The other day someone asked me what I thought about all of the resources (time, staff, funds) that go into caring for a relatively small number of chimpanzees. It wasn’t a hostile or accusatory question at all, just one of curiosity.
Part of my answer in the moment was that we are working hard towards bringing more chimpanzees to the sanctuary. We are REALLY excited to expand in order to provide more chimpanzees with a home at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
But there’s also what we’ve seen in the last decade caring for the seven chimpanzees.
I was thinking about that question again this morning as I took this photo of Negra:
and then some more as I watched Negra walk out onto Young’s Hill and climb a structure to sit next to Annie in the sun:
Some things really are priceless. I could never put a value on the last ten and a half years of Negra’s life. Every moment has been invaluable for her, for her six friends, and for all of the humans who have gotten to know the chimpanzees in person and through this blog.
I’m filled with gratitude that so many people care about Negra and her friends and have given their time and money towards each priceless moment.
Negra thanks you!
