To continue our ongoing look at the changes in the chimpanzees since they first arrived at the sanctuary, here is Annie. Besides the really obvious differences such as hair growing in where there were bare patches and increased muscle tone, on thing we’ve noticed looking back at photos is that their faces have a new firmness. Faces of adult chimpanzee are pretty wrinkled and show a lot of character, but when they first arrived from the laboratory, the faces of the Cle Elum Seven had a very loose and drooping appearance, where now their faces still have wrinkles and are full of character but appear much more firm, healthy, and even younger.
Annie – day one of sanctuary life (June 13, 2008) after living in laboratories for decades:
Annie six weeks ago at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest:
Annie two days ago with Halloween treat bag:
OMG….the differences are shocking and amazing…..I don’t want to even think what might have happened to Annie and her 6 family members if you had not saved them…but I’m glad that you did…because just look at Annie today…simply gorgeous and healthy and the best, she’s alive….thank you so much for setting her free from that horrible previous life….
If you hadn’t said who the picture was I would never guess this is the same chimp. I’m always struck by the difference in their eyes. When they arrived the eyes seemed lifeless and vacant. When I look at their eyes now I see personality, happy contentedness and there is a light where there was absolutely nothing before. Bravo!!
what an amazing difference- truly a miracle
I agree Debbie! Although the physical differences are easy to see, the eyes show the biggest change. From despair to happiness is truly heartwarming to see. You can actually see the brightness that was lacking before. With the eyes being the window to the soul, it makes a poignant statement, doesn’t it?
I am nuts about our Annie!!! How wonderful to see her getting more and more healthy and whole.
Annie is just beautiful, a love. Diana do they snuggle at night now with warm blankets, I was wandering for christmas, so they need some new blankets, now that the washewr and dryer can handle them. Do they cover up or just make nest with them. Also I know Foxies favorite color is hot pink, anyone else have a favorite color that attracts them??? You know the material that is soooo soft, I cannot remember what it is called, very popular right now, those are the type of blankets I would like to see them snuggled up with, warm and fuzzy and comfortable!
It’s like they were ghosts and have come back to life.
Also — Diana — I notice that Annie’s right ear is notched. Is there a reason for that?
I too have been taken by the changes in their eyes along with all the rest of the physical changes. The lost and vacant look has been replaced with so much curiosity and excitement. These changes in such a short time are so astounding, it seems so important for many more people to see the before and after, and realize just how devastating their lives were and what they can be.
Of all of the astonishing photo’s that the Sanctuary has shared with us, it’s these “before and after” photo’s that I think the entire general public should see. As they say, a picture tells a thousand words. These photo’s take my breath away.
These pictures are worth a million words…
It really is amazing how much she has evolved. I hope she continues to do so and becomes the chimp she was always meant to be!
The transformation is remarkable!
Just goes to show what a little fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and good nutrition will do for a body!
Not to mention a little happiness. 🙂
Great idea Shelly K! These type photos should be used to fight for those chimps still being held in labs. The public should see the before and after pictures and the impact that being out of the labs does for these chimps. These pictures will be much more powerful than a long explanation of how poor conditions are and show the public what a huge difference good care can make.
I have been too busy, and I miss reading and seeing some of my favorite chimps.
I do believe it’s their eyes, they have a twinkle now……
I have also noticed their muscles, and their hair is beautful
Yerkes has pix of all their chimpanzees on the web, take a look, it broke my heart……
If it wasn’t for these sanctuaries, and having hope for the others that are in research…………that someday they will be free
Recently I read that some chimps were released from research into another sanctuary, that is good news…………………..
she is so pretty.