In my home I have a wall where I’ve hung each of the chimpanzees portraits. I chose photos that reminded me of each of their personalities. But I look at those photos now and they almost seem like different people. It seems that the chimpanzees are changing and growing by leaps and bounds each day. Sometimes it’s big differences like Negra venturing so far out onto the hill that we lost sight of her for a couple of hours this morning.
And sometimes it seemingly smaller things like finding Jamie covered up in her usual morning nest while we clean the playroom but with the huge difference of having (and keeping!) her eyes closed, sound asleep. Jamie is typically always on alert, even while “resting” and in the past typically kept her eyes open, keeping track of what was happening around her. From my perspective, it would seem that Jamie is finally feeling safe and comfortable enough to let down her guard long enough to rest peacefully, if only for a brief time.
And there is Annie who no longer rocks anxiously in the doorway to Young’s Hill, waiting for Missy to return to the safety of the greenhouse. Now she is fast on the heels of Missy wherever she goes on the hill and can even be found foraging on her own.
And much to my surprise and delight, Jody engaged in a brief game of tug-o-war with me this afternoon and then turned around and presented her back to me for a knuckle rub. Again, this may seem small but in all the time I have been at the sanctuary I have not seen Jody play like this. I cannot tell you how happy this makes all of us. Not because we want or need them to change of course, but because it seems the natural result of their healing. And I cannot wait to look at my wall by the end of this summer, this year, and beyond and see who’s there.
Mary C Otterness says
This is all so wonderful! And it makes be so happy for the chimps as well as you at the sanctuary!
Amy M says
Gorgeous post, Katelyn. We all celebrate with you!
Sara Lissabet says
What a wonderful story! I am overjoyed to hear that in year 2 of Young’s Hill (or is it year 3? Time always flies…) the chimps are finally feeling secure – but most of all trust – in their new environment and with their care providers. Gone are the days of pain, gone are the days of torture, freedom and good food and fun parties are theirs now for good.
Yay CSNW!!!
Humphrey says
Excellent post! Hope is a wonderful thing.
Ivy M. Yardley says
Well spoken, and heartfelt story. I am so happy for Negra. Happy for all the chimps. With all the love and care they all receive from you, they will become more trusting, and confident. Great photos. Thanks for taking excellent care of the CE7, and giving them all the love, and then some. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Wanda Trotta says
The 7 have become such ahappy group and all thanks to your dedication!