Every picture tells a story, but not always the one we intended.
We’ve written before about a 2011 study which found that attitudes about chimpanzee conservation were influenced by how chimpanzees are portrayed in the media. When participants viewed images manipulated to show chimpanzees alongside humans or in human settings, they were less likely to think that chimpanzees were endangered. While any interpretation of the study should be tempered by its inevitable limitations and lack of replication (to date/that I know of), it suggests that the use of chimpanzees in TV, film, and advertising harms wild chimpanzee populations by suppressing public concern for their conservation status. And by portraying chimpanzees as tractable, it may also help drive the trade of chimpanzees in the pet industry.
The results of this study are potentially quite profound and should serve as serve as yet another reason to end the unconscionable exploitation of chimpanzees and other primates in entertainment. But the implications are not limited to the entertainment industry; indeed, the authors suggest that their findings could even apply to images of field researchers working closely with their study subjects. It would stand to reason, then, that certain images from zoos and sanctuaries could elicit a similar response – images that show chimpanzees dressed in clothing or playing with children’s toys, for example. Which means that in promoting our work, we could be inadvertently harming our own cause.
I mention all of this not because I think there’s a simple lesson for sanctuaries like ours to draw from that study, though it did prompt us to engage in some difficult self-reflection. Instead, I think it illustrates just how complicated it can be to share the lives of those in our care. Because an image tells more than one story, and conservation is not our only concern. I am equally concerned about the whitewashing of captivity.
Earlier, I was out taking photos on this rainy but delightfully mild December morning. The chimps were patrolling the hill, walking through the bamboo groves, and climbing high atop the structures to survey the surrounding valley. When I got back to the chimp house I sifted through the photos to choose a few for the blog.
The chimps look as if they are free.
Every time we post to the blog or to social media, we make a choice about how to portray the chimps. There’s every incentive to give people what they want to see – chimps playing, walking outdoors, climbing trees – and to move the camera swiftly past whatever makes us uncomfortable. Showing chimps behind caging upsets some on social media. When chimps are shown laying on concrete floors, people think they are sad or bored. There’s certainly a deliberate, almost cynical aspect to this on our part. After all, LOOK HOW BORED OUR CHIMPANZEES ARE! is not a brilliant marketing strategy for a nonprofit. But it’s more than that. We as caregivers have those same unconscious preferences. But caging, concrete, and bullet-proof glass are all part of captivity, and we should know better. I guess even we want to believe sometimes.
Beyond how they live, there’s also the matter of who they are. The chimpanzees in our care are not wild, nor could they be at this point in their lives. They carry troll dolls and cowboy boots, build giant nests from fleece blankets, and wear fanny packs. They drink warm tea from cups and insist that their carrots be peeled. At times they prefer the company of humans over that of their fellow chimpanzees. They are messy and complicated, fully chimpanzee but also not quite – a result of traumatic histories, for sure, but also an inevitable product of captivity. Ignoring the human-like aspects of their personalities ignores the very essence of their being.
Sometimes I worry what effect our collective obsession with minimizing captivity has on animals. I’m concerned about what the faux naturalization of so many zoo exhibits, with their trees fenced off with hot wire and their concrete and metal walls painted to resemble forests, makes people think (or not) about how it feels to live within them. I wonder if our own reluctance to show caging and concrete in photos fuels the false notion that chimpanzees in sanctuaries are now living happily ever after. And I fear that if we censor ourselves too much, we risk diminishing the very individuals whose stories we are trying to tell.
Reconciling these various concerns is not easy. We made a concerted effort a while back to share fewer photos that show the chimps wearing clothing. It may be cute or funny, but it generally does little to advance the chimps’ cause and, as we have seen, may have unintended consequences. That said, if the clothes-wearing is incidental to some other activity or if it helps highlight the value of enrichment or tell a story about a chimp’s personality, then perhaps it has a place. Would you understand Honey B or Burrito at all if we didn’t share all of their peculiarities? And we try not to let caging, or concrete, or the size of the enclosure that the chimps have chosen to be in at the time dictate which aspects of their lives get shared. We shouldn’t intentionally promote a fantasy.
I hope this doesn’t sound too sanctimonious because I am constantly censoring the photos I share to tell a story – or in some cases to avoid a story. You may have noticed in Wednesday’s post that Jamie has been picking more of the hair from her belly. We don’t know why. Sometimes these self-directed behaviors are old habits, unconnected to a chimpanzee’s current state, but they can indicate stress. I’m sure I’ve scrapped a photo because of how prominently it displayed her growing bald patch, not wanting to broach the subject at that moment. In any case, caring for chimpanzees is difficult and not always straightforward, and that should be part of the conversation, too.
