Imagine spending 30 years in a windowless laboratory, never feeling grass beneath your feet, exploring the outdoors, or experiencing the freedom to make your own choices.
For chimpanzees rescued from biomedical research, this was their reality. But what happens when they finally reach sanctuary? Can they recover from decades of trauma, isolation, and captivity?
Cheryl Moss welcomes Diana Goodrich, co-director of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, for a powerful conversation about chimpanzee rescue, animal testing, rehabilitation, and the extraordinary resilience of these intelligent, emotionally complex animals.
From Working With Washoe to Chimpanzee Rescue
Diana’s journey began with Washoe, the famous chimpanzee who learned American Sign Language. Working with Washoe transformed Diana’s understanding of animal intelligence and our ethical responsibilities toward other species.
Today, Diana and her husband, J.B. McAuley, lead Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Cle Elum, Washington. The 113-acre sanctuary provides lifelong care for chimpanzees rescued from laboratories and other captive environments.
Healing the Emotional Scars of Laboratory Testing
Diana shares the story of the Cle Elum 7, chimpanzees who arrived in 2008 after decades of confinement.
Some showed symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Others gradually discovered the pleasures of outdoor exploration, social relationships, and personal choice.
She reflects on Negra, a beloved chimpanzee who recently passed away after years of sanctuary life, and George, a chimpanzee rescued from an Oregon roadside zoo who eagerly explored his new surroundings.
Their experiences reveal why chimpanzee rehabilitation requires patience, trust, and individualized care.
Why Primate Protection Remains an Urgent Issue
Although invasive chimpanzee research has ended in the United States, other primates continue to face exploitation in laboratories, private ownership, and the exotic animal trade.
Cheryl and Diana discuss HBO’s Chimp Crazy, the proposed Captive Primate Safety Act, and the growing shortage of sanctuary space for monkeys.
They also examine how social media can encourage primate exploitation when seemingly adorable videos conceal troubling living conditions.
How Community Support Creates a Better Life for Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest relies heavily on approximately 1,600 individual donors to provide lifelong care, nutritious food, enrichment, and safe environments.
Diana explains how daily photographs, videos, and stories help supporters connect with individual chimpanzees while respecting their dignity.
This conversation is a reminder that rescued chimpanzees deserve more than survival. They deserve safety, companionship, freedom of choice, and the opportunity to live as individuals.
Discover how supporting accredited sanctuaries, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and making thoughtful social media choices can help create a better life for primates.
Learn more about Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest: https://chimpsnw.org
blog: https://chimpsnw.org/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chimpsanctuary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chimpsanctuary/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chimpsanctuarynw
About Diana Goodrich
Diana Goodrich has MS degrees in psychology and animals & public policy. Diana began working for Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest as the Director of Outreach before the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees arrived. In her positions she has produced increasingly successful fundraising events, overseen a growing social media presence, and brought national and local media attention to the sanctuary. In her role as Co-Director, she oversees fundraising and marketing and communications. Diana loves directly caring for the chimpanzees and connecting with individual supporters. She has been an ethical vegan since 1999.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. She is also the founder of the Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries summit, designed to empower those involved with sanctuaries to create sustainable funding streams.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Cheryl is dedicated to ending factory farming and supporting underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she recently added Vystopia Transformation to her resume. The Vystopia work, created by psychologist Clare Mann, focuses on the emotional impact many people experience after becoming aware of animal suffering and exploitation. The training offers tools for resilience, communication, and emotional well-being while continuing to advocate for positive change.
Through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, Cheryl inspires young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylmossabetterlifeforanimals/
