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!
This made me cry. You’re right, some things are priceless, and even though it
may be a small number of Chimps, to me, these Seven are also living on in relative
luxury and peacefulness for so many others that were not so fortunate.
No matter how many, they all deserve to be happy, everyone does.
CeeCee, you are so right!
Love this!
Yes, you’re right. Over the years I have watched Negra and her pals grow more secure. Who would have thought Negra would go out to Young’s Hill or even climb a structure. I have a before and after picture of Negra. The change is unbelievable, and its changing for the positive everyday. It’s wonderful to watch the Queen and fellow chimps transform. I’m so happy and thankful that you will be bringing more chimps in so that they can also experience the positive change to their lives.
There is never ever a moment of doubt that you do superior work and you do it with perfection! BRAVO to you all and love and hugs too…
Like CeeCee, this post made me cry, it’s all in the photos. I understand the question and I am often asked something along the same lines. Perhaps if everyone followed your incredible blog for just one week, they too would totally understand. For me, just seeing these seven photos of Negra alone gives me all the information I need to understand why countless resources are needed to keep CSNW alive and growing. Thanks to your blog, I know Negra’s backstory. I remember when Negra wouldn’t leave the security of inside in the sanctuary walls. I understand what it means to see Negra leave to comfort and security of her cozy safe nest inside the sanctuary building and venture out onto Young’s Hill. I am blown away by the courage Negra possessed to overcome everything to do this and the courage she mastered to climb the structure so she could sit next to her friend Annie. And I also know that it was extremely difficult for Annie to get to this point too. Annie needed time, patience, and resources just like Negra did, to get to this stage in her life too. The chimps needed all of us, and all of the resources available to us, so they could at long last be chimps for the first time in their lives. Seems basic, but it is not.
Look at Negra! Out on Young’s Hill, climbing! Her choice! And her reward is siting next to her beautiful friend and family member Annie. Together, soaking in the sun and their companionship. How can we ever place a price on that? Priceless doesn’t begin to explain it. It is their right and together we owe them “hope, love, home, sanctuary” for the rest of their lives no matter what the cost.
These photos are so precious, thank you for sharing them. These two girls are a source of inspiration to me every day. I am so grateful Negra and Annie (and all the chimps) are a part of my life.
And I thank Negra and her six beautiful friends for the priceless gift of sharing their journey with me. I look at their gorgeous faces and feel blessed to be part of their lives through this blog. I learn so much about them and their history and I know in my heart they understand how safe and loved they are.
Neil Armstrong said it best when he stepped on the moon, “One small step for man, one giant step for mankind”. Caring for the seven is a step, one that will lead to a giant step towards caring for more Chimps. Just think of how sad it would have been if no one took the first step to rescue these seven Chimps. You guys did and for me and Don, it has been a beautiful and meaningful experience to play a small part in this incredible journey.
A truly moving answer to a question I never even thought to ponder. Like Cee Cee I found my eyes filling with up as I read the answer. I pray for the day more laboratory chimps are brought here to enjoy the life that was stolen from them. Diana, thanks for a moving post.
We owe these beautiful souls for their many years a in research lab. I am looking forward to even more chimps to love. Thank you for all you do for our precious ones.
Today’s blog, and all of the precedent comments, state what I think and feel far better than I can express it in words. WhaEvery day that any of these magnificent seven get to have life and get to live it in abundance is priceless.
The photographs which accompany the text display the beauty and dignity of Negra and Annie.