As our regular blog readers know, Jamie is the boss around here, but Negra is the Queen. Though Negra isn’t more dominant in the hierarchy than Jamie, she’s respected as the eldest. Jamie often starts conflicts when she sees something she wants (a very manipulative tactic in chimp politics) but Negra has the authority to end a conflict by pant-hooting and stomping loudly.
I think it’s really amazing that these chimps have dynamics like this, a natural sort of chaos so to speak. Chimps are very political and relationships can sometimes be “complicated.” In sanctuary, they get to have this natural social order that they couldn’t have had in a lab, where they were basically just ghosts of themselves. Sanctuary allows them to be themselves—to be chimpanzees. I’m reminded of that everyday, and it makes me so proud of this sanctuary and of all the staff that work tirelessly to bring the Cle Elum Seven the best life they deserve. I have this feeling every time I see the chimps out on the hill. You’d think after a year and a half, we’d be used to it—but no, the feeling of pride and happiness in seeing these ex-lab chimps get to walk on two acres and sit in the sunshine never gets old.
Recently J.B. wrote an entry about Jamie’s transformation. I can’t imagine “The Boss” ever living in a cage the size of a coat closet, with no social organization to uphold and nothing to keep her mind constantly busy. Now she gets to walk around Young’s Hill everyday, multiple times a day, and get to wear cowgirl boots if she wants because that’s her choice.
Awhile back I wrote this one about Negra and nesting. It’s so awesome that Negra gets to be the Queen of CSNW, where she can make the choice to lounge in a big nest full of blankets if she wants to, or walk outside and sit in her cabin.
I love the way we get a bit of education w these posts. Negra looks so naturally at home in HER cabin. Csnw staff really know their chimps!!
Diana, I look at pics of Negra and I recall something you wrote,, Who knew Negra was even alive 5yrs ago, or who even cared about Negra. whereas today,5yrs later, the whole world knows and loves Negra,
Her progress is exceptional, her life is so good, Negra thrives, Negra is loved, Negra knows she is a Queen with her loyal subjects serving her
As I’ve said earlier, the Queen and the Prime Minister. And their people love them…
How do Chimpanzees determine the age of other chimpanzees?
Diana, great question. With Negra, I assume they can just tell that she is older because she sort of acts her age – she lives life at a slower pace than the other chimps 🙂
I don’t think there are enough words to express how much the 7 have changed since they have now a life rather than an existence. It gives one what when my kids were little was a “warm fuzzy” to be able to share the wonders they have been discovering ever since the sanctuary opened. You won’t ever find it ordinary, Debbie, because each moment they have now is so extraordinary and you guys are the ones who are responsible. God will certainly keep this in Debbie, JB, Sarah’s, your staff and volunteer’s records “up there”:)!