I am only one

......but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. ~ Helen Keller.
This year I will do whatever I can to learn about animals, animal charities and do as much as I can, in any way I can. Help doesn't always have to come in the form of money, but can be in the form of supplies, volunteering and educating others about the plight of the animals. I won't differentiate between domesticated and wild animals.


Meet Jethro, aka Jeffy, my newest adopted animal......

Jeffy lives at the Fauna Foundation, Sanctuary for Chimpanzees used for animal testing and entertainment, many of the animals there are rescued lab animals, they have been injected with HIV, underwent exploratory surgeries, living in horrible confined spaces and just  having no life at all.

Jethro Date of birth: August 23, 1989. Aka: Jeffy, Fro, and Handsome Guy Jethro was born in the laboratory but was never considered a good research subject. In his 8 years at the lab he participated in only 3 studies. Ch-667 refused to eat or drink when he knew he was in a study. Yet, he was knocked down some 142 times and still had to undergo 3 punch liver biopsies before he was 7 years old. Most of the knockdowns were to keep his teeth clean. Jethro still shows signs of a tendency towards depression, and can still be found to slap himself and rock as he used to do in his 5x5x7" home. Personality: Words that would be used to describe Jethro’s personality include: warm, approachable, solid, companionable, loving, tender, courteous, respected, loyal, strong, intuitive, intelligent and protective. Jethro is a magnificent individual. Always diplomatic and polite, he treats everyone equally and is one of the most social chimpanzees at Fauna. Jethro is a Leo, with the heart of a Lion. He shows concern for everyone all the time. He is the first to go and examine a wound on a friend, and has even applied anti-biotic cream to a wound on Tommy. He shows a great deal of empathy towards his chimpanzee family. He is always there for them. Jethro can live with anyone, at anytime, and in any group. He has all the qualities of a great leader, which were apparent from the time he came to Fauna at only 8 years old. Now, with a decade of life and wonderful relationships with other chimpanzees, he has grown into a very important member of the chimps’ family. He is a deep fellow and you sometimes sense that it is a lot of responsibility for him to try to keep the peace. He gets stressed when he has to deal with a fight or a conflict of any kind. When Jethro gets stressed, he self mutilates and rocks. So often it seems he has a lot of weight on his shoulders and he is so young to have so much to worry about. Extremely nurturing, he is like a brother to Regis, Binky, Petra, Chance and Rachel, a nephew to Tommy and Sue Ellen and simply loyal to Pepper and Yoko. Jethro is fun and funny. He has a sense of humor as well as a lot of moods. Most times he is pretty serious, probably because he has a lot “on his mind.” He seems happiest when he is with his chimpanzee family, choosing to be with them over his human family which is a wonderful thing. In his early years at Fauna, it was easy to see he was upset and uncertain, or scared to be somewhere new. It took him a long time to feel comfortable. His bonds with his chimpanzee family are what have helped him become this amazing strong personality. Social Status: Jethro is in a very great position socially. He probably doesn’t ever know how well he works problems out. Jethro can go in any group and live with anyone. He is the baby of the group and so it seems he doesn’t want the responsibility. Favorite Activities: Jethro loves spending time with friends, particularly chimpanzee friends. When you look for Jethro you can usually find him lying near someone or being groomed by someone. He likes to hang out. Jethro loves parties too. He will play chase with Regis, Binky, Yoko or Tommy if he finds the environment stimulating enough. As he gets older, he gets more serious, and it is harder to get him to have a good laugh, but once he relaxes, he has a lot of fun. Jethro loves to be outside, sitting and enjoying the fresh air. He will take his lunch outside to where he can sit and relax while he eats alone. Jethro loves water. On many occasions Jethro would play in a small pool with Regis and Binky. Now, it seems, for awhile any how, he is a bit too serious for that. But he still plays with his friends -- from gentle tapping and patting, to good old back slaps and tickle sessions with Regis or Tommy. His new friend is Spock. They have a nice relationship starting. Jethro is absolutely stunning, and very impressive, a truly magnificent chimpanzee, with all the qualities of a great Alpha. Favorite Foods: Jethro’s very favorite pastime is eating. He has a wonderful appetite. He does not refuse much, but what give him a lot of pleasure are the special treats. When he sees the secret cupboard door open, he screams with excitement. He reacts this way when we return from Costco with the grocery order too. It is so wonderful to see him get so excited and to be able to give him what he wants. Jethro likes to eat his food in combinations, for example, raisin bread and hot tea, smoothie and bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with soy milk, soy yogurt and grapes, muffins and juice. Jethro is one of the chimpanzees at Fauna that started the “something-- for-- each-- hand-- and-- a-- little-- extra-- for-- your-- mouth” rule. When the chimps come for their dinner or snacks, you will often see them take two items and a bottle of water, or three apples. Having something extra always helps alleviate the stress that can come from wanting a favorite item.