Despite all they’ve been through,
or perhaps because of it,
these seven chimpanzees have become a family.
After decades of isolation
and prolonged periods of fear and uncertainty,
they have found someone to love,
someone to trust,
someone to comfort them in times of need.
If we see ourselves in them,
then perhaps it’s time we accept
that they are our family, too.
Denise says
This may be my favorite…
Nancy says
What a wonderful post!!!????
Barbara says
It makes me sad and happy at the same time. I am so glad they are out of their cages and learning to have a family.
Roberta Herman says
There’s nothing quite as endearing- as two chimpanzees exchanging hugs. <3
Dalyce says
The best post yet … I love it! Warms my heart to see them doing so well thanks to all of you!
June says
Amazing and touching photos
Julie says
My favorite post!!
Cheryl Snover says
Oh my word, this post runs so deep I could not stop the tears from falling. These sweet tortured chimpanzees have finally found what matters most in life. That is family, friendship, love and forgiveness. Like our little rescue dog Reba. She took about 6 months to realize she was no longer going to be beat and starved. She became the center of our family. She loves unconditionally. So sweet of you you post these incredibly moving and heart warming pictures. God bless all of us.
Lynn says
But of course we are family 🙂
Kathleen says
SO very touching. This made my day.
Jeani Goodrich says
Oh J.B. What a wonderful post. It brought tears to my eyes to see how loving these beautiful beings are. Yes we are family and it feels good to know that. Thank you J. B.
Sue Mulcahy says
Our son, J.B., Scholar, Primatarian,
Master Craftsman, Musician and now Poet.
So proud of you!
Lynn says
He is a very special human.
Pauline says
Just love this sequence of photos it’s so lovely to see them happy with each other They probably got more in their life and some humans have .. thanks to all the good care they get ..
Donna Oleksiuk says
A wonderful, heartwarming post, as always. Amazing, intimate photos that display so clearly the depth of connection between these precious beings. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing an environment where they can experience friendship, love, and connection among themselves.
Mary Watt says
Indeed we are all family. Wishing all humans can learn from these beautiful beings and dissolve our human made differences.
Francoise says
Indeed, Mary. They can teach humans so much, if only we could truly see.
Kathleen Klueh says
I Have always thought chimps, elephants, tigers etc. have so many “human” characteristics. The chimps are feeling the same as a “human” would feel if we went thru what they have gone thru. All animals including “human animals” have shown so much compassion towards each other. I have seen so many pictures of chimps giving each other loving hugs, same as humans. People need to see the small cages chimps were living in. This is why I find it so hard to understand and except the treatment people give to these beautiful animals. They need to understand the pain and hear the crying baby Elle’s make when they are pulled away from their mothers. They need to see a tiger actually cry because of the treatment they are receiving. People need to see the small cages chimps were kept in and realize the emotions chimps feel when kept as lab chimps. I have a picture of my two grandkids with their arms around each other, looking into the camera. I actually have a picture of two chimps posing in the same way, arms around each other, looking into the camera, just like my grandkids. So much love chimps have to give. Humans please see this.