These photos of Annie really stood out to me as I was going through the photos taken of the chimpanzees from today. There is something about Annie’s utter relaxation that shines through. I mean, granted, I’m a sucker for watching the chimps resting and sleeping; I don’t know many people who wouldn’t be. But what really gets me, is the thought of them in their cages before they arrived at the sanctuary and the fact that most of them probably never got the chance to lie down and rest like you see in the photos below. There were no blankets or fresh air or even the space to be able to stretch out while they were in the labs. It’s truly heartbreaking to think about what it means to not have the space, both physically and mentally, to rest and truly relax.
For everything these chimps have been through, they deserve a place they feel safe and secure in, a place where they can lie down and close their eyes, relax and just be.
Annie enjoying a quiet moment in the Greenhouse this afternoon.
This is just night and day from the fear and stress you could see in their eyes when they arrived at the sanctuary.
The post “Sky above, earth below” is so moving, thanks for linking me back to it again. And these photos of dear Annie— comfortable, safe, and surrounded by fresh air and the natural beauty of young’s Hill — connects us to the importance of sanctuary. How did they ever survive life in medical labs? How can they now be trusting and forgiving? It is astounding. Thank you CSNW for providing Annie (and all the chimps) with the little joys in life like the comfort to relax and be yourself ….. and to make Annie Bird sounds.
So peaceful now, thanks to you all.
Beautiful! A big thank you to the caregivers and all those that are helping the chimps to have a good life. You are truly special! How I wish all of the earth’s creatures could live in peace and safety.