In chimpanzees, personality and dominance often go hand in hand. The alphas aren’t always the biggest and strongest individuals; they’re often in charge because they want to be in charge. (Despite some of the benefits conferred, not everyone is interested in running for president.)
At CSNW, Annie is the lowest in the hierarchy. She also happens to be a little anxious. It’s impossible to know whether she’s anxious because she’s the lowest in the hierarchy, or whether she’s the lowest in the hierarchy because she’s an anxious individual. (The truth is probably some combination of those options.) Despite being the lowest in the hierarchy, Annie doesn’t have it too bad. She has to wait her turn at meals, and she defers to the more dominant chimps in passing. But she also gets away with a fair amount of sass – probably because the more dominant chimps aren’t threatened by her. She can take food straight out of Negra’s hands – assuming it’s not something Negra cared too much about – and she always lets the other chimps know when they’ve wronged her. As the years go by, we see less and less anxiety and more and more peace and contentment in her eyes.
It amazes me that, after having all her babies taken from her and physically abused in hepatitis research, she is as stable as she is. Her ability to heal from all that trauma only proves how capable these creatures are to move forward once they are given a more normal and loving environment.
Annie has the most beautiful face and eyes.
Not to diminish the suffering of so many chimps in research, Beagles too have been and continue to be abused in research because of their sweet nature. The dogs rescued from these labs are loving and so apreciative of their adopted families. We MUST continue to fight to free all animals from research labs as it is unnecessary in this day.
Please email [email protected] Thanks, Francoise
In my eyes, Annie is perhaps one of the most beautiful chimpanzees. Such a lovely face! I have been reflecting back on a post made earlier this week called “Country Chimps”.(https://chimpsnw.org/2017/04/country-chimps/) After giggling over the cow encounter I couldn’t stop thinking about Annie’s reaction — or should I say lack of a reaction. I kept thinking about the days when Annie was too fearful to venture out on the hill, even if Missy was out there exploring. In that post, Annie was a true Country Girl out on the hill, exploring, enjoying her grass, and going about her business unfazed! I was so proud of her in that moment and I was amazed at how much she had blossomed. Touched me deeply.
She might be the lowest in the Hierarchy,
but with that face, she might be the most beautiful !!
Beautiful beautiful Annie. As an anxious person myself, she has a special spot in my heart. I know how hard it is to do certain things that others find much easier. I’m grateful she has some “sass” and let’s others know when they’ve wronged her. That takes a lot of courage! And with her lovely face, it’s impossible not to love her as well as admire her. I send her lots and lots of love and wishes for her continued growth and happiness. Thank you for taking such good care of her, CSNW !!
She is a beautiful chimp, as I’ve commented b4! I was a very shy child, so I can relate to her feelings (probably) and she is growing into herself with your careful guidance and love ~ I love them so much and my heart goes out to them and I’m sure they can feel it.Thank you for the posts and all you do for them! Hugs and love to you all!
Annie is a beautiful, loving chimp. I also let others go ahead of me in lunch lines as a child, afraid of confrontation. She may be the lowest in the hierarchy, but I can see that feisty look in those eyes and I’m sure many times she uses that feistiness to get her point across. Love you Annie. ????????