Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Sponsor-a-day

Today is in memory of George Hendry

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Pat Cattolico, in memory of her father, George S. Hendry. Pat is a long-time supporter and friend of the chimpanzees and shared the following message: “This day is in memory of my Dad. He loved and respected animals, and I learned that from him.” 

Pat, thank you so much for all that you do to contribute to the chimpanzees’ lives. Your support and dedication to their well-being means so much to us. What a wonderful gift of compassion your Dad shared with you and we are honored that you would share your special memories of him with the chimpanzees today.

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Today is in memory of Leonard Nimoy

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Eric Dodge in memory of Leonard Nimoy. Eric has been a long time supporter of chimpanzees and a friend to the Cle Elum 7 for many years. And today he wanted to make a difference for them while honoring the many contributions of Mr. Nimoy.

As many of you are probably aware, Leonard Nimoy, perhaps best known for his role as Spock on “Star Trek,” passed away on February 27th. As an actor, director, writer, musician and artist, Mr. Nimoy leaves a lifetime of accomplishment in the arts and humanities and used his position from a creative, progressive and inclusive standpoint, often at a time when social issues were not directly addressed.

In honoring Leonard Nimoy’s many contributions in life, Eric also aptly noted the worldwide appeal of his character, Spock, to so many of us who struggle to fit into our communities. This brings to mind the chimpanzees who, having been raised in captivity, in some cases to include human homes, often find themselves struggling with a cultural identity of their own.

While nothing replaces the natural lives the chimpanzees were meant to live with their families, we are so grateful that they can now spend their days in a sanctuary all their own, finally getting to call the shots and be loved and cared for as the unique individuals they are. Every day we see how life in sanctuary allows them to more easily integrate their conflicting natures and just be themselves. Whatever that means to each of them.

Eric, thanks so much for thinking of the chimpanzees and continuing to make a difference in their lives!

Jamie:

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Jamie looking over Young’s Hill:

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Jamie, Foxie, and Dora:

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In memory of Ned and Noreen O’Flaherty

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Joan O’Flaherty in memory of her parents’ birthdays. Ned and Noreen were both born on March 1st, though two years apart. Joan shared that Ned and Noreen greatly loved animals, the environment and conservation. For the past few years, Joan has generously sponsored this day in Ned and Noreen’s honor, as well as their anniversary, and feels they would have loved the chimpanzees.

It’s amazing to see the difference caring and compassionate people make in the world, even when they are no longer here with us. Joan, thank you so much for choosing to honor your parents by making a difference in the chimpanzees’ lives. We are always so touched and wish you much joy, comfort and love through your memories of them on this special day.

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In remembrance of Pat Trotta

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This day of sanctuary was also sponsored in remembrance of Pat Trotta by a wonderful friend of the Cle Elum Seven, Wanda Trotta, and her family:

“A day in remembrance of Pat Trotta who when we visited the “7” a couple of years ago was also taken by them.  He, like Jamie, was a leader –  in his field of optics. He leaves an enormous hole in our lives but fills our hearts with a 1/0 of love.  Enjoy being whole again, Pat and we’ll see you soon.

We love you 1/0, The Trottas”

We’re so glad that the chimps touched your lives, and honored that you chose to remember Pat in this way. In memory of Pat, here’s Jamie, as she so often does, leading her family on a walk around Young’s Hill:

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In memory of Tory Dinkins

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored in memory of Tory Dinkins by Ammie Haggard, one of our new volunteers. Ammie shared this lovely message: “I would like to honor the memory of my loving friend, Tory Dinkins. Tory was an extremely compassionate person who exhibited unconditional love and kindness to all animals.”

Ammie, thank you so much for honoring Tory’s memory and ensuring the spirit of such a compassionate life goes on by sponsoring this day for the chimpanzees. It’s wonderful to think that Tory’s life continues to make a difference in the world and we are touched you would share your special memories of a dear friend to make the chimpanzees’ lives better.

Negra:

Negra close-up

Today is in memory of Orfeo Tanzi

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Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Rita Stevenson in memory of her father, Orfeo Tanzi. Rita is a long-time supporter of chimpanzees and she shared this lovely message about today: “A year after my father passed away I saw the video of Jody munching away on a huge sunflower. It warmed my heart because my dad and I used to grow sunflowers in his huge garden. He loved chimps and all animals. He was kind to all animals. Thus, in memory of my father, I’ve been supporting Jody, Negra, Burrito, Missy, Annie, Foxie and Jamie with Nuts.com deliveries and blankets and toys care packages. Today, on my 60th birthday, I wish to honor my dear father who I miss and love dearly.”

Rita, thank you for not only honoring your father in this way and including the chimpanzees in your special memories of him, but also for sharing your own special day in order to make theirs better. We hope you have a wonderful birthday and may your day be filled with all the things you love.

Our resident Master Gardener/Forager/Harvester, Jody:

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Today is for Crystal Codina

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This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Pam Miller in honor of her friend, Crystal Codina, with the following message: “I am sponsoring this day on behalf of Crystal Codina, a friend to all animals and someone who I am proud to call my friend.”

I love this story: Pam shared that when she recently attempted to make a payment at her veterinarian’s office she learned that Crystal had called the office earlier and made a significant payment to her account to help her with expenses. Pam was so touched by Crystal’s selflessness and did not want the gift to place an undue hardship on Crystal so Pam insisted on returning the gift. But Crystal refused to allow Pam to pay her back. So Pam felt sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees in Crystal’s honor was the next best thing.

Crystal, what a truly kind thing to do for your friend and we hope you know that your compassion has made an even bigger difference than you may have imagined. Pam, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story. You and Crystal both sound like amazing friends to have.  We are touched by your thought to expand such generosity and “pay it forward” to the chimpanzees.

Always looking out for one another, best friends, Annie and Missy:

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Missy and Annie on the hill

Missy chase Annie