Washoe - Child of the CWU Community Dies

October 31, 2007

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- Washoe, the beloved chimpanzee of Central Washington University, whose name is synonymous with The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute (CHCI) died last night (Tuesday, October 30) of natural causes at the age of 42. She was the first non-human to acquire a human language, American Sign Language.

"Washoe was a treasured member of our family," says Roger and Deborah Fouts, co-founders of the institute.

Dr. Roger Fouts and his wife Deborah came to CWU in 1980 and created a sanctuary for Washoe and her family. Roger and Deborah are at the forefront of promoting and developing humane research methods. As Jane Goodall remarks in a book by Dr. Fouts's, "Next of Kin," "Roger, through his ongoing conversations with Washoe and her extended family, has opened a window into the cognitive workings of a chimpanzee's mind that adds new dimension to our understanding."

CHCI is a place where students learn that research and caregiving can be compassionate and to take their next of kin on their own terms. Visitors to the institute learn from Washoe and her family the connections shared between humans and our fellow beings and the importance of being responsible stewards for all life.

Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold, assistant director of the institute, commented this morning, "Washoe was an emissary, bringing us a message of respect for nature. She was a dear friend to so many; we will miss her."

Born in Africa about 1965, Washoe was the only chimpanzee at CHCI born in Africa and was the matriarch of the chimpanzee family. She was named for Washoe County, Nev. where she lived with Drs. Allen and Beatrix Gardner until age 5.

Friends of Washoe, a non-profit organization cares for Washoe's family, Tatu, Loulis and Dar, and works to protect other captive and free-living chimpanzees.

Washoe's memorial will be held on November 12, 2007. Interested individuals may visit the Friends of Washoe Web site www.friendsofwashoe.org for more details. In 2002, Moja, another of Washoe's family, passed away. The Foutses' daughter Hillary traveled to Africa to spread Moja's ashes.

Contact: Deborah H. Fouts, CWU Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, 509-963-2363, foutsd@cwu.edu
Becky Watson, CWU Public Relations and Marketing, 509-963-1117, bwatson@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.