J.B. and I were cleaning the playroom this morning, when we saw Negra, Foxie and Annie playing together. This is quite the unusual trio of playmates, and I’ve never seen Negra play this long in one stretch! There was more than what is shown in the video, but it was challenging filming conditions – through the glass window with the playroom filling up with steam from cleaning. J.B. caught some choice moments, and I know Negra fans will be thrilled.
marie cross uk says
lovely footage ! really enjoyed that ! i love the head rubbing and the happy relaxed play faces and the trusty troll clutched in Foxies hand , isnt foxie quite lean and long , where as neggy is what we would call a rather stout lady 🙂 xxx
leslie sodaro says
yes, our girl negra has a buda body … and i adore her determined all-fours ‘march’ back and forth … negra’s having fun and NO ONE is stopping her …. grrrreat!
Amy M says
This is FANTASTIC! I always love to watch games of “chase” — the chaser usually, as in this case, could catch the chasee (?) chased (?) but doesn’t. Almost looks like there are rules to the game.
Denice says
Negra… our “chubby-tubby” playing a round of chase…….. If she keeps this up she will be lean and trim for the opening of Youngs Hill where whe will be able to run and chase for hours. I have never seen Negra with a play face or so active.
Kat Morrell says
I love Annie’s backward chase and her trying to grab Negra’s foot as she walked. It’s good to see that even the old girl can get her play on now and then. Both Foxie and Annie were so gentle in their play with Negra. It is as if they both knew what a privilege it was to get to play with Negra.
Linda (Portland, OR) says
What a joy to watch! Everytime they changed directions and went back the other way, I could just hear them saying “tag- you’re it”!! Great video!
Anna says
Wow — this video speaks VOLUMES about Negra’s improving health – mental, emotional and physical! As sedantary as she’s been, even this measured activity is still a giant step forward for her. And Foxie and Annie are so gentle with her, making sure that not only are her physical limitations respected, but also making sure she has a good time.
Healing takes time. But I was thinking that yesterday’s pictures of Annie relected such a deep well of satisfaction, trust and well being. Today’s clip of Negra gives me great hope that we’ll see that same well of happiness in Negra’s eyes before too long. 🙂
Brenna says
That was great. They seemed to be having lots of fun. I love their gentleness. Negra and I run at about the same speed. 😉
Kaite says
That just made my day, and I’ve had a pretty great day today! I love these girls so much – so fun to watch them enjoy one another’s company, and I love to see Neggie so into it! It seems as if we’ve crossed a threshold for all of the chimps, in their healing, I mean – As if it is finally safe to come out of their shells and really feel free and happy and expressive. This is a wonderful thing to be privileged to see! Thanks for all you do for the chimps! -K
Jeani Goodrich says
Kaite you put into words what I was feeling. Yes, the chimps have crossed a threshold and it is so wonderful to see. Thanks for having just the right words to describe it.
chimp pal says
Most enjoyable. A real great Sunday morning treat. Chimps rule.
lk22
Alison says
SO lovely to see you having fun in this clip Negra. You epitomise elegance even at play! So you’re a little curvier than some of the other girls? What matter! Annie may be the Audrey Hepburn of the Chimp World but you Negra Darling are the Sophia Loren! x x x
Candy (Tyler, Texas) says
Alison, well put!
Kaite says
I’ll second that!
Kathy Haydel says
that was so nice to see them play. They seemed to have a great time. and whoever was sleeping just didn’t seem the least concerned. They are all so happy there. Thank you for taking the time to film them. You guys are great. Have a great day.
Denice says
Kathy, that was Jody (I recognize the “knobby bum”) and she was not going to be denied her nap, no matter what was going on around her.
Kate says
Super special to see this, especially with Neggie!! The head rubbing, the feet grabbing, the chasing, the napping bum, the play faces….what fun. Thank you so much for giving them the space to heal and be happy and safe.
Candy (Tyler, Texas) says
I still remember the first video, one of my favorites, you have when Negra joined, in play, with Missy and Annie. Neggie still moves at the same speed, even though I can’t believe she was in a wrestling match, way to go Neggie. When I watched the video of Negra’s tummy rub, soon after arriving at CSNW, is when I fell in love with her and the others.
I’m forever amazed when chimpanzees recognize that other chimps may have certain limits to their abilities. Negra’s never been a “fast mover,” but the others know this and make adjustments during play with her. Another example of recognizing limitations is Knuckles, at The Center for Great Apes, who has cerebral palsy and his friends recognize this and play with him at his speed.
When I first became a supporter of CSNW, three years ago, I never, ever expected to keep seeing the chimps changing, growing and revealing themselves.
Kaite, I agree with you, it’s a privilege to see and I feel very blessed to have these creatures show me how to be a better human being.
Margaret and Karen says
Our darling, Negra! How wonderful to see you happy and enjoying yourself with your chimpanzee friends! May you have years an years more of this joy. How even better it will be with you go our onto Young’s Hill.
Theresa says
Seeing Neggie with a play face and having fun would warm even the coldest heart.