In the newspaper world, there’s a phrase that says a journalist’s job is to uncover “the best obtainable version of the truth.” I like this phrase because it acknowledges limitations without rejecting an objective reality. Zoos and sanctuaries are in the PR business, not journalism, which imposes its fair share of limitations. But perhaps we can at least aim for a better version of the truth.
CarolR says
Another excellent and informative post J.B Thank you. I keep hearing in articles about the Covid vaccines, that they are based on chimpanzee adenovirus. Please don’t tell me that they are still using chimps in research.? They are still obviously testing the vaccines out on monkeys which is so wrong as we know that there’s an a problem because of the species barriers. And a comment on dressing up…..they can now CHOOSE whether they want to play with their enrichment items, not be forced to participate. We can all see that they are behaving far more as chimps than anytime in their lives, cages, concrete and all.
J.B. says
Hi Carol – No, there are no chimpanzees being used in active invasive research currently that we know of. From what I understand, the adenoviruses used as vectors for vaccines were sourced from chimpanzees but are cultured in human cell lines.
Tobin says
Thank you, J.B., for your candor. As much as I love these chimpanzees, and take an interest in reading about lives in the State of Washington, they should have lived their lives in a state of nature, their indigenous habitat in Central Africa. Better still, they should have been able to live their lives without the menace of our primate species; like the harrowing book of the same title, ours has been a “Brutal Kinship” towards our simian cousins.
And, yes, I’ve noticed the bare patch on Jamie’s torso. Could it be that, having witnessed new construction which was built for new chimpanzees to live dwell in, she observes new housing being built and anticipates more chimpanzees arriving not only to reside but, in doing so, to change the social dynamics of the sanctuary?
marianne says
I had that same thought about Jamie, she is so insightful that she might anticipate the changes that are about to happen.
J.B. says
Hi Tobin – Your guess is as good as any, but I personally don’t attribute it to that. There are so many potential factors…changing dynamics within her own group, the fact the she is on birth control to reduce sexual swelling-related impacts on her anal fistula, etc. It is certainly a topic for continued discussion and observation!
Carrie Miller says
First, I am reminded of a poetic fragment from Muriel Rukeyser in reference to photographs: “Reality never by any eye seen”.
Second, as I read through your blogpost an image of you playing Burrito-style tug-o-war with yourself gave me a chuckle. 😉
Third and with full gravity, captivity has its own inescapable pressures no matter how blue the sky or sweet the grass or enticing and intricate the enrichment. Thanks for your candor and the effort to balance fact and PR finery in your storytelling. That’s how all the best stories are made – even our own.
Mostly, thank you for providing sanctuary to the chimpanzees, cattle, and the caretakers, too.
Jo Arroyo says
Common sense does not prevail:/ Scientific follies created artificial conditions shame on us:/ Imagine the funding that should have been redirected to
habitat protection and conservation instead of medical research, zoos and sanctuaries. Wow. Kudos to you for painstakingly considering peoples reaction and perception. It’s not normal for chimps to wear boots, carry trolls, wear waistbands and drink from tea cups. I get it. Pictures of trolls or fuzzy blankets or not, either way I’m here for the captive chimps that should not be. You guys are awesomely extraordinary.
tom austin says
Was the enclosed study one of the base documents which resulted in the changes to the use of Chimpanzees in the testing fields ? How did our changes affect the use of Chimpanzees worldwide ?
In the ensuing years after the “laws” were changed, do we have a count of all of the Chimpanzees living in the United States ?
J.B. says
Hi Tom – That particular study didn’t have much effect on the use of chimpanzees in research. But to your second question: When the U.S. ceased using chimpanzees in research, led by the NIH in 2011 and followed by changes in the Endangered Species Act in 2015, the use of chimpanzees in research effectively ended worldwide. As far as we know, the U.S. was the last country on earth engaged in invasive research on chimpanzees.
Here’s a great map from Project ChimpCARE showing where all of the chimps in the U.S. reside: https://chimpcare.org/map
You’ll notice that many are still in laboratories, waiting to be retired to sanctuaries. And many are still in private ownership because many states do not restrict the ownership of chimpanzees as pets, if you can believe that.
Tobn says
The statistics on that map are sobering: It defies reason (and decency) that there are so many chimpanzees being held in laboratories and/or “kept” as housepets. The wild should be kept in one’s dreams, and not in one’s homes.
Betsy says
JB,
The depth of feeling in this post is a credit to yourself and the entire CSNW staff, and an indication of how seriously you all take your advocacy for chimps around the world. I truly appreciate your candor about how to tell the story of what you do, but I think you’re being a bit hard on yourself. Everyone at CSNW has done an amazing job of explaining the why and how of sanctuary life. You can’t solve all the problems of chimps in captivity on your own, but keep on telling the story you’ve been telling, and you’ll keep touching the kindred souls who will help you out.
