Sometimes it’s hard not to look at the chimpanzees through our sorrow. We’ve spoken often here on the blog about what each of the chimpanzees have lost and endured. The ghosts of themselves they were when they first arrived. For me while Jamie’s “before sanctuary” photo is one of the most difficult to look at, I have always thought that her indomitable spirit can still clearly be seen in her eyes. Despite all she had been through, her strength and completeness was still there. But I sometimes think that in our intent to be compassionate, we must be cautious not to risk doing the chimpanzees a great disservice by seeing them only through the sometimes tragic circumstances of their lives.
There is no doubt that with each passing day in sanctuary we are able to see the chimpanzees becoming more and more their chimpanzee selves. As their stress, fear and anxieties fade into the background, their personalities are materializing in front of our eyes. Something I am learning to do more and more is not to hold each of the chimps to behaviors I have come to expect. I want to hold the space for them to grow and change in their own time and space. Provided with choices, an enriching environment, and a healthy, loving home, every day they show us another facet of themselves. And earlier this week Jamie gave us a perfect example of what sanctuary makes possible.
Typically the chimpanzees’ evening routine involves dinner being served at 4:30 while the playroom is closed for evening spot cleaning. We put out additional blankets for nesting and a food puzzle for evening enrichment. We then return access to the playroom so the chimps can enjoy their enrichment while Young’s Hill is closed off for the evening. The chimpanzees know the routine and normally and are more than ready to come in and start building their nests for the night. Usually by the time we leave, the chimps are in bed and if we’re lucky, offering nest grunts to us as we say goodnight and leave for the day at 5:30.
But a couple of nights ago, Jamie had other plans. It was a beautiful summer evening and she made it very clear that she was not ready for the door to Young’s Hill to be closed. And so it wasn’t. All the other chimpanzees were enjoying their evening enrichment and preparing their nests. But Jamie decided we should walk. And so we did. Caregiver Lisa and I took turns walking the perimeter of the hill with her again and again. At 8:00 J.B. and Diana (on their day off) came up to relieve us and wait for Jamie to decide she was ready to come in for the night. Occasionally, a few of the other chimps would get up to see what was happening or step onto the hill. Annie eventually built a nest in the greenhouse seemingly wanting to wait for Jamie to come in. Jamie finally decided she was ready for bed at 9:15.
While some people may not appreciate staying after work I think I speak for us all when I say I cannot think of anything that makes me feel as happy and privileged to do than to be able to provide the chimpanzees these choices. After all, isn’t that what sanctuary is all about? Loving them means respecting them and listening to them as the already complete individuals, with their own purposes, that they are.
In the well known words of naturalist Henry Beston, “For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth.”
Nancy Lewis says
What a kind and heartfelt post. Kind of made me teary but in a good way. I just finished watching a video of Watoto and WPZ pace her tiny little circles in the indoor enclosure with nothing for stimulation and all alone. That made me teary but not in a good way. So it is so nice to remember that here are some captive animals that are given the chance to make their own choices and be with their own kind.
Kathleen says
I can’t believe Jamie stayed on the Hill until 9:15. If this becomes a habit you’ll have to hire a night-shift staff.
This post was very touching on so many levels and I marvel at all you do for these 7 lucky creatures. I wonder what Jamie thinks of her 6 years of new found freedom? I can only assume one inches into it slowly and carefully (unless you are Missy) but what a sense of satisfaction after realizing you actually have freedoms.
“What is genius but the power of expressing a new individuality?” ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Jackie says
Beautiful! What wonderful kind people!
Vicki Jarratt says
Jamie’s theme song should be “I Did It My Way”. Such a beautiful story. A special thanks to all the works who make their lives better and even though I wish all the Chimps would live their lives totally “FREE” this is the next best option. Thank you and her’s a HOOT to all the workers and chimps!
Blessings to all!
Wanda Trotta says
It’s so kind and throughtful that you are willing to stay that long so that Jamie can feel as though she has some control. She’s smart enough to realize that things are so much better there but also her intelligence can be a two edged sword. She knows too that she is still in captivity. So, experiences like this I’m sure are extremely important to her and the others.
Your dedication is more wonderful than any words can express. Hopefully one day sanctuaries won’t be necessary. But for these 7 their good fortune having all of you caring for and about them is so special as you are.
rita stevenson says
With every new day, it is one day further away from the pasts! I’ve had to learn to focus on their present, and their futures, its been a difficult process doing so, even from afar! Considering, I’ve never met ANY of them. I feel for them all, They did NOT sign up for Any of this, Even though, they are in an amazing Sanctuary, and they are treated with such reverence and respect, kindness and gentility, Jamie, Negra, Jody, Burrito, Missy, Annie, Foxie, I’m sure they ALL are MOST aware of a life beyond their Young’s, Hill,..
Jamie with her daily patrols, obviously is AWARE of life, humans, other species, and the dangers they all pose, When one of them sends out alert calls, they all venture out and walk in single files, as they would of in the wild, Watching them from behind it (via on Videos) I see wild chimps in semi captivity,
we can never give them back what they’ve each one been robbed of, but,
I KNOW I do MY part when I donate, support, send care packages, etc,
I know. I’m CONTRIBUTING to their nutritional needs, their social needs, Enrichments and toys for their mental stimulation.. their personal comforts and joy, are very important to me . Blankets are necessary for nest building, Caregivers often speak of the nests they photograph and video, it s so evident viewing them take such great pleasure, fun, joy, and PERSONAL time, whilst nest building, and then RELAXING, and Sleeping, and or resting, or joust laying there reading a mag, or cuddling a troll , a Dora or a Boot or eating a treat or two. that they snuck in, I’m just so relieved,, they all are SAFE now and living, thriving playing, climbing, and doing things that they never did before, since Young’s Hill, they ALL have truly come in to their own beings, They all are such unique, well adjusted , chimps living a very healthy life. A life with a dynamic they each developed and created, as a group and as individuals! I praise all the staff for doing all they do, to keep these chimps healthy and happy,
Karen Young says
A great, great blog! Jamie is so lucky to have choices like this one!