Humans, like chimpanzees, are very visually oriented. I think one of the most powerful ways we can show people how important sanctuary is, is by showing the “before and after” comparisons.
After decades in research, the chimps looked like ghosts of themselves. For some of them, coming to CSNW was the first time they’d ever been outside and felt fresh air and sunshine.
In just a few months, we saw dramatic changes in their appearance. Their hair and skin darkened and they began to look (and I imagine, feel) much more healthy. As our sixth anniversary approaches (next week!) I like to look back and see how far they’ve come in six years of sanctuary.
Yesterday’s post of Burrito looking especially handsome reminded me of that same spot we took many of the “before” photos in. There’s a window right by that bench, so for their first few days here, they would sit and look out the window at the surroundings of their new home. I can’t imagine what they must have been thinking—the fear of the unknown. We know that now they have nothing to be afraid of, and everything to look forward to.
I love showing people those first photos of the chimps compared to them now out on Young’s Hill, surrounded by beautiful grass, with the sun on their backs and the view of the valley below. This time, however, I want to show a more direct comparison—the chimps sitting in the same exact spot as they did the first couple days they were here. Most if not all of the “after” photos have been posted before on the blog, but I thought it’d be nice to see them all together.
Annie before:
Annie now:
Burrito before:
Burrito now:
Foxie before:
Foxie now:
Jamie before:
Jamie now:
Jody before:
Jody now:
Negra before:
Negra now:
We haven’t gotten a portrait of Missy in the same spot as the others, perhaps because she is always on the move. 🙂
I love these guys so much. They all look so much happier and healthier now!
The big difference besides their physical appearance is the smile on Foxie and Jamie is their smiling but they don’t have they twinkle in their eyes like they do now.
I think the no after portrait of Missy because she is out and about and hopefully running amuck is really the most perfect after portrait for a chimpanzee that had faced so many years in a small cage.
Love the peanut shells on Negra’s tummy!
What a difference! I love the beautiful faces!
These pictures brought tears to my eyes . . . good tears. It’s wonderful to see these beautiful chimps thriving now. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing and taking care of these cousins of ours.
i just want to give a special thank you to all of you at the sanctuary and care and love these precious creatures. I AM BEYOND GRATEFUL!!! and the time that y’all (from wisconsin hee-hee) take to put this most amazing website together and keep us all involved and “in the know” is IMMEASURABLE.
again, to all of you who care for these wonderful, wonderful, SPECIAL creatures – i salute you.
It’s interesting too that in all the “now” pictures everyone is looking at the camera with twinkles and what feels like comfort in their eyes. In the “before” pictures, their gazes are averted and their eyes seem to be holding so many questions?, fears?…..so much has changed and it’s all been so good.
Great observation, Cindy!
The sparkle in the eyes of the now pictures tell how much better things are for these lovely chimpanzees. Thank you all who care for and donate to provide sanctuary for these chimps.
It’s in their eyes. In all the “before” photos each chimp has a 5-mile stare, an emptiness in their eyes. Their eyes even look almost cloudy. In the “after” photos, the eyes of each chimp sparkle and express who lies within. It has been such a joy watching them blossom.
Oscar Wild once said: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most just exist.” Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Negra, and Missy are finally living! Thank you everyone at CSNW.
Friday the 13th is a very lucky day.
Kathleen, what a wonderful quote and how true! Thanks for sharing!
They look so different. I can see hope and contentment in their eyes.
Thank you for all the amazing work being done for these beautiful chimps. I’m so sorry for the pain we’ve caused them. It is life affirming to see their improvement!
Why are all of the pictures taken in cages? Are they free to come and go?
Hi Julie,
The chimps have several spacious indoor areas in addition their outdoor habitat (Young’s Hill). They all came from biomedical laboratories, where they had to live in cages that were just 15 square feet. Though their enclosures are technically still cages, they are much larger and roomier (1800 square feet, plus vertical space in each room as well). Check out this video for a virtual tour to get more of an idea of what the chimp house looks like: https://chimpsnw.org/2013/09/virtual-tour-of-the-chimp-house/
If we could have our wish, it would be that no chimpanzee had to live in captivity—they belong in the forests of Africa. Sadly, humans have abused and tested on chimpanzees so we feel it is our responsibility to give them the best life possible now.
I’ve seen these photos a hundred times and each time brings such emotion…if the expression “the eyes are the windows to the soul” nothing proves this more profoundly than these photos! They are both haunting and beautiful and so important for you to keep posting them, for all the world to see.
My gratitude again and again to you all for the chimps amazing physical and emotional recovery. This transformation is stunning!
….. they looks so much healthier and their hair / fur is so much fuller now….