Last night there was a commotion on the hill. We didn’t see what happened, but there was a lot of screaming and Negra ran to the greenhouse to seek reassurance from the other chimpanzees. Was it a fight? Did Negra get stung by an insect? Did she touch the electric fence?
This morning, as I was getting ready to let the chimps out onto the hill, I wondered if Negra would choose to stay indoors where she felt safe. But before I could unlock the door, Negra was there, waiting. She was the first out the door, and she stayed out long after the other chimps had gone back inside. She looked so at ease, eating grass and soaking up the sun.
When it came time for her to get up and head back to the building, something happened – she panicked. I imagine that she didn’t realize how far it was back to the greenhouse, sort of like what happens when you climb a tall ladder and don’t experience fear until you look down and realize how high up you are. This is probably what happened to her last night as well.
She ran down the log bridge, trying to get back to the greenhouse as fast as she could (which, for Negra, is not very fast).
She showed a slight fear grimace…
…which turned into a pout or whimper face.
Being Negra, she managed to grab some dandelion greens along the way without breaking stride.
The panic was short-lived, thankfully, and within minutes she was back in the same spot, enjoying some more grass.
We never really know what the chimps are thinking, but it’s clear to me that Negra is determined to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s just going to take a while before she can truly relax. Each of the chimps does things in their own time, and in their own way.
Amy M says
This is thrilling, just thrilling! What a huge step for Neggie!
Linda (So. California) says
You go Neggie!! You took your fear and uneasiness, smacked it right upside the head and had a handful of lovely dandelions just for good measure!!
That’s our girl!!
Carrie says
I love this. If only we all had such strength to chip away at our fears and phobias. What a determined and brave lady.
Jody M says
I look forward to each and every post to see what is happening next! The chimps have become part of my family!
Marcia Douthwaite says
Me, too, Jody. I look forward to the latest news, photos and videos. They are so endearing, and I’m so pleased Negra is finding her courage to go outdoors and enjoy it. A story with a wonderful ending. Thank you.
Denice says
I have never seen Negra move so fast heading back to the security of the greenhouse. I felt bad for her as I don’t think she knew how far she had roamed from the greenhouse. After returning to the greenhouse to gather herself she ventured out again and again. How brave of her. How many of us would gather enough courage to try it again so soon after a frightful venture? I would have gathered my blankets and taken a much deserved rest.
leslie sodaro says
when you open yourself up to new things and challenges, new horizons will appear and you move forward. these beings were kept from all of that by humans. now one by one in their own unique order, they are all standing up see their new horizons. i know all the caregiving staff at CSNW watches and cheers for their chimpsters as they would any well loved members of their family.
Sequana says
This is really so interesting. Lately a swimmer friend of mine talked about swimming out beyond a sign that warned to go no further and had no idea how much further past it he had gone until he turned. I know exactly what must have happened to Negra – good for her to keep trying again and again; particularly to stop to eat. 🙂
Beth says
I wonder if it’s some sort of Post Traumatic Stress. I can imagine they have memories of all the events it their lives, and perhaps they pop into their minds at different moments, causing anxiety.
Glad you’re taking good care of her.
lynn says
yay Neggie! what a brave chica 🙂
Amy G. says
I am so proud of Neggie. I have been feeling so bad that she hasn’t been venturing outside. To see her conquering her fears many times over makes me so happy. I just love her : )
Naomi says
Negra is so brave! She’s an inspiration to not give up, even when it gets scary out there.
Sara Lissabet, Fairfax says
After three years of not leaving the greenhouse, I’m sure this is Negra’s challenge year out in the open on the Hill.
It’s nice to see that she’s at a point where a handful of dandelions has a calming effect and is enough to take her attention away from whatever frightened her. 🙂
Rita Stevenson says
I suppose we’ll never know what goes on thier heads. As for Negra, I feel so bad when she feels fear. I read her bio, she certainly has had it very bad. But when I read of just how well she is otherwise doing, it gives me JOY for her. Perhaps Im a softy when it comes to their pasts. However, CSNW truly is giving them such safety,care,and such one on one, even though they are in a group. Anything Negra,or anything,that gives Negra comfort and joy,makes me so happy for her. I just wish I lived locally, I would definately, volunteer and give them as much of my time and energy. All of you that do volunteer or work there are so lucky,, so instead, I give what I can , when I can to support the chimps.I wish I could give more,
Rita Stevenson says
I like to r eread Negras posts, Her progress means so much to us too. Although, we just view and read posts, we all still feel as part of the chimps support/family. They dont know us and they have no idea all that is done for them ,. BUt, they certainly do KNOW that life at the sanctuary is splendid, and that there is two kinds of people, those who do NOT treat chimps with care and respect, and those who LOVE chimps,serve chimps,RESPECT chimps and thos ewho PROVIDE for them. I like to think I am one who helps to support them. I just finshed packing and stuffijng all I can in two medium to large boxs of STUFF, for Negra,,(primarily) a belated b-day gift and the rest for Jody.. and of course ALL is shared equally, ,, I am always thinking CHimps,chimps,chimps,chimps. no matter what, when Im out and about,SHOPPING,browsing,window shopping etc, I alsways am on the lookout or hunt for chimp delights, FLEECE blnkts, and whatever else I know they use and will enjoy, so, I will send the two boxes this week ,,,