Looking back at our past snake videos, there is a reason you don’t see Negra involved in any of the action of eradication. She wants nothing to do with it. This morning I think she spotted something in the grass on Young’s Hill that resembled a snake, because she started alarm calling and retreating back towards the greenhouse. Negra is pretty socially savvy, and she knows just who to seek help and reassurance from.
She first headed towards Jody to let her know she was distressed. Here she is fear grimacing (not a happy smile for chimpanzees).
She found shelter on a log where she could keep off the ground and continued to whimper and alarm call.
Luckily she has a friend like Jody to do some snake investigation for her.
And she has Foxie on hand for emotional support:
Excitement over, it was back to the greenhouse where she could watch the activity from the safety of her nest.
Given what Negra has been through in her life, the photograph of her laying down in her greenhouse loft speaks volumes: even in a sanctuary, there are causes of distress. As an evolutionary response, chimpanzees cannot stop to make a distinction between an innocuous garter snake and a viper. As such, I am glad that Negra has such good friends among her troop who can attend to her anxieties.
BFs a great thing to have.
Oh Negra, my beautiful girl…… Thank goodness Jody and Foxie were there to comfort and help her. But I have to admit, Jody looks none too pleased peeking into Negra’s Tent to investigate for snake action. Nice to see Negra safe in her nest.