Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Sponsor-a-day

Today is for Negra

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Kim Williams sponsored a special day of sanctuary for the Queen herself, Negra. Kim sent this sweet message about her gift:

“I wish to dedicate this sponsorship to the beautiful Negra. She’s such a gorgeous old soul.”

Kim, thank you so much for honoring Negra! We have been marveling daily over the fact that even after ten years in sanctuary, Negra seems to be showing us new sides of herself almost daily this summer.  A little extra adventurous, more playful with her chimp and human friends alike, a little more silly, a little less serious…as most of us tend to be with summertime. It is indeed the summer of Neggie. And we couldn’t be more thrilled.

In honor of Robert Ruggeri

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Today was sponsored by the chimpanzees’ good friend, Rachel Ruggeri, in memory of her father, Robert Ruggeri. Rachel shared this special message about today:

“This day is in honor of my father, Robert Ruggeri, who passed away five years ago on this date. While he is no longer with us, his memory and legacy continue to burn bright in the lives of his family, friends, and the of course the gang of seven who show us each and every day the pleasure of living each day to its fullest. May we all seize the day ahead!” 

Rachel, thank you so much for the incredible support you show the chimpanzees, for always holding them in your heart, and for the lasting and profound difference you help make in their lives. We so touched to share in honoring your father and his legacy and appreciate you including the chimps. They are indeed shining examples of embracing each day with arms and hearts wide open. We are all sending you all the good thoughts for memories filled with love, comfort and joy as you you celebrate your father today.

Missy is the epitomy of how to live one’s life with gusto and gumption:

In memory of Kevin Clark

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Shelley Winfrey sponsors this day each year in memory of her brother, Kevin Clark with these sentiments: “For my brother, who passed away…he would have loved the chimps.”

Shelley and her mother, Patty, are such good friends to the chimpanzees and we’re so thrilled to have them as part of our chimp family. We’re touched to be able to celebrate Kevin’s memory with them today.

Thank you, Shelley, for always holding the chimps in your heart and for all you do for them. We are all thinking of you and your family today and sending all good thoughts for comfort, peace and joyful memories.

Burrito:

Today is for Caroline Burke-Damaschke and World Chimpanzee Day!

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Mark Burke-Damaschke sponsored today for the chimps in honor of Caroline Burke-Damaschke to coincide with the first ever World Chimpanzee Day!  Mark shared that he wanted to sponsor this special day “For a worthy cause in allowing chimps to live out their lives in security and happiness and Caroline and her tireless dedication to animal well-being for World Chimp Day.”

And if you haven’t heard yet, the Jane Goodall Institute came together with many partners to include other non-profits (including Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest), organizations and individuals to create the first ever World Chimpanzee Day celebration to be held on July 14th. July 14th, 1960 is the date Dr. Jane Goodall first stepped foot into Gombe Stream National Park to study wild chimpanzees. World Chimpanzee Day is a celebration of the very special individuals chimpanzees are and the opportunity to raise worldwide awareness of the need to protect, care for, and conserve chimpanzees both in the wild and in captivity.

Mark, thank you for sponsoring this exciting new day of celebration in honor of Caroline and all she does to help our fellow animals! We truly appreciate you including the chimpanzees in your gift and making a difference in their lives.

Caroline, thank you for your heart and dedication to improving the well-being of animals and for all you do to make their lives better!

Jody and Foxie:

Annie and Missy:

Burrito and Negra:

and boss lady, Jamie:

In memory of Ned and Noreen

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For many years a wonderful supporter from Ireland, Joan O’Flaherty, has been sponsoring two days of sanctuary annually for the chimpanzees in memory of her beloved parents, Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty. Ned and Noreen were great lovers of our fellow animals, the amazing world we share with them, and were passionate about how we can better care for and respect both. Today would have been their wedding anniversary.

Joan, thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to share in your memories and celebration of your parents. We are so touched to be part of remembering Ned and Noreen and the beautiful legacy you keep alive. They, and you, continue to make a lasting difference in the chimps’ lives. Lives that the chimps continue to grow, thrive and surprise us in every day and with each passing year.

Negra, more adventurous than ever:

Jody, whose safe heart now has room to all she loves and all those she looks out for:

Jamie and Foxie, patrolling their home, keeping their family safe, braver with each passing year:

In memory of Ruth Syrop

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David Beckett sponsored today for the chimpanzees in memory of Ruth Syrop.

David, thank you so much for thinking of the chimpanzees in Ruth’s memory. We’re always so touched when someone chooses to remember and honor someone special to them by making a difference in the lives of others. I can’t think of a more wonderful remembrance and legacy of one’s life. We so appreciate your gift and so do the chimps!

Jody:

Missy:

Annie:

In memory of Koko

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This special day of sanctuary was sponsored by our good friend, Meg Lunnum, in memory of Koko the gorilla, who sadly passed away on June 19th. Meg shared this lovely message about her gift in Koko’s honor:

“In memory of Hanabi-Ko, Japanese for Fireworks-Child (she was born on the Fourth of July), but she was nicknamed Koko. Koko the gorilla passed away last Tuesday. I am so sad. Koko was my first introduction to the great apes. Especially when she adopted a kitten, All Ball. Without Koko, I would never have been tuned into other apes, most certainly, chimpanzees. It is because of Koko that I am a huge fan of the Cle Elum Seven and Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. Koko was such a wonderful ambassador for the great apes. National Geographic had this on their website: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/1978/10/conversations-with-koko-the-gorilla/“

Meg, thank you so much for thinking of Koko and honoring her life here today. Koko’s passing is such sad news. We extend our deepest sympathy to all those who loved and cared for her and know her loss will be profoundly felt.

Koko. (Image credits to The Gorilla Foundation via the BBC/PBS documentary, “Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks”)

And thank you for always holding the chimpanzees in your heart, Meg. From our hearts, thank you for the difference you make in their lives and the lives of so many of our fellow animals.

Negra:

Missy:

Jody: