Rescue and Renewal

How Chimps NW is Transforming Lives for Rescued Chimpanzees

Reading time: About 3 minutes.

We carry so much information in the palms of our hands. With just a few taps, our phones can connect us to stories of hope, resilience, and healing. That’s how I discovered the amazing work being done at chimpanzee sanctuaries across North America, places where chimpanzees rescued from heartbreaking circumstances get a chance to thrive.

Chimpanzees have faced incredible hardships. Many were taken from their homes in Africa, where they lived in close-knit communities, raising babies and living in the wild. Some were stolen as infants and sold into biomedical research, others into the pet or entertainment industries. The trauma they endured—being separated from their families, confined to tiny cages, or used in experiments—has left lasting scars.

But thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. Sanctuaries like Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (Chimps NW) in Washington State offer some of these chimpanzees a second chance. The 15 chimps who live there now spend their days exploring, playing, and building bonds with their resident families. While they can never return to the wild, they’ve found safety, and their days are filled with freedom to choose from a myriad of possibilities on 113 acres of farm and forested land in the Cascade Mountains.

Each chimp at Chimps NW has their own unique personality. Foxie, for instance, adores dolls of all stripes, but especially troll dolls and Strawberry Shortcake dolls, which she carries everywhere like they were her children. Jamie is the leader of her group, always watching over everyone and inspecting the humans’ boots with great interest. Negra, the oldest, is known as the “Queen” and prefers to snuggle under warm blankets with a view of the outdoors.

The sanctuary’s caregivers work tirelessly to make life fulfilling for these incredible beings. They’ve built outdoor spaces where the chimps can safely roam, forage, and climb. Indoors, the chimps have cozy rooms filled with toys, blankets, and enrichment activities that keep their clever minds engaged. Chimps NW shares daily updates on their blog, and seeing the chimps’ transformations over time is nothing short of inspiring.

I’ve been following Chimps NW for about eight years, and in that time, I’ve learned so much about these remarkable individuals—and about myself. Foxie, for example, taught me the power of leaning on others when we’re scared. Watching her seek comfort from her friends during a frightening moment reminded me that courage doesn’t mean facing fear alone. It’s okay to reach out for support.

In the summer of 2023, my husband Mike and I had the opportunity to visit Chimps NW during a special event. Seeing the sanctuary in person was unforgettable. From a safe distance, we got to see some of the chimps keeping an eye on us from their indoor habitat while others explored their outdoor habitat, foraging for food set out by the caregivers in the style of an Easter Egg Hunt. It was heartwarming to witness how much love and care goes into giving them a life of comfort and dignity.

Chimpanzee sanctuaries like Chimps NW remind us of what’s possible when compassion guides our actions. They’re proof that even in the face of past cruelty, healing is possible. Supporting Chimps NW has been my way of holding onto hope and contributing to a better world for these incredible beings. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the chimps, it’s that connection, care, and love have the power to change everything.