I spent some time watching Negra this morning.
I had just opened the hydraulic door that allows the chimpanzees to access Young’s Hill, so the seven chimps were all free to forage and roam across their spacious outdoor habitat for the rest of the day. Neggie, of course, had other plans.
The Queen, pictured above, was lounging on the upper level of the Greenhouse- the optimal location for a morning nap. As she basked on her side in the summer breeze, her lackadaisical bliss reminded me of a sea lion hauled out on a busy fishing pier, unconcerned with the activity going on around her. She had a plaid blanket draped over her shoulders and an assortment of fleece items piled around her legs. Her chin rested on her wrist, giving her the appearance of being deep in thought. She was the definition of comfort. Negra looked glorious.
Negra’s life wasn’t always like this. Neggie was likely captured in the wild as an infant in 1973, making her approximately 46 years old. We often think of her as the most senior of the CSNW residents, but the five other females are also well into their fifth decade of life. Even Burrito, born in the early 1980s, is well past the median life expectancy for captive male chimpanzees and has even exceeded the average life span for males in one of the healthiest wild communities studied by primatologists. According to what we know about chimpanzee life history, this leads us to classify all of our residents as geriatric individuals. We are prepared to manage their health and provide daily care for them accordingly, but it also shapes our expectations for the future of our sanctuary’s residents.
At larger chimpanzee sanctuaries, the populations are typically composed of individuals who vary greatly in age and background. Chimp Haven, a chimpanzee sanctuary in Keithville, Louisiana, just announced the passing of their oldest resident, Sarah Anne. Sarah Anne lived to be almost 60 years old, but didn’t retire to Chimp Haven until 2006 when she was already in her late-40s. As evidenced by the vivid descriptions and heartwarming stories shared by the Chimp Haven staff, Sarah Anne was undoubtedly an amazing individual who made the most of her time in sanctuary.
After reading about the famous Sarah Anne, I see many parallels between her life and Negra’s. Both were taken from the wild and brought to the United States as infants, presumably orphaned. Both were exploited for decades in order to advance scientific investigations. Both were shuffled from one location to another when they were no longer needed for research. Eventually, both found peaceful homes at reputable sanctuaries where they could spend their days doing their favorite things. Both became known for their extravagant blanket nests, and both became known as “queens” for their strong will and dignified demeanor. Remarkably, both overcame their pasts to become cornerstones of their social groups.
Most importantly, their stories demonstrate how chimpanzees who have already endured long and difficult lives can still grow and thrive once retired to sanctuary.
Last year, just three years after the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ended biomedical research on chimpanzees, the number of chimpanzees living in sanctuary eclipsed the amount still living in laboratories. Concurrently, there was an exhaustive debate regarding which chimpanzees should be considered candidates for relocation to sanctuary. The discussion focused on older chimpanzees, particularly those with chronic health conditions. After receiving comments from the public and input from experts, the NIH eventually concluded that all but the frailest chimpanzees should be given an opportunity to experience sanctuary, regardless of age and despite manageable health conditions.
As sanctuary caregivers around the country can testify, life does not end at retirement for chimpanzees any more than it does for humans. In Negra’s case, she has already had more than a lifetime’s share of traumatic experiences and solitary confinement. It’s only fitting that she can now live each day to the fullest, whether that includes scarfing down heads of lettuce, playing with the other chimps, participating in positive reinforcement training, or trekking up the hill to pick wild greens.
Every day, chimpanzees just like Negra and Sarah Anne get to enjoy a peaceful and enriched retirement. As many in the primate sanctuary community are taking time to fondly remember Sarah Anne and reflect on her golden years, we can also use this moment to celebrate the unique opportunities that sanctuary can give to chimpanzees of all ages.
Judy says
Hell yeah… I was gonna say Heck yeah.. but it didn’t have the same enthusiasm… What a great window into the broader picture of so many “Neggies”/Queens … and the rest of the 7 … are out there beyond the territory of CSNW. Still a long way to go but great progress has been made… I will send much energy and gratitude to all those who make “home” a home for so many wonderful personalities.. and pay homage to Sarah Anne. Thank you!
Kathleen says
Outstanding post Anna. When I received my remembrance email from Chimp Haven yesterday I instantly thought of Negra too! So many similar parallels between these beautiful ladies. I was saddened thinking of the loss the sanctuary caregivers/staff will be experiencing but I realized I should instead celebrate how wonderful it was that Sarah Anne lived to almost see her 60th birthday. Amazing what love, family and freedom will do for someone. While retirement in a sanctuary is paramount for chimps of all ages, it seems more urgent for the aging chimpanzees. Like Negra, who is now “aging in reverse” (as Diana stated) thanks to her time spent at CSNW, I feel certain sanctuary life extends the lives of these beautiful resilient chimp people.
I personally will not stop advocating and activating until the NIH lives up to their promise to release all of their chimps to sanctuary. I hope this takes place soon, the clock is ticking and time is escaping. Here’s to all the Queens and Kings still awaiting their turn. Bring Them HOME!
Maureen says
Just to clarify, this looks like a post from Anthony, not Anna. New guy makes some great points!
Kathleen says
Yes Maureen you are correct, and I meant to write Anthony but typed Anna by mistake. Good catch, thank you!
Correction : “Outstanding post Anthony.”
Jill Corrales says
Beautiful post Anthony!
Thank you.
Sandie Allaway says
What a warm, loving, and educational tribute Anthony. Thank you so much.
Jordan Bower says
Thank you Anthony. What a wonderful post.
Cheryl says
I am happy for the good sanctuaries, but sad about the ones still out there. At least Sarah Anne is at peace finally. It is so wrong that any of them were ever taken. I hope they are released soon to enjoy the same happiness of the Cle Elum 7 have had.
Jackie says
Beautiful post! Thank you!
Tobin says
As with the passing of Sarah Anne mentioned here, I know that I have to prepare myself for the day when I log on to the CSNW blog and learn that one of my friends has taken a final breath. Even now I weep when I acknowledge this fact; I so want those who were imprisoned for the crime of being chimpanzees to be able to enjoy as much time and life as possible in their sanctuary. I hope that Negra and her loyal subjects know how very much they are loved and treasured
by the benevolent human primates who care for them. And, I hope that Negra can experience with Missy
a sense of maternal bonding with the three younger chimpanzees who will soon be sharing living quarters with her.