WHEREAS, Washoe was known throughout the world as the first nonhuman to acquire a human language, American Sign Language; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. Roger Fouts and his wife Deborah came to Central Washington University in 1980 and created a sanctuary for Washoe and her family at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute; and
     WHEREAS, Washoe, the only chimpanzee at the institute who was born in Africa, was the matriarch of the chimpanzee family; and
     WHEREAS, Washoe opened a window into the cognitive workings of a chimpanzee's mind and added a new dimension to our understanding of communication among both humans and nonhumans; and
     WHEREAS, Those who met Washoe learned from her and her family the connections shared between humans and our fellow creatures and came to understand the importance of being responsible stewards for all life; and
     WHEREAS, Washoe, born in 1965 and a dear friend to many, passed away on October 30, 2007;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend its deepest sympathy to Roger and Deborah Fouts for the loss of Washoe, a beloved friend; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives thank Roger and Deborah Fouts and Central Washington University for their passionate dedication to providing the highest possible quality of life to Washoe and her family and for enhancing the world's insight into the complexities and wonders of communication among living creatures, including humans and nonhumans; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Dr. Roger Fouts, Deborah Fouts, Dr. Stephanie Stein, Dr. Martha Kurtz, Dr. Wayne Quirk, and Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre.