burned troll doll

Year Five

June 17, 2016 by J.B. -

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In celebration of CSNW’s 8th Anniversary, we are taking a trip down memory lane. Today we look back on the chimpanzees’ fifth year at the sanctuary.

Year Five was exciting, to say the least.

burned troll doll

On August 13th, 2012, a wildfire erupted less than a mile from the sanctuary. It went on to destroy 60 homes and over 36 square miles of land. In the process, it nearly destroyed the sanctuary.

YouTube video

The story of the fire, part 4

Thanks to the incredible bravery and dedication of local volunteer firefighters, DNR helicopter pilots, and many other emergency personnel, the chimps were kept safe. The fire burned half of Young’s Hill and damaged the sanctuary residence, but we were able to bounce back quickly with the help of supporters from around the world.

helicopter dropping water near building

web-black-earth-fire-youngs-hill-tire-IMG_0725

bedroom side of caregiver house burned by fire

web_fire clean up tractor jb brian burned ground logs on mound young's hill yh IMG_6399

With the fire behind us, we built a new structure on the hill just for Negra – her very own “cabin” that would shelter her from the wind and rain and help her adjust to life in the great outdoors. Some chimps just need a little more help than others.

Negra in her cabin!

And the chimps never skipped a beat – they went right back to making art, fighting off enemy horses, and napping, as if nothing had ever happened.

Jamie’s artistic side

Chimps vs Horses

How sleepy is Negra?

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2 Comments

  1. Avatar PatC on June 17, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    scary times. and reminders of how big the CE7 family really is.



  2. Avatar Kathleen on June 17, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Thankfully, CSNW was saved from the Taylor Bridge Fire. Very scary. Amazing the chimps sat so quietly and watched. The chimps never cease to amaze me.



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