I will never forget the first time I met Clare in Chicago in July 2003. I was speaking at the Peggy Notebaert Museum and was having a terrible time with borrowed equipment for my presentation. Clare saw my struggles and told me to send her a grant proposal for a laptop and a projector so that I could spread awareness about our mission. I still have that same equipment today, and have used it over the past nine years.
You don't have to walk to far at Jungle Friends before you run into a habitat built by NAVS Sanctuary Fund. Clare looked out for the underrepresented and underfunded sanctuaries.
Clare literally hunted me down one time when I was in Texas at a facility that had gone under to tell me that NAVS would pay for the habitat for the monkeys I was accepting. Clare also told me to be sure to let other sanctuaries know to contact NAVS for funding, as well. The Sanctuary Fund is a direct result of Clare's efforts and her love for animals. The NAVS Sanctuary Fund has built more monkey habitats at Jungle Friends than any other - Clare's presence is everywhere I look!
Clare's compassion has provided a better future for so many animals. Her devotion to her mission has made a profound effect on so many animals and humans. Clare was not just here for the animals, she was here for the humans who cared for the animals and Clare was here for me. I am honored and privileged to have known such a dynamic woman. I am very sad and I will miss Clare, but I will be reminded of her work all around me at Jungle Friends every day.
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to everyone who knew Clare and to all the people who are grieving for her now. Clare's life's work was far-reaching and she left us all too soon. Clare will live on in our hearts.
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