Certain things about chimps are beyond our ability to measure, but I have no doubt that they share with us a sense of awe and wonder. Primatologists in the field have written about chimps going out of their way to stop and enjoy a sunset. We see the same thing when the chimps climb to the top of Young’s Hill and stare out at the valley below.
Jamie:
Missy:
Other times we see them stop and stare up at the sky. It could be something as simple as a bird flying by or the clouds passing overhead, but it often seems like something more profound, like an effort to take in the vastness of their new world.
Burrito:
Missy:
It’s in these moments that I have to remind myself where they came from, and to try to imagine what it must be like to still be discovering the most basic things about the world at nearly 40 years old.
Amy M says
Gorgeous post, JB.
Patti says
Oh, I love every one of those pictures! Thanks for making me tear up at work!
Carrie says
Amazing post. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos and insight.
Melanie says
I LOVE the photo of Burrito
Chris says
Very thoughtful post J.B. You are so right and yes to remind all of us, where they came from….They were locked up for so long that just the simple pleasure of looking up at the sky or feeling grass under their feet, breathing fresh air, is a whole, new, wonderful, experience for them.
We are so grateful to all of you that they can now do those things and so much more! 🙂
The photos say it all!
Benjamin Pavsner says
I think it’s the most heartwarming, amazing thing that the CE 7 can do this.
Nancy Gunst says
they make me smile every single day. You all are so AWESOME, to care and share with us these wonderful chimps. Thank You.
Ivy Yardley says
I agree with Chris’s post. Well said. Love all the photo’s, and especially the one of Burrito – awesome capture JB. Nice post.
J.B. says
I can’t take credit for the Burrito photo…I’m not certain who took it, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me. It is a great photo – you can see how that big brow ridge comes in handy to keep the sun out of his eyes.
Ivy Yardley says
Credit or not credit it’s an amazing capture of Burrito. He does have a very large brow ridge. You just look at his eyes and you can see just how happy and content he looks, and feels. I am just so happy they have such an amazing life now.
Annie Norris says
J.B. – I always appreciate your perceptive posts. Always mindful and educational. Great photo’s too, especially adore the one of Burrito.
WandaTrotta says
One must wonder just what they are thinking.
Kelly says
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I think my favorite is Burrito! ????
rita stevenson says
Lovely pics,, if Chimp Heaven is anything like CSNW ,, then Heaven Can Wait,..
I recall viewing the very first video of the chimps arrival, one of the caregivers was talking to Negra ever so softl,y and gently, , telling Negra how pretty her face is, Negra listened intently and she was very calm,, as she looked out the window, the staff asked Nagra , what do you think of the view, Negra was smitten with the soft, gentle treatment, and the view, It was obvious she was so soothed by a sweet, gentle, kind voice and the view, years later she is still smitten, by the beauty of it all,, Cle Elum is so beautiful, ,, the chimps have it made.