Jamie and Negra are similar in many ways. Jamie, the youngest female at the sanctuary, is the undisputed leader. She rules through a combination of well-considered political strategy and fierce determination.
Negra, the eldest chimpanzee at the sanctuary, is the grandma of the group, but she’s the grandma you don’t mess with.
Jamie and Negra never hesitate to keep their caregivers in line. Both have little patience for (what they consider) incompetence, and they will speak up if someone’s behavior does not live up to their standards. There is something a little demoralizing about displeasing one of them.
The decades Jamie and Negra spent in research labs, being used and abused by humans, could easily have killed their spirits. Many lab chimps give in and give up, and you can’t blame them. We’re so happy that Jamie and Negra have enough fight left in them to keep us on our toes.
A great tribute to two wonderful, resilient chimpanzees! Thanks!
Every single day, this blog gives me wonderful insight. Thank you.
I love hearing about their personalities – two different, but beautiful, souls!
Oh to be a fighter like these two amazing ladies. Better yet, oh to be able to clap your hands and/or demand what you want and at long last, after all these years, you are finally heard and you receive what you want and need. Now that’s Sanctuary. This is really such a meaningful post, thanks Elizabeth for showing us another reason to love Jamie and Negra (as if we need a reason right?!).
So wonderful to hear Jamie and Negra tell the staff to “Shape up or Ship out”. What great gals. Love to the great personalities. Special shout out to my chimp pal Negra. ??????