Negra is not normally a “greet the morning with gusto” kind of a person. Like myself, she is more of a, “can I please have just 10 (make that 20) more minutes of quiet before getting out of bed” kind of a person.
In the summer months, she changes her morning routine, though. Often before the humans arrive in the morning, Negra drags herself out of the nest she’s slept in on the catwalk or the loft of the playroom, and makes a new nest on top of the tall structure in the greenhouse.
For some reason, most of the other chimps remain in the building, which allows Negra to have some glorious peace and quiet and alone time before the ruckus of the day begins.
This morning, she even had a little snack leftover from the night enrichment the previous evening.
Being able to witness moments like this is what makes my heart burst out of my chest for the love I have for Negra and the gratefulness I feel for everyone who shares this love.
Maybe we could just have 10 more minutes?
Dalyce Kowalski says
Just love this post – oh Negra, you do pull at the heart strings …
Diana says
She really does. I’m glad she pulls at your heat strings too.
Kathleen says
Reading your post and seeing these photos of Negra makes my heart burst out of my chest too. I am grateful to all of you at CSNW for giving her a safe, sunny place to sneak off to on summer mornings. She looks so sweet under that lavender blanket enjoying her pinecone. Oh Negra……Sigh……..
Diana says
I do think that lavender / purple is her color.
Elaine Reininger says
Very touching photos. It makes me ever so thankful that I stumbled upon your site and got to learn about all you wonderful caregivers and chimps. It’s the first thing I do every morning, go to my computer and get my daily CHIMP fix.
Diana says
I love hearing that you have this routine!
Althea says
Such endearing and captivating moments of lovely Negra in chosen solitude and peace. She is home. I love you beautiful Negra. Thank you Diana for capturing precious moments like these and sharing them.
Diana says
Thank you for living her, Althea!
Bonnie Stevens says
They eat Pine cones???- I’m surprised. She’s so adorable.
Diana says
These pinecones had peanut butter in them. ????
Carla René says
Just please post more of her famous food-squeaking! So far, she’s got the best skillz I’ve seen. 🙂 I’ve worn out her 42nd birthday video already.