Jamie spent over twenty years in barren laboratory cages with nothing to do. These days, she is almost never idle…when she’s not playing with her chimpanzee friends or patrolling her two-acre enclosure, she invents projects for herself with the dozens of enrichment items set out for her each day.
DIANE KASTEL says
MY GOD, WHAT AN INTELLIGENT CREATURE! I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH HER CHOICES IN THE SANDBOX, AND HER USE OF 3 DIFFERENT UTENSILS TO FILL THE CONTAINER, INCLUDING HER DECIDING TO USE HER HAND!
SHE REALLY IS THINKING AND CONTEMPLATING! WHAT A WONDERFUL ENRICHMENT IDEA! I WOULD BE INTERESTED TO KNOW IF SHE SPILLED ALL THE SAND OUT AND STARTED ALL OVER?
GREAT VIDEO!
Nancy says
Jamie’s experience is a metaphor for parts of my life…perhaps others can identify- even if I did not spend 20 years confined in a cement cage. I think this is one reason we humans can identify so thoroughly and thereby love these chimps who are no longer suffering. What a privilege to share their recovery!
DIANE KASTEL says
I watched Jamie’s sand box video again, and I stand corrected: she used 4 utensils, not 3, to fill or work with the sand: the blue goblet, some kind of white stirrer, her hand, and a toothbrush!
Jo says
So intelligent!! I worked with children for many years and her behavior is so similar to a young child. I’m so grateful and happy she has a good life now and thank you for making that possible ~ hugs and love to you all!
Kathleen says
Jamie is my Rock Star, She makes me laugh, she makes me cry, she is so amazing to watch. Who is smarter than Jamie?! Just look at her, sifting and moving sand. Thinking all the time. It is impossible to imagine she never had the opportunity or the freedom to “think” before her life at CSNW. How did someone so intelligent ever survive before sanctuary?! Thank you for giving Jamie choices and challenges. You enrich Jamie’s life every day. So beautiful!
Arlene and Michael says
Everyone said it so well before me but I can add that I love these pictures and videos. I love being able to go to the blog and see what is happening with these wonderful beings. I wish one of my cable channels was dedicated to CSNW. I would love having breakfast, lunch and dinner tuning in to watch the Magnificent Seven!
Pauline says
Thanks for showing Jamie. How on earth did she survive in a sterile cage for years?