Fauna Chimps

ORIGINAL: Fauna Foundation Chimps

Nothing beats a cold smoothie on a hot day out in the skywalks. (The chimps have about 500 feet of skywalks elevated on the 2.5 acres of enclosed land they live on.) 

From Tony Smith, President of the Fauna Sanctuary and Advisory Board member of Fauna Foundation.

Dear friends and supporters of the Fauna family of chimpanzees.

Some of you may be aware that Miss Pepper has been sick for some time now and that over the past week her health has considerably deteriorated. Gloria has asked me to let you all know of Pepper’s condition and to provide you with a little update.

During the past week her condition has changed, as well as her routine. She is sleeping a lot more now and is still getting up for food and drinks. Unfortunately, she has become very weak and has been experiencing more discomfort. 

She appreciates all the help everyone is giving, making her nice clean beds and serving her favourite foods. She is still changing places to have her naps, but prefers her bed up in the outside mezzanine area.

Her best girlfriend, Sue Ellen, comes to visit and groom her on occasion. 

Gloria, close family, all care-givers and friends have been constantly by her side making her as comfortable as possible and ensuring that she is never alone. 

To her great delight Pepper has had many visitors around the clock, all familiar faces to her, and she perks up each time one appears.

Pepper appears to be in no pain, as tough as she is, but is very tired now.

On behalf of Gloria and all the Fauna family and staff, sincere thanks to all of you who have supported and visited Pepper over the past weeks, some from a great distance.

She is loved by many and we will keep you updated.

You can read Pepper’s story here.

Our chimps are surrounded by beauty! Fauna have over 40 gorgeous gardens throughout the property. They are a changing spectacle of colour and attract a variety of local birds. If you are in Montreal, consider joining the Bird-Watching and Garden Tour this weekend! http://bit.ly/LbwWge

One of the lush, green islands surrounding the chimphouse. The chimps have 2.5 acres of enclosed space, including the islands and their enormous chimp house. Photo ©Jo-anne McArthur

You are a handsome lad Toby!

Thanks so much to all of you who are following and reblogging–and to theanimalblog for posting Rachel. We really appreciate you all checking-in on the chimps and helping to spread the word. 

Rachel waking up…! (I know how she feels.)

Rachel sleeping…

It is a bitter-sweet Father’s Day at Fauna. Billy-Jo would have been 40 years old today. This post is in honor of all the amazing male chimpanzees out there who would have, or could have been amazing fathers, but never had the chance or the freedom to live a normal life…

Billy Jo was born on June 17, 1968. He was a real looker and is responsible for luring most of the women here to Fauna with his charm, good looks and bad boy quality–but he was super soft and sensitive too.

Billy’s life was tragic and he endured many hardships before coming to Fauna. He spent 15 years in entertainment where he had his teeth knocked out with a crowbar. His next 14 years in the lab were no better. He was knocked down over 289 times, 65 times by dart, and he bit off his index finger during an anxiety attack. When he arrived at Fauna Billy Jo found it in his enormous heart to open up and let the love we all had for him in, and so he had some years here where he was loved unconditionally. He was able to laugh, and relax or vent and be angry without consequence. He was a pleasure to serve.

Billy answered to many names, and William was one that suited him well as he truly was majestic and sophisticated. He loved it when we used all his different names. He had more human friends than any of the other residents and was a great ambassador for the sanctuary. We are grateful to him for helping so many people come to understand the tragedy and sadness that he and his family of chimpanzees in captivity would face daily. Billy Jo will never be forgotten.

Read Billy Jo’s story and find out more about how to help the chimps.

And thanks so much for following us and helping us!