Giving for the Caregivers

Even when school is out, these friends don't leave.

CHCI is very fortunate to have students who help care for the chimpanzees. They prepare food, clean enclosures, design enrichment, and protect the chimpanzees. There is a lot of work to be done here and we are grateful for their dedication.

However, because students must one day graduate and leave, we feel it is important to fund paid staff who stay longer and decrease turnover. Employees provide continuity to the chimpanzees’ lives. They maintain the traditions from year to year and can better monitor the chimpanzees’ health. And best of all, the chimpanzees have friends who stay through the comings and goings of others and provide stability. These friends do not leave.

Currently we have three chimpanzee caregiver employees; one full-time and two half-time. Most of you have seen blog posts, sign logs and photos of Shannon Wallin, Lisa Schuster-Lyons and Rozsika Steele interacting with Tatu and Loulis. They are good, reliable friends that the chimpanzees can count on.

The salaries for these employees are completely dependent upon donations and grants. It is the kindness and generosity of our supporters that make it possible for us to assure Tatu and Loulis that some of their friends will remain here no matter what the school year brings.

If you'd like to help, you can Fund a Friend. Your support directly impacts the continued well-being of Tatu and Loulis. You can donate to the caregiver fund by clicking here to go back the online donation form.

If you would prefer not to donate on-line, please contact us at (509) 963-2244, or send an e-mail to orders@friendsofwashoe.org. Please do NOT include any credit card information in your e-mail.