This morning I opened the door to Young’s Hill and 6 chimpanzees poured out onto the hill to investigate any changes that might have happened overnight in their 2 acre outdoor enclosure. Moments after opening the door, Negra surprised me by venturing out as well. I expected her to stop and maybe eat a little Autumn grass before going back inside, but instead she continued further out onto the hill and climbed a structure where she could overlook the valley below the sanctuary. Negra is mainly motivated by food and comfortable beds, and she seems to go outdoors primarily to forage, so I was pretty excited for her to feel secure enough to go out on the hill, just to get some sunshine and enjoy the view.
After taking a few photos, I left her to clean the playroom. Twenty minutes later, I peaked out the window and saw that she was still there, with the same dreamy look in her eyes! Elizabeth took a few more photos.
When Negra is outside, the other chimps get pretty excited about it too. Today, Missy and Jamie surrounded her for some grooming.
I look forward to every post about Foxie and the gang at the Sanctuary. I understand I will probably never see these chimps and recently realized that is the best gift I can give them – not to gawk at them to feed my own curiosity. This is their time to heal. So much gratitude for the humans at the Sanctuary for their devotion. Every kindness reverberates and you guys rock. Thank you on behalf of silent sentients everywhere.
Lori, you express a lovely sentiment and have looked at it in a different way than I, and maybe others, too, I don’t know. But you shouldn’t use the word “gawk” … when I think of that it calls to mind drivers slowing down to gawk at a car accident. Your observation or watching the chimpanzees would be love and admiration and compassion. Very different indeed. Cheers.
So excited for everyone! What a glorious day it was.
Seeing Negra out in the sun is such a beautiful sight. I am delighted she stayed out for so long, sweet girl. The last photo is best, everyone together grooming. Lucky Negra to be part of this wonderful family of seven.
Hope you all are enjoying these last warm sunny days like Negra!
What a great pic of friends!