Last night as the chimps were all curled into their nests for the night, I stood watching the last of the summer sun setting over the sanctuary. My heart beats a little faster during these moments, already pining for the passing beauty of one season, while leaping about in anticipation of the beauty to come.
After eight years in sanctuary, it’s been amazing to observe the chimpanzees beginning to make clear connections between the seasonal changes and favorite things to come. For example, the moment that the snow melted last winter they began running to the windows in anticipation to check their garden each day, seemingly hoping it would sprout up overnight.
As we welcomed the first day of autumn this morning, I found dear, sweet Annie sitting in front of the barn doors, enjoying the late morning sun and gazing out over the remainder of the chimps’ garden, seemingly lost in thought. I hope it was all the good thoughts:
Annie sat like this for several moments and at one point the breeze picked up and she just closed her eyes, letting it blow through her hair. And yes, my heart just melted:
Even Ellie, our wild and sassy neighborhood elk, was dozing in the breeze:
We’ve written about it before, but Annie is a different person after eight years in her sanctuary home than when she arrived. Having gone through many seasons of her own, it’s actually more probable that there is finally safe space for her true self to emerge, more at ease with the world around her, serene and comfortable in her own skin and able to hold hope and joy for what each day and season brings:
Happy autumn everyone (or spring, as the hemispheric case may be)!
Thanks for writing such a beautiful post. I can feel their peacefulness.
That story and those pictures just took my breath away. Absolutely beautiful. The photos of her are incredible. Thank you so very much for this post. I am profoundly grateful to you for giving these precious beings love, care, and happiness. The stories and photos always touch me very deeply.
I can only imagine what they are thinking and feeling. Thanks for such a beautiful post. It brought tears to my eyes.
This brought tears to my eyes too. Especially the photos of Annie enjoying the breeze with her eyes closed. Oh dear, it is so beautiful to see her like that. We all enjoy sitting in a warm sunny spot with a lovely breeze blowing against our skin but for Annie, coming from a past of dark dank windowless tight small spaces, this must be paradise. A poetic post that reminds us that it’s often the little everyday pleasures that matter the most. Thank you.
Beautifully said. I fully agree . Annie with her eyes closed enjoying the breeze looking so at peace.
I love Annie & all the chimps…. Great post Kathleen.
I was very touched by this post as well, and, as always, by Annie.
The chimps are especially fortunate to have you as a spokesperson.
If your eyes are a reflection of the soul, Annie has a beautiful one. Let go your cares with the Autumn wind and watch as they fly away. Your home and heart are safe now Annie my dear.
Couldn’t agree more, Cheryl. All of you have said everything that I could want to say upon seeing this stunning post. I don’t know what to do! Every time there is a post that moves me, that I say this is the best!, there is another one that exceeds it. I guess it shows how the chimps’ lives improve with every day, as does their peace of mind. Annie is so gorgeous!
Dear beautiful Annie <3 she is so beautiful both inside and out. Thank you for the lovely photos. I did love the photos of Annie with her eyes closed especially looking at her crossed feet. Such a sweetheart.
What a fabulous post. I just love, love, love the picture of Annie with her eyes closed, enjoying the breeze. That picture really does say it all … Thank you all so much for taking such good care of these amazing 7.
Breathtakingly beautiful post with photos that just take your breath away! Thanks for this gift! We are so happy for Annie. She looks great and is finally home!
A picture is worth a thousand words. Thank you sharing. I pray that Annie finally feels “safe” in her surroundings that she can be all she wants to be.
beautiful post!
Two beautiful beings, Annie and Katelyn. May all beings have peace and contentment.
Katelyn, as usual so well written. I felt a sense of peace as I was reading your post. I hope Annie was feeling peaceful while she closed her eyes to enjoy the breeze. I love Annie & know she’s well taken care of and loved at the sanctuary.
It’s amazing how you captured these beautiful pictures ….thank you Katelyn.
Beautiful photos of very content chimps. You have done a remarkable job of providing a wonderful retirement for them. Now NIH needs to find more places for the remaining 1500! I hope the sanctuaries are like yours!!!!!