web_party_food_GH_ek_IMG_3250

A Big, Joyful Day

June 13, 2016 by Elizabeth -

Share with your friends!

We have a lot to celebrate today! Negra is turning 43, and it has been eight years to the day since the Cle Elum Seven stepped off the transport trailer and into their new home at the sanctuary. (If you haven’t already, check out Diana’s thoughts in this morning’s blog post here.) I think these photos from today’s celebration paint a pretty good picture.

web_party_food_GH_ek_IMG_3250

web_party_food_GH_ek_IMG_3251

web_party_food_GH_ek_IMG_3249

web_party_plates_food_GH_ek_IMG_3256

web_party_set-up_GH_ek_IMG_3257

Burrito:

web_Burrito_treat_box_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_ek_IMG_3262

web_Burrito_treat_box_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_ek_IMG_3259

Missy:

web_Missy_pinata_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_ek_IMG_3299

web_Missy_hold_treat_boxes_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3600

Foxie:

web_Foxie_drink_martini_smoothie_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3529

web_Foxie_hold_chow_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3594

Jody:

web_Jody_treat_box_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3534

web_Jody_eat_rose_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3577

web_Jody_eat_rose_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3578

Annie:

web_Annie_handful_of_chow_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_ek_IMG_3294

web_Annie_drink_martini_smoothie_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3525

Jamie:

web_Jamie_pinata_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3620

web_Jamie_hold_rainbow_plate_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_ek_IMG_3287

Jamie had an especially good day. At this year’s Hoot! gala, we auctioned off two pairs of fabulous white cowboy boots, procured and donated by auctioneer and friend of the sanctuary Laura Michalek. Maryam Salt, the winning bidder, is now the proud owner of one of the pairs, while the other is for Jamie, our resident boot enthusiast. Jamie was beyond thrilled when we presented her with this gift today. Thanks so much to Laura and Maryam!

web_Jamie_new_white_boots_Laura_Michalek_PR_dg_IMG_3685

web_Jamie_nest_with_new_white_boots_PR_ek_IMG_3687

As for the birthday girl, she has had a pretty perfect day. She partied hard:

web_Negra_drink_smoothie_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3605

web_Negra_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_kh_IMG_3657

Then rested up afterwards:

web_Negra_lie_on_blanket_rest_after_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_ek_IMG_3679

web_Negra_lie_on_blanket_nest_look_at_camera_rest_after_party_anniversary_birthday_GH_ek_IMG_3680

And later explored her wilderness:

web_Negra_green_grass_anniversary_birthday_YH_jb_IMG_3365

web_Negra_green_grass_anniversary_birthday_YH_ek_IMG_3323

12 Comments

  1. Avatar Coleen on June 13, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    Happy birthday my Queen.



  2. Avatar Meg on June 13, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    You all are so clever, I wish my birthday party looked like Negra’s!



  3. Avatar Kathleen on June 13, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    What a wonderful celebration!!! Your “catering” decorations are gorgeous and everything looks so fresh and yummy. I just love your parties and giggle at the photos as I scroll through them, especially the photos of the gang swilling fruity smoothies from their cocktail glasses. Kills me every time! Jamie and those white boots — WOWIE WOW! (She looks very proud to be posing with them too.) I am so thrilled to see Negra looking so happy on her special day — I hope all her wishes come true!

    Happy 8 Years of Sanctuary to Annie, Missy, Burrito, Jody, Jamie, Foxie, and Queen-Birthday-Girl Negra!



  4. Avatar Rosemary on June 13, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET NEGRA!

    Looks like you had & enjoyed a great party! ??????????



  5. Avatar Tammy on June 13, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    What a gala ! Those decorations simply smashing it looks like the party was a smash many more to come



  6. Avatar Arlene and Michael on June 13, 2016 at 8:13 pm

    What a celebration! Beautiful party. Love the pictures of the chimps enjoying themselves. There certainly is a lot to celebrate. Happy Birthday sweet dear Negra and may all of the chimps continue to thrive and enjoy their freedom and choices there. Thanks to all of you for making this possible. Bless you all.



  7. Avatar Elaine Reininger on June 14, 2016 at 6:36 am

    How colorful…wonder if they see things in color as we do. They are clearly enjoying themselves even if it is in black and white. Great JOB, Caretakers. You never cease to amaze me.



    • Avatar Elizabeth on June 14, 2016 at 11:04 am

      Thanks, Elaine! And yes, chimpanzees see the same colors we do. 🙂



  8. Avatar Sue Polen on June 14, 2016 at 8:13 am

    What a wonderful joyous party! This one actually made me cry, to see such happiness on all their faces. You guys do such an amazing job of making the chimps life SO special and fun! I’m visiting in a few weeks and can hardly wait!



    • Avatar Elizabeth on June 14, 2016 at 11:05 am

      Looking forward to meeting you, Sue!



  9. Avatar Barbara Thompson on June 14, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Happy Birthday sweet beautiful Negra. I agree with Ms. Polen, this makes me cry, these beautiful creatures are so happy now. Every time I go to this site, I know I’m going to tear up with happiness for them. I tell everyone about this sanctuary, and hope they pass this along to others. Again, Ms. Negra, a very special happy birthday to you. Love you all.



  10. Avatar Francoise on June 14, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    The colors! The sunshine! The chimps enjoying the tastes, textures and smells, the breeze coming into the greenhouse. Surely it is a joy for them. What an incredible gift all of you at CSNW have given them. I cannot wait to see what you can do for more chimps, with everyone’s help of course!

    Negra, many big warm virtual hugs and kisses!! May you live long and content and happy, surrounded by your favorite foods and lots of blankets.

    And you other troublemakers! May you all enjoy many many many more days and years of tasty and healthy food, toys and distractions to keep you engaged, challenged and amused, and a growing group of fans that celebrate your well deserved “freedom”! You have changed my life, and for that I am profoundly grateful.



Subscribe to the Blog and
Get Notified of New Posts First!

If you like what see, be sure to subscribe. Personally written by the caregivers themselves, 365 days a year, you’ll get an insiders glimpse of all the goings on at the sanctuary. Follow us!