I have read Next of Kin three times and Washoe was beginning to feel like a little sister; she is only about 4 years younger than me. First of all I would like for the entire Fouts family to know that I admire everything they have done and shared in relation to the chimpanzees. I have learned a great deal and you have changed the way I feel about animals forever. I will never forget the part about how Washoe chose Roger by jumping into his arms and giving him a hug. I believe that when someone or something falls into our path, our destiny has just been laid before us and our spiritual happiness lies within that destiny. I am saddened by the treatment that chimpanzees receive and I will never forget Roger's visit to Booee in the biomedical lab. I still think about him and cry. I will always remember Washoe and I will do my best to fight for all animal rights for as long as I live.
It was early in the morning today that I, for some reason, thought of Washoe, wondering if she was still alive. I logged on and entered her name, clicking on the oppropriate link. I saw her photo and instantly smiled, for it had been a long time since I had seen her. I began to read the information that the site had provided, bringing back memories of my time at CWU, past professors, and the first time that I saw Washoe. Then I read of her death, and I became very sad and honestly ashamed a little.
I saw (years before the Institute had been constructed) Washoe in a movie in one of my psycology courses, and I was so honestly amazed, captivated by her. Then I learned of the conditions that the chimpanzees were living in, and the fact that plans were in the works for a better home for them.
Then, after completion of the CHCI I was fortunate to have been one of the first volunteers to attend a training session, learning even more from Dr. Fouts. Meeting Washoe and her family was truly amazing and eye-opening. They are so much like us, and if you look deeply into their eyes you can almost hear them communicating with you.
I was excited about being a part of the CHCI, learning of Washoe and her family, their behavior, likes and dislikes, their personalities... but I left Ellensburg soon after the Institute had opened, and have missed Washoe since that time.
Washoe was an incredible being and a true teacher. She will be missed greatly. Thank you, Washoe, for giving so much to us, for having helped us to understand the close connection that is there between chimpanzees and humans, if we only open our eyes and heart.
Stephen G.
I just learned yesterday (13 March 08) of Washoe's passing and was broken hearted. I saw her picture on ABCNews.com. I was first introduced to her in Next of Kin and was so taken with her story. I know a great deal of knowledge was obtained during Washoe's lifetime and she gave so much! She lived an exceptionally long life, but there are some that we wish could go on forever. Washoe was one of those lives. Thank you Washoe for all you taught to those who worked and lived with you. You were a great Chimpanzee and I'm honored to be so closely connected through our DNA.
- pavloveia
I have only now found out about Washoe's death. I had the great pleasure of seeing her with her family at two Chimposia which I attended after reading Next of Kin. I had known about her from long-ago psychology courses and cannot express what a thrill it was to see her. A print of one of her paintings hangs where I look at it each day. My condolences to all Washoe's family both chimp and human. She was a wonderful ambassador who taught us much. She will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace, Washoe.
I only got the pleasure of knowing Washoe casually, as an apprentice for the 10 week program in 2006 but I can honestly say there are only a handful of people in my life who have influenced me as much as she has. Before even meeting her and her family, Next Of Kin changed my life forever. I already knew that I was interested in the animal world by that point but I had no idea I would be led down the road of activism, not until I read that book. When I finally came to CHCI I got to see for myself why captive lives are so unfair. Even for the lucky, well loved, well-fed chimpanzees of CHCI, captivity is still nowhere near the life they are entitled to at birth. Before I came to CHCI I was definitely a different person and I just cannot even being to express the gratitude I feel toward Washoe for giving me a new found sense of purpose and love of life. I can only hope to be as successful a teacher to my family and friends as she has been to me, all her loved ones and to all the world.
Thank you Washoe, for everything
Maddy Thaler
Apprentice 2006
"Next of Kin" has been a favorite book of mine since the start of college, where it was a lucky find while prowling the school library for something new to read. My freshly-ordered brand new copy came in the mail last week and while "breaking it in", I decided to check up on Washoe and her family. The news of her passing shocked me, and I feel more ashamed and deeply saddened that I did not learn about it sooner.
