Foxie may be tiny (it’s even one of our terms of endearment for her), but her courageous and adventurous spirit are limitless. And while it may take her awhile to warm up to new things, once she makes up her mind to do something, she does it.
If you’ve been following the chimps for awhile you’ve probably seen Foxie and her dolls scaling the highest points on the structures of Young’s Hill and even bravely (and nerve-wrackingly) traversing the slippery metal roof of one. But the one structure we humans haven’t seen her conquer yet, despite numerous attempts, is the Twister. She approaches it with determination and cautiously climbs part way up and every time we watch with bated breath wondering, “Is today the day she’s going to the top?!” But then as she gazes up at the very top to the crow’s nest, she decides she’s not quite ready and climbs back down, moving on to other adventures. Today, that changed.
Jody and Foxie headed up the hill with what appeared to be a sense of determination. Foxie was the first to start climbing the Twister and paused at her usual stopping point.
And then in a flash Jody headed past Foxie all the way up to the top of the Twister which seemed to bolster Foxie’s confidence.
And then it began. Foxie taking slow, cautious steps higher and higher toward her friend, Jody, who was waiting at the top. I could barely contain my excitement for Foxie (as those on the other end of the radio can attest to with my frequent shouts and squeals). I kept expecting her to turn back at any moment, but she kept going.
Once she reached the crow’s nest she found a spot to sit, hanging on precariously and appearing a little uneasy. By this time, Jody had descended the other side and was sitting on a nearby log below watching Foxie. I thought Foxie might decide that was high enough for one day.
Nope! All the way to the top of the crow’s nest!! I raised my arms in the air cheering for her and giving her a head nod which she returned along with a playful thump of approval.
This. Face!!
Foxie spent a couple minutes from her new view point and then began trying to figure out how to get back down. First she attempted to go over the side:
Then reassessed the situation and went back through the crow’s nest:
Her leg would swing around as she precariously attempted to find footing she felt comfortable with, but then she steadily made her way back down:
Yeah, Fox!
While Jody was waiting for Foxie she picked herself a quick pine tree snack and then rushed over to meet Foxie at the bottom of the Twister:
And in classic Jody style, she escorted her brave friend all the way back to the greenhouse, continually stopping along the way to reassure Foxie and make sure was following her, like the good friend she is:
I realize some of you might be thinking, “Yeesh, she’s a chimp! That’s what chimps are supposed to do! What’s all the hullabaloo?!” But when you consider the very small world in which Foxie, and all the chimps, lived for so long and that every ounce of their courage was needed just to get through each day, to get through the most unimaginable of losses, it’s nothing short of miraculous to see the healing and leaps of bravery that continue to occur almost ten years later. And it makes your heart burst right out of your chest seeing all their innate courage finally getting to be used to expand and enrich their world, their hearts and their spirits in whichever way is meaningful to them.
woo-hoo! *\0/* YAY FOXIE!!! My greyhounds and I just had a cookie parade (roo’ing up & down the hallway w/dog biscuits) in your honor! This is our favorite way to celebrate. YAY YOU! xo
Oh Katelyn, what a wonderful post and thank you so much for all the excellent photos!! I was step by step with you on the adventure and what a proud chimp and caregiver moment to witness ~ you must have felt very special indeed!! It just makes me so joyous to see how much the chimps grow with the nurture and care and love that you and we all give them! BRAVO!! Hugs and love to you all……
Katelyn! The instant I saw Foxie in the header image on top of the Twister I let out a yelpish gasp recognizing the importance of this photo. All the way up to the very tippy top! Your post had me holding my breath as I took every single step up to the top with Foxie. Every — single — steady — careful — BRAVE! — breath holding — amazing — courageous — step and I felt as if I was standing at your side watching it in real time.
My heart bursts for Foxie, this is incredible. After ten years in sanctuary each chimp has successfully taken on challenges that show their indomitable spirits. I am always touched beyond belief when I see their worlds expanding. Can’t imagine how proud you all must feel. Your love, understanding and compassion makes this happen and I send you my deepest most sincere thanks.
GO FOXIE!
Katelyn, like others here, I felt like I participated in Foxie’s adventure, thanks to your narrativ and pictures! Thank you.
Yes, it really is touching how the chimps are engaging in behaviors that were never going to be part of a normal life for them. Lucky CE 7 !
Great post! Thanks! 🙂
What a wonderful, heartwarming post. Foxie was very brave, and I’m sure it helped to have her loyal friend Jody for moral support.
I am in awe of her courage. I am in awe of everything these chimps accomplish. I was reading this blog and felt as if I was there with you watching her take this huge step and I was holding my breath. Way to go Foxie. Im so emotional right now I’m having a challenge finding words for all I’m feeling. They continue to overcome adversity step by step with love, caring, and friends. The best. 💕😘
How great that you were able to capture this amazing moment. You caretakers must have your attention and cameras at the ready 24/7. Thanks for sharing this with all of us fans. I would never have known about your sanctuary if it wasn’t for something that came to me on the computer about Foxie.
She holds a special place in my heart for that reason.
What a wonderful post. I am a scaredy cat in many situations myself, so I really identify with Foxie. What courage she showed. Amazing to see how each day the chimps continue to grow, emotionally and psychologically. It shows what a wonderful nurturing environment you have created for them. Thank you SO SO much for your tender love and care. Love to all the chimps and carers from Vancouver, B.C.
Yeah Foxie, you’ve done what I could never do. Brave you!
I agree!! It’s magical when snacks fall from the sky!!!!! TY for this wonderful and adorable post, J. B. Hugs and love to you all…..
Wow, she is braver then I am. I understand her not wanting to go to the top. I don’t like heights. Way to go Foxie !!!!!!
Wow!! Way to go Foxie…. with each tiny step she took, on her own was so, so brave, of Foxie. My heart is crying Juan now, with what you’ve been through and all your breakthroughs. Well done care givers, it’s a simple mame, for all that you do, care. Wow!!! 💖
crying !!!
What a wonderful post of Foxie overcoming her fears and finding her inner strength and resolve to climb all the way to the top. I felt like I was with her every step of the way. Thanks for your daily posts documenting how the chimps continue to blossom and achieve their full potential— with the help of some very special human caregivers (and their many, many fans!). Including me, from Victoria, BC.
Oh what an amazing post Katelyn. Thank you for the great pictures and play by play. Go Foxie!!!
This is such a sweet & tender story that it brought tears to my eyes…My fondest wish for these MAGNIFICENT, intelligent Chimpanzees is that they KNOW they are now safe & secure, & will never be hurt & betrayed by humans ever again…Bless you, all at “CSN”…I so long to be a part of your loving “Family”…