From the Brock University "Thinking about Animals" Conference

Jen, Sherri and Rachelle during the Story Book presentation. Kim watches over the table... Sherri and Jen set up the display for Story Book Farm at the "Thinking about Animals" conference at Brock University in St. Catharines.

Chelsea meets Mark

Saturday April 9, 2011 was a very important date for a very special Hamadryas baboon.

For years Chelsea has listened to Mark Hebscher's voice as he broadcasts the sports news on TV. Mark had heard of his unusual fan, and he decided that he wanted to meet this special lady. So, arrangements were made with Sherri, and Saturday April 9, 2011 at 1 pm this historic meeting took place in the Story Book Barn!

Well, cleaning day is generally on Sunday, and since we wanted Chelsea to be at her best for Mark's visit, the barn was alive with many volunteers early on Saturday morning. Sherri, Leonard, Jacquie, Val, Rachelle, Jenn, Charmaine, Dave and Ann had their work boots on and got everything spic and span. Of course, special attention was given to Nan and Chelsea’s area. We even managed to sneak out Chelsea’s rubber boots to get washed!!! Dinners were made early!!!!

When the Hebscher family arrived (Mark, his wife and two sons), Chelsea seemed to recognize his voice from afar. She sat right down in front of her mesh and concentrated on the voice she was hearing, peaking around the door jamb at her visitor. She was a little nervous, but since the most trusted members of her human family were near, she accepted that everything was ok and relaxed. Mark sat right down with her and talked to her for a long time. Chelsea listened intently and you could see she was trying to figure out how the person on TV was now here. There were gifts too - a pretty box of trail mix - the blue tissue paper was especially appreciated - and a new pair of lovely little boots to add to her collection.

It was a wonderful day - and of course everyone in the barn got to meet the visiting personality. But Mark kept coming back to Chelsea. She watched him carefully, chattered to him, offered him her very best shoe, juggled for him - she let us all know that she accepted him and that he was a new friend for her. This is such special treatment - it takes a while generally for Chelsea to open up to a stranger. But Chelsea even offered him her hand. Mark may be back for another visit - and if and when this happens, Chelsea will be very glad to see him. Meanwhile she will content herself with watching him and listening to his voice on TV. And of course, she has her memories...I am sure she will not forget!

Thank you so much Mark for visiting Chelsea and making her so happy!

Thinking About Animals Conference

Good afternoon! This week, Sherri and SBFPS volunteers will be participating in the Thinking About Animals conference at Brock University March 31/April 1. On Friday morning, Sherri will be part of the "Animals Around Us" speaker panel, presenting"Sanctuaries and their role in long term care of captive primates". We are honoured to be a part of this conference and meeting like-minded people. For more information, please visit: http://www.brocku.ca/social-sciences/undergraduate-programs/sociology/thinking-about-animals

Story Book Farm in the Toronto Star!

Good Morning everyone!

The good news today is that the Toronto Star has published a lovely article profiling the work we do at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary! Thank you so much to the Star! Please follow the link to read the article online and feel free to comment or send the Star a nice thank you!

All is going well today at the Farm and we are looking forward to more spring-like weather so that all the people can be outside in the sunshine and fresh air!

Have a great day!

Kim

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/960242--where-sad-monkey-tales-get-a-story-book-ending

Dr. Goodall's Canadian Spring Visit

Good afternoon all! The lovely Dr. Jane will be in Canada for her spring visit. In Toronto, she will be speaking on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Royal Ontario Museum. In Halifax, she will be the special guest at the Chamber of Commerce Spring Dinner on Tuesday, April 5th. For more details, visit the Jane Goodall Institute website: www.janegoodall.ca

SBFPS Now a Registered Charity

Happy Friday to all! We are pleased to announce that Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary is now a Registered Charity! This milestone will move the sanctuary forward in wonderful new directions. Thank you to Cheryl and Val for your assistance in making this happen!

Everyday we thank you for your continued support. For all donations >$20.00 we will issue a tax receipt. Registered Charity 84081 7910 RR0001.

Thank you!

PHOTOBOOK available now!!!!!

Check out the new PHOTOBOOK about the residents of Story Book Farm! If you decide to purchase one, $10.00 of the cost goes directly to the Sanctuary! Enjoy!

Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary - Happy Endings! by Text and Photos by Ann Walsh, a Story Book Volunteer and Friend | Make Your Own Book