All of the posts here say everything I could hope to say in a tribute to Washoe, and to Roger Fouts and his family. Washoe's story is one of the favorites on my shelves, a constant partner on trips. I had hoped to attend an Advanced Chimposium in the future and meet the wonderful individual I have read so much about. I still hope to attend in the future, but understandably a major part of the experience will be missing.
She will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.
I second what everyone here has said: God bless you, Roger Fouts.
- Silver
I grew to love her as I read Roger's book "Next of Kin", and would check on her periodically on the website. I'm so sad to hear of her passing. Thank you Roger for saving her life, by protecting her from being taken by research labs and exploited in the name of science. You gave her the life that she deserved, and loved her for all of the years she was in your life. Thank you to all of Roger's staff and volunteers who have devoted their life to nurturing and protecting these beautiful chimpanzees. You all are very special people with much love in your heart to share. I will remember her always.
Every year I treat myself and reread Next of Kin. Toward the end of the book, before the story gets too sad for me, I come to this website to check on Washoe and her friends.
I just found out about her death this year and wanted to convey my condolences to all of Washoe's family and friends.
You have all enriched my life and I was so sorry to hear of Wahoe's death.
Thank God for you, Roger Fouts. One true shining light in the world.
Gina Engstrom
Dear friends at CHCI,
Jess Hartel sent me the news last night, and I want to write and express my profound sorrow over the loss of Washoe. Mary Lee Jensvold expressed it very well when she said that Washoe was an emissary. I relish the look of excitement and disbelief that comes across the faces of my Congolese friends (especially children) when I tell them that I have worked with a family of chimpanzees in the USA who can ‘talk with their hands.’ At first this does not really fit into their world view. Congo is a place where non-humans are primarily viewed in terms of their taste and nutritional value, and chimpanzees are almost never seen except as a hairy target in a distant tree top, or an abused and miserable ‘plaything’ in a village market. But when I tell them stories of Washoe and some of the creative things she has expressed to her human friends, the incredulous and slightly mocking looks usually disappear and are replaced by an intrigued and wide-eyed wonder.
Washoe and her story have helped break down barriers in the United States (the Chomskys and Pinkers among us notwithstanding), and I think she can help break them in the African homeland as well. How can you eat a being who can learn our language and converse with us? Washoe is usually the primary evidence cited by the Congolese working for our project when trying to convince another Congolese that chimpanzees should not be eaten. And I think the message is spreading, even here, bit by bit, from small village to small village.
I will never forget one day in Ellensburg sitting on the berm, when Loulis was enthusiastically pointing at my feet and trying to entice me into a game of chase. Washoe climbed up to sit beside him, and, showing no patience for his attempts at male-bonding, seized his hand, pulled it above his head, and began to fastidiously groom her unruly son. Loulis reluctantly acquiesced, and pretty soon his features relaxed into calm contentment. After a few minutes of this, Washoe got up and moved a few feet away towards another ledge. As she walked off, she turned back to look at Loulis, who was once again entranced by my feet. She gave a little grunt and stared at him. Loulis glanced back at her, but showed no sign of following. I watched in amazement as she slowly and deliberately extended her arm, palm towards the sky, and emphatically curled her fingers several times into the ‘Come’ sign. Loulis quickly leaped up and ran to join his mother, and settled into a peaceful grooming session that lasted until the end of my time on the berm.
Actually seeing the kind of thing that I had read about in ‘Next of Kin’ is a privilege I will never forget. Thanks to Washoe and her family, for helping to break down the barriers that most of have in our minds about our fellow beings. I am off to the forests of Aketi to meet some of Washoe’s (and our) free-living kin. I will be thinking about all of you.
Yours truly, Cleve Hicks