps be a little awkward at times…but super fun nonetheless, which is really all that matters. 😉

Your Chimpanzee Pal, the one and only, Honey B (we love her so much – thank you for loving her, too) <3:

Scootin’ while drinking (juice):

Randomly deciding to tickle your friends when they least expect it:

Aerial yoga?

Strong selfie game:

A Festival for Willy B

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Willy B Chimpanzee is a heck of a guy with a unique way of doing things. Although he often chooses to remain reserved and observant, he’s been letting loose quite often during the past few weeks. This shift in behavior has led to many bouts of stomping playfully around the building, wrestling with his chimp friends, and busting out some mind-blowing slinky moves. In short, Willy has revealed the goofy side of his multifaceted personality.

Today, we celebrated Willy’s first birthday as a resident of CSNW with the support of two heartwarming Sponsor-a-Day donations (which you can read about here and here). To commemorate the special occasion, Willy and his companions were treated to a crazy lineup of enrichment activities that I started to refer to as “Willyfest“. Of course, we made sure that the lineup included all of Willy’s favorite things (including giant slinkies, plush toys, and avocados). As a firsthand witness, I can proudly say that this year’s party absolutely slapped, and I already have the date marked on my calendar for 2021.

I’m also preparing a video so that you can all see highlights from this year’s festival, but it might take a day or two to refine. To hold you over, I’ll reveal the day’s featured menu item: Chimp Taco Salad.

i Buen provecho !

This dish was designed, crafted, plated and served by Chad, one of the sanctuary’s creative and dedicated caregivers. Each serving featured a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce topped with a dollop of fresh guacamole. The guac, which was mashed on-site, consisted of buttery California avocados, diced Roma tomatoes, chopped red onion, and a squirt of zesty citrus juice from fresh limes. All of these ingredients were plated on a paper serving tray which Chad delicately topped with Zupreme biscuit crumbles (also known as around here simply as “chow”). Each chimp was treated to several of these “boats” along with a side of russet potato wedges. For dessert, the chimpanzees all received a complementary Night Bag filled with dried fruit, white popcorn, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Willy, of course, was also rewarded with a whole apple for not stealing anyone else’s food.

You’ll be able to see how the chimps reacted once I finish the video and share it on our social media channels (i.e. the blog, Facebook and YouTube). Until then, thank you all for helping to make Willy’s birthday a special one!