Missy stand xmas tree hanging

December celebrations!

December 2, 2023 by Katelyn -

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So accustomed are we to getting to celebrate at least one of the chimpanzees’ or bovines’ birthdays each month, I had to keep checking the calendar to make certain that I wasn’t missing anyone’s! While we may not have any sanctuary residents with December birthdays, we know we have sanctuary supporters with December birthdays and hope you know we are always celebrating you, birthday or not!

Of course, December is a month full of celebration for many. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, just to name a few. And in truth, it’s also a month full of a range of mixed feelings for many, if not most, of us in one way or another. But part of the beauty of sanctuary and what you make possible here remains as clear and steady as the stars in the cold winter sky. The fifteen amazing chimpanzees and four bovines who call the sanctuary home and who, because of you, we get the profound gift of loving with our whole hearts, sharing their lives with you and providing them each with the best life we possibly can.

No matter what December holds for you, we’re wishing you a magical winter season ahead. There’s so much beauty in the world. Even, sometimes especially, within the dark. May it be filled with countless moments of beauty, wonder and awe. Just as you’ve made possible here. We are just so grateful for you.

Sweet Lucky:

We had our first snow today so you may know what that means…the never-ending demand for snow snacks! (Burrito):

Foxie:

Terry:

Icicles (Missy and Jamie):

Willy B:

Betsy:

and her giant baby boy, Nutmeg:

Barn Kitty snoozing:

Negra:

Jody’s enchanted face during this particular Christmas past will always make my heart swell:

Missy:

12 Comments

  1. Avatar Judy on December 2, 2023 at 2:25 pm

    Katelyn what a beautiful and touching post. All the photos and words are particularly moving… Ultimately the gift of having known Jody is soemthing for all of us to treasure. They and you all add such richness to the Christmas season… whether it’s a stresful holday day or a peace and love filled one the connection to CSNW makes this month (and the other 11 🙂 ) precious and reaffirms the goodness and magic of life. Thank you all!



    • Avatar Paulette on December 2, 2023 at 3:52 pm

      Nicely said Judy. Thank you.

      Ditto!



    • Avatar Kathleen on December 3, 2023 at 6:24 am

      Yes! Yes. A thousand times, yes. Beautifully stated.



  2. Avatar Kathleen on December 2, 2023 at 2:52 pm

    We may not have a specific resident, or resident offspring, celebrating a birthday in December but we have the entire sanctuary to celebrate. Barn Kitty, deer, birds, marmots and all. I am grateful you are safe and well in Cle Elum as we watch this year come to an end.

    Thank you, Katelyn, for Decembers photos. Especially Ms. Foxie! And Jody…..lease promise you will always share photos of Jody.



    • Avatar Kathleen on December 2, 2023 at 2:54 pm

      That’s “Please promise…”



  3. Avatar Paulette on December 2, 2023 at 3:48 pm

    Oh my goodness I LOVE the photos today. Especially Foxie with snowball in profile, And of course oh so cozy Negra. (heart melting)

    Willy B snowball LOL

    Oh our precious Honey B! Adorable.
    (Oh! I just scrolled back up and realize it is Jody, not Honey B! :see_no_evil:they look similar to me at first glance!)
    So… Oh our precious Jody! Adorable. Thank you so so much for this one.

    (I think I will be adding a PhotoStick to my Christmas wish list because I have way too many pictures on my cell!)

    :tada:HAPPY BIRTHDAY:tada:
    to all of you friends out there with December birthdays. Wish we could celebrate together, but we’ll celebrate right here.



  4. Avatar Vicky on December 2, 2023 at 6:29 pm

    Why don’t we see videos of the original six anymore. I miss seeing Foxie’s shenanigans, not to mention Burrito. Please remember that we are quite attached to them and maybe do a video just for them sometime. Thanks



  5. Avatar Marcie on December 2, 2023 at 6:34 pm

    Great photos, love sweet goofy looking expression on Nutmeg.



  6. Avatar Tobin on December 2, 2023 at 7:37 pm

    Seeing these pictures made my day. Thank you. And, keep Neggie warm…



  7. Avatar Michelle on December 3, 2023 at 12:44 am

    Great work love the Queen having a lovely time keeping cosy. Also enjoyed all the snow.



  8. Avatar Susan Kathleen Feeley on December 3, 2023 at 3:07 am

    Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow and it sure has put a smile on the faces of your beloved residents! I loved your heartfelt words and photos Katelyn, and particularly the beautiful but poignant photo of sweet Jody. You are all such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing a day in the life of the sanctuary.



  9. Avatar Susan Kathleen Feeley on December 3, 2023 at 3:07 am

    Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow and it sure has put a smile on the faces of your beloved residents! I loved your heartfelt words and photos Katelyn, and particularly the beautiful but poignant photo of sweet Jody. You are all such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing a day in the life of the sanctuary.



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