Someone working on a school project asked me recently about my favorite part of working with chimpanzees. There are certainly endless rewards, and I could write a novel about them all. But I think the most rewarding thing in the world is being a part of helping the Cle Elum Seven get better. They’re stronger, healthier, more robust, and more confident (by far!) than they were when they arrived here almost 5 years ago. Though everyone has changed, I think Negra’s changes really touch us all. Just looking into her eyes, and knowing her stories (like spending a full year in total isolation at the notorious and now defunct Coulston Foundation)… Well, I will just let the pictures speak to that volume of emotion.
Everyone who reads this blog and helps us spread the word is a part of helping Negra make this incredible transformation. Thank you!
Here is Negra in a lab cage:
And here she is on Young’s Hill:
What a difference a few years, a bunch of choices, good food, and people who love you can make.
My beautiful Negra, you are precious to sooooo many, glad your finally home !!
Thank you to everyone there for giving the chimps a new life. It always brings tears to my eyes to see the transformation. I am horrified by the thoughts of what The Seven (and other animals in labs) experience when they are living in these horrid conditions, but then I am filled with such joy when I see them safe, happy, healthy and able to be with other chimps, if they choose.
Darling Negra,
May your every wish and those of the Lovelies come true. You are a treasure.
Sarah — Before and after shots are always among my faves!
Proof positive that Negra and the other wonderful chimps are well taken care of and very much loved. I look forward to seeing Negra trust more and come out of her shell. She looks so good in her after shot. Nice photo.
What a transformation! “Love conquers all”
Negra certainly has made remarkable changes..
Healing is a wonderful thing,, Negra certainly does feel at home adn that she is safe,secure,well fed,well cared for,loved,and protected .. I really like how Negra is able to just enjoy the views from all the window perches, and if thats all she wants to is look at the view , Negra knows sh eis able to do just that,That in itself is so VERY enriching adn empowering to all the chimps,,Freedom to choose and to have that choice,, has given all these chimps such joy,and PEACE OF MIND.. and inner peace, they all revel in it ,, Negra thrives and heals day by day,,finaly her life is worth living,
I think it’s great ALL the CE7 look better and are having better lives over the past 5 years. It’s nice that the Queen can enjoy her life now.
It’s always heartbreaking for me to look into their eyes in the before photos but just as heart healing to see how absolutely beautiful they look now….and we owe it all to you at the Sanctuary for providing such a wonderful, healthy, happy and healing environment for the Cle Elum 7! I am so grateful for all you do and continue to do for these amazing 7 chimpanzees and for all the others that are not yet in sanctuary, where they so rightfully belong…after all they have suffered through! Thank-you again and again!
Chris & Dave
Amen Sarah! And please do write a book 🙂
Beautiful Girl…thanks for reminder!
Negra was dead behind the eyes. So great to see her thriving!