Jody’s adventures on/with the hill have been so exciting and fascinating to watch. After the initial excitement of the grand opening of Young’s Hill was over, Jody went back into the outdoor area and stayed there. She monitored the activities on the hill daily, often standing in the raceway tunnel waiting for everyone to come in, and closely inspecting folks upon their return. It took a long time, but once she gained the courage to go out- she went way out! She walked the entire perimeter, exploring every inch of the hill. It was spectacular to watch!
What really struck me while watching her out there was how much she looked back towards the building and the rest of the property. She really seemed fascinated to see parts of the property that she hadn’t seen before- including her home for the last 3+ years. I can’t imagine how strange it would be to live in a house for years and not know what the place looks like from the outside. And after all this time, it must be really satisfying to finally be able to see inside the barn or the garden in it’s entirety, the mountains in the distance, and even just further down the driveway…
I’m so inspired and in awe watching the chimps explore the great unknown and to see their amazing confidence and courage. It makes me not only proud of the chimps, but so proud of this sanctuary. The way I see it- it’s such a huge change from anything they’ve ever known that the chimps really have to trust us to feel comfortable out there. They have to believe that we are taking care of them and that we are still protecting them in this big open space. I feel so proud of our team when I see the chimps out there– and so grateful to our supporters! Just like Jody, it’s a huge accomplishment- we did it! It’s such an amazing thing and definitely something for all to be proud of.
yes you guys should be so proud of yourselves at what you have accomplished for the chimps. It must be an amazing experience to work there, take care of the chimps and watch them blossom. Its so wonderful to see the pics of Jody 🙂
I agree with everything you said, Jackie. And Jody! What a magnificant person you are!
We are cheering for you all!!!!
Go, Jody Go!!! So very proud of her. She took her time, and when she was ready, she didn’t hold back.
Jackie, lovely sentiments. They have the life they deserve with the best human family they could have. Thank you, thank you,
Thank you, Jackie, for that entry! I cried, again!! I just hope I’m not bawling all night at the auction tomorrow. I can’t wait to see what this next year brings the CE7!!
For some reason this post touched my most of all. Maybe because Jody is my chimp pal? In reality I think its because I approach things like Jody does. I’m not much of a conformist and don’t usually go for the latest fad. Just sit back at first, let others get out the kinks and then go for it and don’t look back!! I am so proud of her! You go Jody – do it your way!! I am so sorry I can’t be at the auction this year, but know you will all have a fantastic time!
Thanks to all the care givers at Chimpanzee Sanctuary NW for their work over the past three years. How happy these Chimps must be after a lifetime in cages to have these wonderful woodlands to wander through.
Thank you caregivers and contributors alike. I am also so touched by this post. I’m so proud of Jody and so happy for her and the 7. I just wish I didn’t live on the other side of the country from you. I’d love to meet all of you.
a beautiful post Jackie thank you , its such a privilege to be able to share in your thoughts and feelings of your days at the sanctuary
THank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I so love seeing not only the ones I used to be a caregiver to, but all of the 7 out in the open field. To hell with a bigger cage, they now have a bigger life.