Freedom is a tough concept. You recognize it more by it’s absence than it’s presence, and it’s easier to describe when comparing one situation with another. Yet most people agree that freedom is one of the most important aspects of life for individuals and for groups.
It’s clear that the chimpanzees lacked even the basic freedoms when they were in the laboratory. And it’s clear that the sanctuary has provided them with immense freedoms, like the freedom to chose how and when you want your day to end, like Katelyn wrote about Jamie on the blog yesterday.
One of the things that really struck me about Monday, when Jamie decided to extend the day, was the choice that Annie made to stay in the greenhouse. While all of the other chimpanzees (minus Jamie, of course) were inside the building in their nests, Annie decided to camp out. She didn’t seem the least bit concerned about what Jamie was doing, she was just making her own decision.
This morning, as volunteers Denice and Sandra were finishing the daily cleaning of the front rooms, I grabbed the camera and headed to the greenhouse. Though it was windy, I was expecting to find several chimpanzees out there. Instead, I found just Annie. And this is how I found her:
Just like the other night, she was perfectly relaxed, nesting comfortably, with no one else around.
I think each day the chimpanzees are discovering more and more of the freedoms afforded by a life in sanctuary. It’s such a beautiful experience to be able to both witness and share this process.
It’s especially poignant with Annie, because she was so anxious when she first arrived at the sanctuary. Her confidence just seems to keep growing and growing.
Tomorrow we will have a party for the chimps in celebration of the United States’ Independence Day, but, just like everyday, we will also be celebrating the independence of seven chimpanzees and welcoming, as each day passes, their discoveries of what freedom in a sanctuary means to them.
Beautiful pictures of Annie! She looks so peaceful and contented.
she is happy and we are happy for her. You guys amaze me as much as the chimps do. You guys have dedicated so much and thank you. These 7 are all special and I love them all. Just like I love the 7 at chimps Inc. I hope you guys do an a volunteer thing where I can come for a few days every two months and help out. I can do a lot. Please think hard about it. I will follow all your rules and support you guys 100% while I am there.
Hey Nicki – we so appreciate your desire to help out! We’ll let you know if we change our volunteer program at some point. 🙂
What a sweet face.
Beautiful…
I am simply totally and hopelessly in love with Annie. Bless her and her slowly developing confidence. Thank you for this post and for loving Annie . . . and all of the chimps.
Thank you so much Diana for the great pictures of Annie!! ? I am so glad that she and the other 6 are finally able to experience the freedom that we as humans cherish so much! To bad those that use and abuse the Great Apes can’t realize how freedom is for every living creature and not just mankind.
Happy 4th and I hope everyone has a grand time at the party! 😉
You’re so welcome! Thanks for being a part of their freedom!
Words can’t describe how beautiful Annie is.
Diana — Spectacular post
Thanks, Amy!
Sweetest pictures.
Dreamboat Annie… 🙂
Question: In the months when the weather is warm, is the Greenhouse always available for the chimps to sleep in? Is Annie sleeping here a new thing, not just for Annie, but the chimps in general? Seems like it might become Annie’s new “bedroom”. How nice she is comfortable and brave enough to do something independently. And how odd that both Jamie and Annie took bold, adventurous steps on the same day! (I love the first photo.)
Kathleen,
Yes – the greenhouse is open all summer long. The only other chimp that I’ve seen nesting in the greenhouse “after hours” is Jamie, so it’s definitely a new thing for Annie to be doing this. I’ve seen Jamie out there as late as 8:30, though I believe she goes inside when it gets dark. Even in the summers, the temperature drops here overnight. I suspect that the building just seems more secure to all of the chimps when they are sleeping. Thanks for your good questions and wanting to learn more!
Thank you Diana. I think it is cute Jamie comes in from the greenhouse when it gets dark. Knowing your summer nights can cool down I now see why everyone isn’t sleeping out in the greenhouse. The chimps never cease to amaze me.