Negra is the oldest of the sanctuary residents. We celebrate her birthday on the same day the chimpanzees all arrived at the sanctuary (June 13th). However, we will never really know her true date of birth because she was captured as an infant from the wild in the early 1970s. Negra savors her life in sanctuary the way some older humans enjoy their retirement. She eats only her favorite foods, takes lots of long naps and maybe, just maybe, is a tad on the bossy side. Once you know her, it’s simply impossible not to love the Queen of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
Beautiful Neggie!
I want to say that last one is so serene, she looks contemplative….but the realistic side of me says it was early morning, and she wasn’t totally awake yet!
Beautiful Negra…When I look into her eyes, it’s almost as if I can see that she has retained the memory of being taken away from her mother and of course those long, terrible, years in the labs. It’s heartbreaking to even think about.
I will be forever grateful to you all at the Sanctuary for making her elder years, very comfortable with lots of good food, exercise, fresh air and sunshine, companionship, all the naps she wants, etc. etc. but most of all Love…
What a tale is told in those eyes…. wonderful post, Thank you.. all!
All Hail the QUEEN!!! <3
I am so happy she is free to be whatever she wants especially as a senior citizen.
She certainly does deserve that as they all do. I love it when their “own”
personalities can shine through. Thanks so much for giving them the opportunity.
Barbara
And love her I do, deeply and dearly. What tales she could tell…….
I heartily concur with all of the previous comments posted here. I absolutely adore and revere Lady Negra. And, as the photographs in yesterday’s blog post demonstrate, Neggie makes good use of her opposable toes in being able to hold on to bananas.
Fantastic Negra I love the cheeky way she hides under the blankets. Waiting for her favourite food to be presented at breakfast. So adorable ? Xx
I love the way Neggie claps to get your attention and then holds her hand out for food or the night bag. It is so cute.
” Queen ” is right…Neggie, (with that contemplative look of hers) like her fascinating roomies, deserve every creature comfort that can be provided…They seem to me to be incredibly content, & clean & healthy…
I have a tremendous amount of love & compassion for the Cle Elum Seven & all who care & ca
oops…(darn “submit” button hiding my words) “gets” me confused on occasion…(old age???) HaHa…What I was attempting to express was…”& ALL those who love & care for these gorgeous & innocent Chimpanzees…They simply fascinate & delight me day after day after day…Love you all…
That button gets me, too, although it’s helped that they moved it down a bit!