Kathleen says
This is a very thought provoking post J.B., thank you for broaching it with us and for being so honest. You end by saying “….perhaps we can at least aim for a better version of the truth.” I believe each of you goes out of your way to present the truth to us readers. You have always been honest, showing all aspects of sanctuary life, and this includes the limitations. You also take the time to educate and this is greatly appreciated. Sadly social media allows people to take things out of context without knowing the full story or caring to take the time to learn the full story. It’s unfortunate.
When it comes to the truth, it seems to me that there is more than one truth in caring for the chimpanzees. Yes, living in sanctuary they are free to make their own choices but yes, they are also captive so their choices are bound by the limitations of captivity. And that’s okay because that’s the best we can offer. Another truth is that humans intentionally killed mother chimpanzees so they could take the baby from the wild, they bred chimpanzees in laboratories and captive institutions to exploit and torture them. The truth is humans created the problem we are in and at some point we need to face the realities of the past and present. As you stated, captive chimpanzees cannot be packed up to live in the wilds of Africa. And chimpanzees in wild face extinction, many of the reasons being man made.
The truth is our captive primates need to be cared for, cared for with nurturing, respect and love in safe environments by professional, trained people. Another truth is, instead of judging and criticizing living standards we do not fully understand, we should instead be focusing on how and why did these countless chimpanzees end up as pets/”entertainers”/past biomedical laboratory test subjects? We need to take a hard look at the human primates on the ‘free’ side of the fencing. Where do we go from here? Why do we think exploiting animals is acceptable, especially if that animal is being used as a prop or for a laugh, or to sell a greeting card? Why, after decades of fighting these issues, are we still discussing them? And why are there so many chimpanzees needing sanctuaries and we have no space for them? We should find better ways to fund sanctuaries and not place the burden on the individual sanctuaries shoulders. The real truth is… as a society we need to do a better job. And we need to start now.
When it comes to zoos, animal shelters, and sanctuaries, it is easy to criticize the obvious — animal behind bars. But the truth is we are seeing it from the wrong perspective. Bars protect. We should set “sanctuary standards” for all animals that live in captivity behind bars. We should accept nothing less. We should always look at the individual and not see the label of the species. We should cater to the needs of each and every individual in our care. Sanctuaries do this.
CSNW has set exemplary standards for the ethical, humane treatment of the animals in your care. The truth is sometimes you want to run or roam free, or sit alone on Young’s Hill. Sometimes you want to wear a headband around your waist or a firehose as a scarf, other times you want to surround yourself in a mass of fuzzy fleece blankets. But as a caregiver or a resident, you always, always want to be safe so we need caging as much as we need enrichment, even silly enrichment. I think CSNW balances it all perfectly. I thank you for your honesty and for always sharing the truth from your vast pool of hands on experience and education. I look froward to following your never ending progress.
marianne says
Very wel said Kathleen, very wel said indeed.
Elaine Reininger says
A powerful blog JB and I think Kathleen said it the best of all–I could not make a better reply to your words. Your jobs at CHNW are so involved, things we readers and watchers never could imagine; so complicated. I suspect your blog today, JB was because someone wrote something nasty about what you are doing. I wonder just how much that person or persons contribute in time and money to the care and rescue of ANY animals of any species.
Vicky Savrin says
This article is thought provoking and I commend your honesty in stating the valid question of whether we are doing more harm than good when making choices for them with regards to their daily care. Having said that you guys have dedicated yourselves in caring for them after their “captivity” for medical testing. There is no better place for them other than where they are now as long as you guys continually do what you do and also continually think of what could be done better. There are good people in this world and you guys can count yourselves as good people. You have my outmost respect and appreciation.
Vicky Lynn Rokstad says
I’m a firm believer of keep the wild in the wild. But with the worldwide devastation of wildlife habitats, the wild pet trade, poaching and other insidious ways greedy humans have devised to decimate hundreds of species of wildlife and primates to the brink of extinction, I’ve started to re-think the meaning of ‘captivity’. For instance, there are many sanctuaries that rescue great apes from natural habitats that have been destroyed by humans. In a large number of cases, these rescued primates are released into ‘safe’ zones, where they can be monitored and protected. In essence, they are still ‘captive’ in that they are taken from absolute freedom to protected areas. Although it’s not ideal, it is in the best interest of preserving the species. In the case of CSNW, it’s not ideal, but it is a world away from the hell they knew before arriving at the sanctuary. We should be prepared to accept the things we cannot change and hope that the contributions we make today will ensure a better future for all animals and primates.
