As long as we have known her, Annie has been one of the most playful members of the Cle Elum Seven. She and Missy can barely stop playing long enough to eat. But she has always played exclusively with the other chimps, and never with us. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. If she wants to play with the other chimps all day and rely on us just to serve meals and clean, that’s OK.
But lately she has been engaging us in games of tickle and chase, and it is quite an honor. There have been so many changes in the chimps lately that its hard to keep up, but I guess she’s just feeling more comfortable around us now.
Which leads me to wonder: How well do we know the Cle Elum Seven? Every time we see a new side of one of the chimps, I wonder if we are finally seeing their real personality. But I’ve realized that while we are trying to figure out who they are, they are just beginning to figure it out for themselves. How much of your personality can come through when you are trapped in a small cage for 20 or 30 years?
Its difficult to imagine what they are going through now, but it is a joy to watch and to be a part of.
Can we see a video of Annie playing tickle and chase?
Thank you, Susan
This is the very issue that tugs at my heartstrings so – just how much of their lives/selves/souls had to be tucked away in a dark box in order to survive the subjugation they endured.
And it’s the issue that brings me such joy – watching them emerge from that dark box into the literal and metaphorical sunshine.
Blessings be to Keith for the stirring in his heart and the commitment to make this project real – and to all the rest of you at CSNW who give these chimps a place to blossom.
And thanks for sharing the journey with us.
Hi Susan, If you type in Annie in the search box you will see all the video’s with Annie in them, Lord knows there are tons of her playing tickle, that is all she does. She looks so radiant, I just cannot believe everyday the difference in their skin , their face, their body and most their Souls. I am sure Diana they are still trying to figure you all out, they cannot understand why their lives are so content now, they do not have to fear humans, as I am sure everytime a human came into that dungeon they were in , it was almost always a bad thing. It is amazing that they can trust humans again!! They are wonderful! You are all wonderful! As I have said before, I would give up the life I have now to live your life helping these wonderful beings learn about who they really are, who they were really meant to be. And hopefull one day we can all be cheering on the rest of the animals that are sufferinf, when the world finally realizes what we have all known forever, that what they are doing to these animals is wrong. I know with all the publicity lately it is spreading the word to people that have no ideal what is going on in this country with the torture to primates!!!
Thank you for such a beautiful post, JB. You have such a gentle and real understanding of our chimp friends and what they are going through….and have gone through. Dear Annie. I do love her. Margaret
That is one of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. Did you take it JB? The composition, the lighting, and of course, the subject are all perfection.
Yes the photo is really beautiful. Annie looks so serene and calm and healthy.
JB ~ the photo of Annie…and your post, have such an emotional and profound impact. We all say the words “thank you” over and over again – it seems like it’s not enough. There just aren’t words to express our gratitude for what you, Keith, Diana, Sarah and everyone involved are doing for these beautiful souls. Bless you all.
She looks beautiful and healthy and happy. Her eyes just shine!
There are no proper words to express how grateful I am for the hard work and love you all show these gorgeous chimps. They are blossoming under your care and we can expect to see so much more of their personalities as time goes on.
Thank you all for sharing it with us. I am honored to be part of CSNW and the spectacular seven!
She looks very happy in the photo and a little mischievous. I think it’s great she can be mischievous now. Beautiful photograph. I would think the chimps are trying to process their opinions of human primates. To live for years in barbaric conditions and to be basically tortured by humans and then go to a place where their every whim and need is the top priority and I’m sure they can sense that they are truly loved and respected by all of the human primates taking care of them. I’m sure they are rethinking their opinion of us and it must be confusing to go from one extreme to another in dealing with us. But by looking at the change in their physical condition and they have life in their eyes is absolutely heart warming for me.
What a wonderful picture JB. And the words telling us about all the growth and change that has happened to Annie is awesome. As everyone before me has said thank you doesn’t begin to cover what we all feel about what you all are doing in the lives of these chimps and bringing about an awareness of the other chimps who still need rescuing. But there are no other words. Just know the words come from the heart.
everybody (comments and heartfelt sentiments) has said it all so very beautifully and eloquently and I totally feel the same ..
Annie you’re such a beauty!
I am guessing they will always be who they were. And everything they now can be. What a blessing to watch them grow. :o)