As many of you probably already know, Negra hasn’t been going out on Young’s Hill much since last fall. Obviously, we cannot ever truly get inside of the chimps’ heads, and I’m sure Negra’s lack of interest in the hill is due to many different factors. I imagine 35 years in a small laboratory cage would make 2 acres seem extremely intimidating (it is intimidating!) plus we know she isn’t much of a fan of cold weather, so lately she has preferred to hang out in front of the chimp-proof glass windows in the Playroom with a blanket over her head (who can blame her when it’s that cold really?). But with the warmer weather and the vibrant fresh grass, she’s found just enough motivation to get herself out there, even if just for a minute.
Negra in her transfer cage en route to CSNW in 2008:
Negra today:
Gorgeous! That just brought tears to my eyes. 🙂 Yay, Negra!!!
Go Neggie! I love it! 🙂
Good for her! That grass looks so fresh and crunchy. 🙂 I’m glad that she at least has the choice to go out or not. Maybe some chimps are just homebodies.
I admit to wondering myself what she and the others have gone through and how it has affected them mentally. I can’t imagine what a drastic change this is for them. They might’ve thought it wasn’t real at first.
Again, thank you for caring for them.
All of the chimps are incredibly brave; I think Negra maybe most of all. It’s awesome to see the change (for the good) in all of them. Thank you!
Such a transformation. She can do it in her own time as she wishes and what a wonderful thing that is for her and all of the chimps. Thank you, Jackie.
The first picture of Negra in her transfer cage makes me so mad, my blood pressure just goes through the roof. Then as I scroll down and see her with the sun on her back and green grass beneath her feet and a mouth full of fresh grass my heart soars with happiness. Thank you to all who have made this possible for Negra and rest of
the Cle Elum 7.
All I can say is……….<3!
Brighter eyes, fuller hair, and hands (and mouth) clutching grass instead of bars…it’s hard to believe it’s coming up on four years for the chimps, but after a lifetime in a cage, I can imagine it would take awhile for some to change. I think it’s awesome that she has a choice — and the freedom to make it — on how and where to spend her time. And I would imagine that, as the temps get warmer with summer, we might just see Negra spending more time on the hill!
I had tears too…thank-you for this Jackie! She is beautiful!
Catching up on the blog and this made my day. Bless her sweet heart. I just love Neggie.