Kathy Featherstone says
This was an amazing heartfelt internal exploration that you shared with all of us, so thank you for that. As someone who also works in the non profit world with animals, there is always balance between image and the daily work to provide the best care possible and what to share with the world. One of the many things that attracted me to CHNW was the balance shown with Young’s Hill ( and showing the fencing) and inside with the concrete and the bars. What I saw and continue to see daily is the care and dedication and knowledge that you, your staff and volunteers provide to all these incredible chimpanzees. The caregiver that tries on multiple boots to satisfy Jaime before a walk, Negra getting lots of blankets to nest on the floor, Burrito playing tug with a volunteer and so on. All of it shows that you understand the needs, of these chimpanzees. Do they get bored sometimes? who doesn’t. They are happy. They are satisfied. You can see it when you watch the videos, They have a wonderful life given their set of circumstances that were forced upon them. You provide balance in showing and sharing their stories and your stories in a compassionate and real way. That is why I chose to make you part of my life. You guys rock- truly !!!
Dawn Durbin says
Your consistent attention to how you present your work with chimpanzees is inspiring. Please keep doing what you are doing, because we can see that you are always trying to make life as rewarding as possible for your wonderful residents. As a follower, I have learned so much. I watched the video presentation about Alamogordo, and everyone should see it. It was satisfying to see that there are so many ways in which efforts are being made to educate people ~ and more importantly, RESCUE the remaining lab chimps. Please don’t stop. You are amazing. Looking forward to meeting the new additions to your sanctuary in 2021. Makes my heart happy always. Especially now.
Caroline Mann says
I love to read your blogs and all the consideration you give to your actions.
On a lighter note. As well as human behaviour rubbing off on chimpanzees, after a year of following the blog, the reverse can happen. I have found myself this year building a nest of cushions at night and my family have noticed how my laughter has become far more chimp like. I am even looking forward to the arrival of snow!
Kathleen says
On a lighter note : ), these were excellent photos! The photo of Honey B in her new robin egg blue apron is a laugh and a half. Following this thought provoking post I shouldn’t say this, but, bravo to whoever purchased the dang apron. I for one love it! And what I love the most is that Honey B did not wrap it around her waist, she knew exactly how to wear it. I’m Okay with all of it! And I also love that Burrito chose to wear a piece of firehouse as a scarf (or maybe it’s a neck warmer, not sure what his final purpose was on this one and who cares!). With the fringe on the edges I think he’s seriously onto something and I see a new style trend for the urban influencers. These photos made me laugh with delight. Not because I think it is funny seeing a chimp wearing an apron but because I know it gives Honey B pleasure to wear it. She picked it out and put in it on. I laugh with her, not at her.
This may be lost on those who may not follow your blog so advise everyone to follow. I see chimpanzees who are thinking, creating, interacting with new and familiar objects, and having fun in the process. They are not trapped in a cage that measures 5′ x 5′ x 9′, staring at a blank wall, in dank room without a single window, living in the dark.
I love and respect each one of them, just as they are.
Marya says
It’s taken me a few days to absorb your heartfelt posting, JB, and to read all the thought-provoking comments that it has prompted. I agree with everything others have said. That the chimps have choices and can express their personal creativity in whatever forms they choose is part of my own “enrichment” in life. “The best obtainable version of the truth” re photography is a profound comment. Has their plight in the past been horrific? Yes! Does that continue still all of the world? Yes! We can donate to causes we believe in and proactively support on behalf of the planet and its beings. We can do more active behaviors in various ways within the bounds of each of our lives. The truth is, that these chimps and those to come have the best possible lives under what has been horrific circumstances. And that these chimps have enough remaining time in years to create lives of their own within the realities of the restrictions is a blessing and a miracle. I do not see the personal expressions of their creativity to be offensive at all and, in fact, I’m grateful to see those things and their expressions of their own personal freedom. They get to choose what, if anything, that they wear and how they adorn themselves, or what to eat (what’s wrong with carrot skin?), etc. I can just hear the confab that involved them discussing how to get their caregivers to peel the carrots! Ha!
Re Jamie’s increasing bald spot — when humans hair-pull (called trichotillomania) it’s usually because of stress/anxiety, as you said, JB. And is often about not having control over external factors so it can become a compulsive behavior (ex: how many of us are over-eating in the pandemic??? It’s even got a name now, called The Covid “10” since so many of us have gained 10+ pounds due to stress, and other repetitive behaviors we’re using to try to gain control someplace in our messy lives.) Hopefully Jamie’s hair pulling will settle down as things in the group do, and as the noise and disruption of the construction settle down.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to you, JB, Diana and all the caregivers for your expertise, your huge hearts, your time and energy, patience and creativity in your care of these wonderful beings.