Jody with rose

Honoring Jody’s birthday

May 12, 2024 by Katelyn -

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Thank you so much, Tobin, for remembering and celebrating our beloved Jody with this special day of sanctuary in her honor.

“The tradition was to celebrate Jody’s birthday each Mother’s Day. Given that she was the self-appointed den-mother of her troop, I want to honor her birthday once again. During this first year of her physical absence, it’s helped me, as I grieve, to go and look at the different photographs on the blog.”

Jody would have been 49 this year. In the lives and hearts of her chimpanzee and human family and friends she lives forever.

Burrito, Jody and Foxie:

I forgot about this one of Jody and Annie and their fire-hose-built-for-two and it made me laugh. 🙂

Burrito and Jo:

The Great Pumpkin Thief Queen:

Jody and Negra

Jody, Missy and Jamie:

How we love you, Jo…

15 Comments

  1. Avatar Ken & Sonny on May 12, 2024 at 8:09 am

    Happy Mother’s Day everyone.

    Have a wonderful day.



  2. Avatar Kathleen on May 12, 2024 at 8:15 am

    Thank you so very much, Tobin, for honoring Jody on her special day. These pictures are so touching. I ache and smile as I scroll. It is hard to believe Jody has been gone for a year. I must go outside and deeply inhale a lilac — all for you Jody! Today, of all days, I celebrate the joyful beauty that is Jody. Now, forever, and for all time.

    To the staff and volunteers and all who knew Jody personally — I hope you can find time to gather at Jody’s lilac tress on Young’s Hill. Perhaps sip a smoothie and have a favorite snack in celebration of your incredible good fortune to have known and loved Jody.

    Happy Jody Mother’s Day.



  3. Avatar Linda C on May 12, 2024 at 9:28 am

    Thank you, Tobin.
    Katelyn, that photo of Jo and Annie is hilarious!



  4. Avatar Sandie Allaway on May 12, 2024 at 12:28 pm

    I smile and I grieve. Forever in our hearts with love. Hapoy Birthday, Jo. You are always loved.



  5. Avatar Nancy Duryea on May 12, 2024 at 1:15 pm

    Thank you Tobin for honoring Jody today. Just when I think I have no more tears to shed I see the picture of the Great Pumpkin thief and I’m reaching for the Kleenex again.
    The picture of the fire hose built for two is so good. Thank you for all the pictures of Jody and friends.



  6. Avatar Arlene and Michael on May 12, 2024 at 1:42 pm

    Thank you Tobin for sponsoring today in honor of dear Jody. She is missed so dearly. Thank you Katelyn for these lovely pictures of beautiful Jody and her family.



  7. Avatar Gaynell on May 12, 2024 at 1:45 pm

    Dear Tobin, i just breezed thru the photos quickly because I knew I would tear up. So, i will simply say thank you from my heart now. I’ll go back and look and read later and no doubt tear up again. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms out there. Smell the roses or the lilacs. You are loved.



  8. Avatar CeeCee on May 12, 2024 at 1:52 pm

    Happy Jody day everyone :revolving_hearts:
    Thank you Tobin.



  9. Avatar CarolR on May 12, 2024 at 3:16 pm

    What wonderful photos of our beloved Jody and her friends. Thank you so much Tobin for giving us the opportunity to remember our special girl on her day. Always in our hearts.



  10. Eli on May 12, 2024 at 3:26 pm

    Thank you for sponsoring Jody’s day, Tobin.
    Happy birthday to an amazing soul, Jody. You are so dearly missed.



  11. Avatar Tobin on May 12, 2024 at 3:28 pm

    Thank you, Katelyn, for your good choices of photographs to share for this blog post. The image of the Great Pumpkin Forager is a classic, but then so is the picture of Jody and her flowers. I also like the picture from the day when Jody offered moral support to the Queen, who was not amused at the presence of a coyote in cattle pasture and hooted forth her Royal Summons to vacate the Realm posthaste!

    And, to lift a line from a Lucinda Williams tune, some people are “too cool to be forgotten.”. So, I’m going to continue to honor, remember, and cherish our beloved Jody Chimpanzee, on her birthday and every other day that ends in the letter “y”.



  12. Avatar Judy on May 12, 2024 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you Tobin.. and Katelyn. Long live Farmer Jo. We celebrate you every day that ends with “y” . I love that.



  13. Avatar Susan Kathleen Feeley on May 12, 2024 at 5:58 pm

    I salute you, Tobin, for sponsoring Jody, a very special lady, on her very special day- although I know you hold her in your heart always. The photos were gorgeous and I particularly loved the photo of Jody with Annie and their fire hose antics. A touching reminder of a life cut off way too soon. Sweet unforgettable Jody.



  14. Avatar Adrienne on May 12, 2024 at 10:03 pm

    Thank you again, Tobin!



  15. Avatar Mary Garripoli on May 13, 2024 at 6:31 am

    You are light wherever you are, Jody. Rest in joy and love.



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