A Royal Party
April 30, 2011 by Diana -
I promised generous friends and family who gave through my Facebook birthday wish that I would throw a party for the chimpanzees today on my birthday. Thanks to Derek, Stephanie M., Jessica, Anika, Jen, David, Audrey, Linda, Donna, Laura, Stephanie P., Susan & Jack, Ryan, Gay & Mike, Kathy, Anna, Suzanne, Margaret & Karen and big thanks to Bruce and Deborah for helping me surpass my birthday wish goal!
We thought it would be fun to make the party a British high tea since William and Kate’s wedding was just yesterday.
We made some fancy food, put out some crazy hats, and let the chimps enjoy.
In case you’re wondering about the cake, I modified this recipe for raw birthday cake. I believe the video shows that the chimps approved. Burrito and Missy also enjoyed the cake, but they were off camera when I filmed. Debbie was serving at the barn doors to entice the chimps into the playroom so I could close off the greenhouse and volunteer Erin and I could set up the rest of the party.
The sandwiches were Erin’s creation: lettuce and English cucumbers with a layer of mashed bananas between slices of apple.
Happy High Tea, everyone!
After the party, Burrito kicked back with a macadamia nut
14 Comments
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i love that you put 30 April 2011… how british of you. 🙂
Happy Birthday Diana!!! This is so adorable, I love it! Clever, clever, clever. And I especially love Neggie’s royal tea etiquette of clapping her hands to say, “Hurry up with the tea sandwiches and cake!” She is chimp house royalty so it’s OK. 🙂
Thanks, Kate! Indeed – the queen can be as demanding as she see fits, as can Jamie, the Prime Minister.
Thank you so much for posting this great photo and they seemed to love the party. way to go.
I can’t imagine any royal teas being more joyous and appreciated. Well done–love their excitement and their manners are tops.
Fabulous. That really put a smile on my face. They were so excited for their cake. You do such creative stuff with them. Big congratulations to all involvedfor your care and hard work.
It’s obvious from the excited hoots and grunts that it was a great party. Happy Birthday, Diana! There is nothing I would love better than to spend my birthday with these special chimps.
Thanks, Theresa! I agree – it is such a privilege to be able to spend any day with the chimps, and a big honor to be able to give them a party on my birthday.
It’s such a joy knowing that these beautiful creatures have a loving home and during my recovery I look forward to seeing them on my website!
aw that was brilliant , i know which party i would rather have gone too ! hope you had the most wonderful birthday Diana xxx
I did have a terrific birthday! I was so glad to have been able to spend the day with the chimps.
I don’t know who was vocal and made the three girls turn around, but I loved it when Jamie chimed in as if she was saying, “calm down.” I agree with you Katelyn, about Negra’s clapping for more, it’s great to see her so excited. Great party all around, Happy Birthday Diana!
That was Jody in the background. I liked how they all turned around in unison, then went back to more important matters- cake!
They were so excited for their cake! So fun to watch. Well done!