Come on Down!
August 27, 2023 by Chad -
Animal exploitation begins with greed… They want to make money and they’ll make money at the expense of any kind of animal, be it a puppy or an elephant. It’s disgusting. ” – Bob Barker
Like a lot of Americans, I have spent some time curled up in a blanket, eating noodle soup, drinking 7-Up, eating saltine crackers, and watching Bob Barker on The Price Is Right when I was at home sick from school. Even though he always ended the show with his famous closing of “Get your pets spayed and neutered,” like clockwork, it wasn’t until I became older I found out how much of an animal lover he was, which in turn made me appreciate him even more.
As some of you know, he was very supportive of the plight of chimpanzees in the Untied States used as biomedical subjects, entertainment, or in roadside zoos. By now, you may have read some of the other accredited sanctuaries who have posted about the passing of Bob Barker and the amazing support he has given them. We are no different. Through his DJ & T Foundation, he has supported Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and our efforts, and we will always be grateful of him.
To honor what I personally think his vision was, here are some photos from today of the chimpanzees enjoying their day free from testing, abuse, and neglect.
Burrito at the start of our morning patrol/run
Jamie at the top of Young’s Hill walking amongst the trees
And Missy… Missy was really all over the place during the first morning patrol.
Trying to get a peep at the neighbors from a higher advantage point
Sprinting off to her next stop
Running down the log used to get to Jamie’s Tower to make it in time for breakfast
Rayne not letting a hole in a cup getting in her way of enjoying a Gatorade pool
And then there’s Gordo.
Handsome
Lovable
Uniq… Gordo… What are you doing?
Oh! Please don’t!
Okay! I get the hint! The photo session is over.
Joking aside, Gordo was just in a playful mood. In fact, he has been in a really good mood all day. Suspiciously in a really good mood. I’m starting to wonder what is up his sleeve for the rest of the day…
Whatever it is, it is his choice.
As Diana said in this 2017 post, “Choice. This, above all else, is what increases primate welfare the most. When you think about it, much of what we share on the blog are the choices that the chimpanzees are freely making on a daily basis.”
The freedom of choice is by far the greatest enrichment chimpanzees in captivity can experience.
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Thank you, Chad.
I’m much older, but have the same memories (same food/drink, too! Luckily American moms don’t believe the soda should be flat when we’re sick, like Irish moms :slight_smile:).
He led a full and productive life.
Freedom of choice…isn’t that what we all want to be able to experience. Although freedm of choice isn’t always what we expect it will turn out to be, that is part of the living experience. So glad CSNW is the place giving these amazing ones (and their bovine family members) freedom to to choose their days.
I don’t have a television, and even if I did I’m not especially drawn to game shows like Presidential debates. That aside, I very much appreciate the late Mr. Barker’s support of CSNW, Chimp Haven, and numerous other sanctuaries. Yes, it is prudent to spay or neuter one’s pets.
And, as Jamie consisely explained in her Public Service video of 8-11-2017, primates do not make good pets.
Thank you, Tobin, for that perfect and perfectly concise link.
yes. Thank you Tobin. She put on quite a show!
I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that video, but it never gets old. Jamie pulls no pumches…
:joy:! Rayne’s ingenuity is priceless! What an amazing gal is starting to emerge. I was so impressed with her fearless adventures on the Bray. And now to witness her thought process at work was just really cool. I can’t wait to see what continues to unfold as Rayne gets to know herself and her peeps and her surroundings and her CHOICES! “Well done!” to the whole CSNW community.
And, where else can you spit on your fellow residents and not get kicked out!:stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:
Bob Barker! I grew up with him for many years as a child watching daytime tv. He was always pleasant, eager and energetic. Now I learn how devoted he was to other beings and it doesn’t surprise me at all to learn this. I’m sorry for his passing and grateful for his many contributions over the years. I adore the pics of Rayne turning the split cup into a fountain with the water dribbling into her mouth from on high. What a smart woman she is! Thanks for all the opportunities for learning, safety, growth, happiness and family that CSNW provides the chimps, as well as all of us supporters in the wings!
Thank you Bob Barker! Many people are thanking you today like they did when you were with us still. These wonderful creature deserved so much more from humanity and you showed many of us how to be deserving. So much more to be done. Chimps, dogs, cats, and so many more. Includng the wonderful animals of the seas. Also, I’m sure the crew of the Bob Barker operated by the Sea Sheppard, will miss your presence on Earth. Rock on Bobo!
I was just discussing Mr. Bob Barker with friends this evening. While they were praising all did for spay/neuter and adoption, I shared how his foundation helped my friends at CSNW. I remember Diana mentioning it in a past blog post. It gave me a new appreciation for Bob Barker and his reach.
Best part about the blog is seeing what each individual chooses to do each day. (And today Rayne’s choice to sip from the bottom of her drippy-cup killed me!) Here’s to a freedom we should never take for granted—freedom of choice. And thanks for creating an environment that offers so much to choose from.
Choice. So very percect. So very perfect.
Choice. So very perfect. So very perfect.
i wonder why animal lovers eat meat!
My favorite video of Bob Barker was taken at the ELEPHANT SANTUARY in Tenn. of him sitting patiently waiting for a van (or vans) to arrive of Elephants that had been rescued to which he contributed for the expense of the vehicles that were used. When the first van made it’s appearance he waved to it and yelled “come on down” — he was so happy to be present for that eventful day. Like Betty White, he was a true animal advocate who put their money where their mouth was to make life better for all species of animals. I loved them BOTH.
How can you continue to eat neat – killing animals for your eating pleasure
?
Hi Paul – If you could be so kind as to clarify your question/accusation, that would be great. Is it directed to us personally? Or to animal advocates in general? CSNW advocates for veganism and has a policy of only serving vegan food at our events, so we do not in fact condone killing animals for anyone’s eating pleasure.