Foxie was born and raised in a biomedical research facility. Before arriving at the sanctuary she had never experienced grass underfoot or sky over head. She was completely unfamiliar with wind, rain, snow or sun. She grew up unaccustomed to blankets to nest with, enrichment to play with, or the every day challenges her free-living counterparts face which engage their intelligent minds and active bodies. Living as a biomedical research subject, Foxie’s every day challenges were survival based on an entirely different level. What was going to happen each day? Where was she going to be taken? What was going to be done to her? What was going to be taken from her?
Of course, this isn’t just Foxie’s story, but the story of every chimpanzee in biomedical research. As you may be able to imagine, once here in their sanctuary home each of the chimpanzees responded differently to all the options they found suddenly available to them. But it took Foxie awhile to warm up to the idea of investigating all the new enrichment and activities on offer. Like each of the chimpanzees, over six years later it remains an area she continues to make progress in in her own time and way. And given her former life, this isn’t surprising. Changes probably brought about fear and uncertainty and new things probably weren’t to be trusted. When your whole world exists primarily in a cage not much bigger than a bathroom stall the world outside of that, no matter how wonderful, could easily feel overwhelming and terrifying at times.
Knowing this, I couldn’t possibly have more admiration for the courage the chimpanzees display as they push past their own private fears. I remember the first day I found Foxie exploring Young’s Hill all by herself. I had gone out to visit the chimpanzees and found everyone in the greenhouse, relaxing. Everyone except Foxie. When I went to look for her, I was surprised to see her half way up Young’s Hill, with one of her troll dolls on her back, walking hand over hand, foot over foot, into the grass. She stopped briefly to look at me and nod and then carried on her way. It’s hard to express the variety of emotions I had for her in that moment, but it will always be one of my most treasured.
It’s increasingly common these days to find Foxie exploring new territory, particularly Young’s Hill, on her own. She still remains very cautious of the climbing structures and typically avoids the structures that swing or move. But not long ago, I spotted her headed up the hill with a look of purpose. With green haired troll in tow, Foxie was going exploring:
And explore she did. Here she set her “baby” down just long enough to test the structure out by shaking things:
Then she took a minute to confer with the troll:
Biting is a good way to test the sturdiness of things:
Apparently happy with the results, she decided to enjoy her perch for a few moments. But look at that expression of determination:
Foxie went on to climb and investigate more of Young’s Hill that day than I have seen her do before. It was a side of her I hadn’t seen before and one I felt so privileged to witness. But so much more than that, was the joy and gratitude I felt for whatever had healed in her enough that allowed her desire to explore to outweigh her fear. And to feel safe being that much more herself.
Katelyn — Gorgeous post!!
Wow! That was so beautiful and heart warming. Thank you, Katelyn.
Katelyn, your Wednesday posts are treasures too!
Yes, fabulous post!
We could all learn a thing or two about concurring our fears from Foxie. You just need to push forward each and every day.
Tears…thanks for sharing ….
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Katelyn, thank you for telling this touching and promising story about Foxie. I often view the video of the first day all the chimps were released onto Young’s Hill. It always brings tears to my eyes, mostly because I cannot begin to imagine how fearful that experience must have been. Beautiful, wonderful, but fearful too. I am certain I am not half as brave or resilient as these seven chimps. They astonish me.
The best part about Foxie’s adventures is that she isn’t “alone”, she has her trolls and Dora’s to keep her safe.
She is my hero. With everything that has been done to her, she still has so much courage. Bless her and
all who make her days happy and secure.
She was the first chimp we supported. She will always have a special place in our hearts. We are so proud of her! I wish all humans could face their fears with the same determination. Foxie’s attitude could be a lesson to us all. Way to go, Foxie!
As usual, another portrait, both written and photographic, that lets me know the chimps better and see what progress they have all made. Knowing, too, how much the staff and volunteers care for these girls and guy assure me the world is safer for having them it in. No wonder the chimps feel courageous–they’re finally “working with a net” (network?) that allows them to explore, grow, and move on. Thank you all.
Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
Foxie, and her adoption and relationships to her toll dolls, was the primary reason for her becoming my first “favorite” of the Cle Elum 7. It warms my heart to hear about her continued accomplishments (for all of them, actually.) Thank you for such a gratifying post to end my day 🙂
Bless her….. after the hell she live through. ..
Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to follow our blog and most importantly, for being a part of the chimpanzees’ lives. The growth, healing, joy and adventures that each of the chimps experience (and that we get to share with you) is a direct result of your compassion and support and we are so grateful to you.