You’ve probably read about Negra and her desire to avoid any of the drama that may be occurring in the group. She typically observes from a distance and usually only gets involved if there is extended arguing at which point she will often give a loud, definitive pant hoot indicating that it’s time to knock it off. And it usually works.
Arguing isn’t the only drama she prefers to observe from a distance. Before dinner all the of the chimps appeared to be dozing in their nests (even the boss!) so I meandered up to close the door to Young’s Hill. All went smoothly and I was feeling pretty pleased with myself when I noticed Jody and Burrito sitting at the closed doorway with their hair standing on end (pilo-erect). Given that these two don’t typically get upset when the door is closed I knew it could only mean one thing; someone was still on Young’s Hill.
I scanned the hill and found Foxie and Troll sitting all by themselves at the very top of the hill on Carlene’s Tower. So of course, I apologized to everyone and immediately opened the door. Den mother Jody immediately led the group out to collect Foxie (and probably tell her exactly what I had done). Not only did they collect her, but they ushered her all the way back inside, making sure she was inside safe and sound with her family. It was really a touching thing to witness.
Meanwhile, as all this excitement was going on out on Young’s Hill, Negra was quietly supervising from the top of the greenhouse, under the comfort of her rainbow blanket:
Foxie safely escorted back into the greenhouse with the rest of the chimps behind her, all was well again as indicated by Negra’s drooped lip:
And for anyone who may be worried, we always require two people to count the chimps once Young’s Hill has been closed for the evening just to ensure no one could possibly get locked out overnight. 🙂
Julie says
I love to read about how they care for each other like family,including the squabbles! No one left behind :-).
Amy M says
In the first photo it looks like Negra is thinking, “Oh geez — those kids.” lol
Jo says
Wonderful!! Thank you so much! Love the adventures and examples of how much of a family they are and you all are ~ I’m family too, just on a spiritual level! Hugs and love to all!
Katelyn says
Hi Jo, Thank you for being part of our chimp family! It’s beautiful to see the amazing community of love and support that surrounds these chimps (and humans!).
Sharon says
love hearing about the drama,and adventures and closeness,of these chimps. Do all the caretakers live on the premises with the chimps?
Katelyn says
Hi Sharon, Two of us live on site. 🙂
Kathleen says
What a story! Mostly I find it amazing how everyone, including you Katelyn, are all so in sync with each other. Jody and Burrito worried knowing Foxie was still out on Young’s Hill and you being able to read their body language and know what was up. And Negra, knowing when to relax. : ) That last photo of the “Soon to be Birthday Girl” just might be my new favorite of her.
Katelyn says
I often think about that, Kathleen. It’s wonderful to be able to hear someone make a noise while I’m in the kitchen and know who it is, to know what someone wants to be served first, that they want the red pepper, not the yellow, that someone is still in the playroom even though you can’t see them because someone else is looking that way or holding the door, that someone just ran back through the door because they forgot their doll or blanket, all of which enables us to care for them on a deeper level. They are all such unique and incredibly individual beings and they are communicating with us all the time, just as loudly and clearly as if they were speaking English. I believe this to be true of all our fellow animals. I’m grateful we are all in a position to listen. 🙂
Elaine Reininger says
What a heartwarming story. It’s so amazing how they experience all the same emotions humans do–, care and concern for their family members and friends I am also truly amazed how you caregivers know all the signs and signals that something is wrong. The 2-person check is also commendable. I didn’t know there were people who actually lived there, so that was enlightening too. And my favorite photos are always those with the blankets draped over head an shoulders so I’d say this was one of my favorite posts of late. Thanks Katelyn for starting my day off with a smile.
Francoise says
What a lovely truly heartwarming tear-inducing story. Thank you Katelyn!
Barbara says
What beautiful photos of Queen Negra. The last one is stunning and so full of her personality.
These chimps bring me so much joy. Thank you for all you do for them.