Yesterday ranks as one of the most playful days for the Cle Elum Seven. Foxie was in the center of the play throughout the day. It began with her and Jamie wrestling in the morning in the front rooms while J.B. and I cleaned the playroom. It was gorgeous outside in Cle Elum yesterday, so the chimpanzees went outside as soon as they had the opportunity. We even served lunch outside because the weather was so nice. Foxie, Jamie, Missy and Annie played for over an hour straight after lunch. One of the best sights of the day was Foxie and Missy hanging from the ceiling of the outdoor area, each by one arm, tickling each other. Here are just a couple of photos (taken with the new lens, of course!)
Below is a shot of Jamie with a beautiful playface. I can’t believe how much she has changed. Check this old blog post to compare.
There is nothing that fills my heart with joy more that seeing and know these wonderful people are happy and are having fun! It looks like yesterday was a highlighted day!
Looking at the old blog I can’t get over how pale Jamie was, it’s wonderful to see her looking healthy and happy. The biomed community need to look at these pictures to see how chimpanzees SHOULD look, free from pain and eternal boredom. Thanks CSNW for providing these pictures. Because you have seven chimps you’re able to provide a pictorial history of their recovery and growth which is very important for getting the rest of the chimps out of labs.
Margaret, Karen and Candace – I echo your sentiments! Just fills my heart with joy to see the chimp’s happy and playing. Just critical that we get the rest of the chimps into Sanctuary and replace animal testing altogether with simulators and more advanced technologies.
Oh God, I just pulled up the photo of Jamie from before and compared them side-by-side. Took my breath away. These “before and after” photo’s, I believe, are what will have the most effective and efficient impact on people that we all want to educate. Good God, what we do in the name of science when we think the end justifies the means. We can do better than this ~ for all that science has done…it can continue to develop technologies that end this needless suffering.
Tears welled up in my eyes seeing these recent photos. I can’t really put into words how it feels to know that at least these 7 chimps are happy, healthy and active. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in this. Staff, volunteers, bloggers, gift donations, education and getting the word out, fund raising and just generally supporting the work and the residents on this sanctuary.
Shelly, I couldn’t agree more. We need to use these successes to promote sanctuary and ending animal testing. I believe the before- after photos are a powerful tool for that.
It is interesting, because one of the other causes that is very important to me is ending elephants in captivity. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee recently took in an underweight elephant that had been kept by a private citizen. In just a few weeks at the sanctuary “Ned” is already starting to behave more like a real elephant and he is putting on much needed weight. I don’t think people should need to see such dramatic before and after photos to see how important it is to keep wild animals in the wild, but unfortunately, it is what it is right now. That being said I am immensely happy that there are places, like the Cle Elum sanctuary and the Tennessee sanctuary where these beings can find peace and recapture their dignity.
I adore pictures of the chimps but these really touched my heart. To see them happy and having such fun is good for the soul. A playface is always wonderful to see and the more we see the better! You should all pat yourselves on the back for the wonderful things you have done for these chimps. Kudos to you all!
Diana,
These are great photos of play. Such cute faces. I looked at the old blog which also had Foxie on it. Oh my gosh!!! When you look at the eye sockets of both girls they were sunken and there was hardly any life in them. Now the warmth radiates. You can hear the laugh hoots just looking at these beautiful, playful girls. Thanks.
By the time I read all the comments you’ve all said what I’ve been thinking and wanting to write. I can see them ticking and brachiating and best of all I can hear the breathy laughter. What could more could “make my day”??!!!!!
Great photos. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve noticed that Negra isn’t in many of the photos. How is she doing?
Wow!!!! Great pics!!! Kathy thank-you so much for donating this amazing gift!!!
I just love the new shots!
I am NOT an expert in Washington State weather.
What are your guidelines when it comes to letting the chimps outside. How cold is “too cold?”
I was wondering the same thing Brenda! I haven’t seen much on Negra or Burrito??? I know Burrito was feeling a little under the weather awhile back. Is he back to his old self and displaying for the girls! All of the blogs before me have captured my sentiments as well! I couldn’t begin to shower you with all of my graditude for all that you have done for these chimps! They truly have transformed right before our very eyes with your love and care!
What happy pictures, I sure would like to see more pictures of Negra and Burrito. Have you had any snow yet? Keep up the good work
can’t get enough of those playfaces .. these guys are gorgeous ..
Jill – I too am a big fan and admirer of the Elephant Sanctuary & have been following Ned’s story also .. what a handsome fellow and sooo devastating and disturbing the condition and circumstances he was in .. (those pics of him skin & bones performing, how can anyone see that as entertaining or easy on the eyes?.. awful, just awful) when I found out that the USDA took part in helping rescue/confiscating him, I fell out of my chair.