One of the biggest lessons I have learned about taking care of chimpanzees in a sanctuary setting is that there is no “one size fits all” approach to care. There are, however, very important things that we can offer as caregivers and sanctuary managers, and they include a knowledge of chimpanzees as a species, lots of different options, encouragement, patience, and a willingness to treat the chimpanzees as the individuals who they are.
We learn what they need and want by getting to know who they are, and they continue to surprise us by growing into their more autonomous lives at the sanctuary in different ways; ways we never would have predicted.
I see the job of the humans as facilitators of the chimpanzees’ own discoveries into what makes them most happy and satisfied. We then observe and learn, delighting in the witnessing of the chimps’ discoveries, and that feeds into the next choices that we present. It’s like an infinite loop of happiness. And you are part of it too. When I think about it, many, perhaps even most, of the blog posts that we share with you are about this process.
I’ve talked to several people in the last couple of months who say things like, “The sanctuary’s blog posts are the highlight of my day. They make me so happy!” That, in turn, makes me happy, creating another loop.
It’s a very special experience to share the lives of these chimpanzees with you, and learning about the impact it has on your lives makes it infinitely more special.
This is what I was thinking about when I was out walking with Jamie and Missy this morning and I saw that Burrito had come outside to join them. Today, he was carrying a small orange scrub brush in his mouth.
I was thinking about how it wasn’t that long ago that having Burrito join in a walk around the hill was a new experience for all of us, but now it’s a regular occurrence.
I was thinking about J.B. telling me last night that Burrito got his attention in the middle of the day yesterday to do a perimeter walk – just the guys! – with boss Jamie remaining in the chimp house.
All of this is not to paint a portrait of everyone happy all of the time, of course. All of us, Burrito included, have our moments of sadness, anxiety, anger, etc., but these infinite loops of happiness are always running in the background of our lives, and that makes the not-so-great moments dull and fade maybe just a little bit quicker.
I’m another person who finds your posts to be one of the best parts of my day. There is so much darkness and injustice in the world today, but reading your blog, seeing the marvelous photos and connecting with the precious chimps just makes everything better! Thank you SO SO much for everything you do. Love to all, chimps and humans. <3 <3 <3
My thoughts exactly. I look forward to reading this blog every day for the same reasons you cited. Moreover, it is heartening to learn that Burrito had the foresight to bring along his orange scrub brush, just in case a need arises…
I too look forward to your posts. The photos and videos of these special beings warm the heart. Love and blessings to the chimps and all the great people that care for them.
Ditto to what Donna said as she voiced it so much better than I could. 🙂 They and all of you at the Sanctuary are very special indeed and we are all so very thank-ful for what you have provided these chimpanzees and continue to do so every- single- day!
Very thoughtful post, Diana…Thank-you so much!
what fun! especially at 1:10 and 1:54! A great way to start my Friday!
You’re making me crrrry! I just LOVE seeing Jody with SO MANY GIFTS that she can barely walk!!! That is just hilarious!
Thanks so much for this. What a great idea to put the gifts on the trees. Your wonderfulness never ceases to amaze.
What DO you put in their smoothies?? :o)
It goes without saying, your blog posts feed my soul every single day. The loop continues and spins thanks to your amazing ability to connect with all of us. Reading about, viewing your amazing photos, being viewers of your amazing videos, keeps the infinity loop going. I remember when dear Burrito would not venture out onto Young’s Hill at all. Look how far he has come! Burrito now has his very groovy “Burrito Hop” when roaming the Hill. I am so proud of him, to go out on his own with J.B. and patrol his home is a big courageous step. I admire this guy so much, and I love more than I could imagine.
Thank you Burrito for bringing me hope and laughter when I need it. Right now I am so deeply worried about my friends and my old home of Santa Barbara, CA. Times seem so dark right now and your courage gives me hope. You also make me laugh and I need a good laugh right about now so thanks! You have taught me to never give up.
Yes! 1:10 killed me. And 1:30 too.