Negra is the grandma of the Cle Elum Seven.
She is not the kind of grandma who bakes you cookies, but the kind who tells you to get your life together and grumbles about those kids on her lawn. Negra knows exactly who she is and what she likes. She is stuck in her ways. She appreciates comfort and routine and predictability (and peanuts and lettuce). She is highly suspicious of change. She will not tolerate your shenanigans.
Negra chooses to spend about 80% of her time in a big, soft nest in the same spot on the playroom catwalk, in front of a window that looks out over the valley. The playroom is warm and dry and safe, and Negra sees little reason to leave it.
But for a few short months out of the year, the conditions in the greenhouse are so perfect that even Negra can’t resist. She ventures out early in the morning to enjoy the warm sun and gentle breezes, and that’s usually where we find her when we arrive at the sanctuary to start the day. Soon enough the weather will change again and Negra will be back in her nest inside, buried under piles of blankets. But while it lasts, we’re thrilled to see Negra get out and see what the world has to offer.
Jackie says
Love the beautiful face!!
Denice says
I do love this woman. I of course would like to have more interaction with her but what ever she is comfortable with I will take with a smile and feel privileged to get that.
Dalyce Kowalski says
How wonderful she now has a warm, safe, dry, comfy place to spend her days.
Kathleen says
After all Negra has been through in her lifetime, I can see why she finds great comfort in the warm, dry, and safe place of the playroom. She deserves this much. Thank you for offering Negra comfort and routine and predictability (and peanuts and lettuce and cozy nests!). Sanctuary is so many things, big and small. (I just love Negra.)
Jeani Goodrich says
Negra you are such a wonderful lady. I still remember the first time I got a head nod from her. My heart swelled. It definitely is one of my best moments, TBT or not. I can certainly see why Diana first fell in love with Negra. It is so fun to see her changes over the years at CSNW.
cleve hicks says
Negra’s nest sure sounds cozy! Nice description of this chimpanzee being, Elizabeth.