Today, I spent some time with Honey B in silence.
When I’m one-on-one with a chimpanzee in a quiet moment, I find myself trying to communicate to them through my gaze or just my presence.
I want them to know that I’m so sorry for every bad thing that’s happened to them.
I’m sorry that humans took so much away from them.
I’m sorry that they will never know what it’s like to live free.
I want them to know that this place is all about giving them the best life we can.
And that I love them unconditionally for the unique person they are.
I am certain that your silence and your thoughts are known by Honey B.. maybe her nature absorbs this more clearly than the others because I’m sure they feel it too… or maybe she needs to know this more than the others. In any case Diana, thank you for your devotion and your time of sharing with her and your sharing of this with us.
Diana, The immense power in your few words brings me to tears, because I feel every one of those sentiments deeply. My gratitude to you and everyone at CSNW for the outstanding dedication to making as much right by the chimpanzees (and the cattle) as can be humanly done for what was done by humans.
They know.
And they are grateful.
They understand your silent communication. Your compassion resonates. Respect and kindness are the language of the benevolent universe. We all speak with our hearts :two_hearts:.
That was beautiful :heart_eyes: 😥 ?:banana:
surely they would know that you are not like the humans they previously had contact with. Im sure they know they are safe and everyone at the sanctuary is doing their best for them.
What a beautiful message, Diana. Thank you.
I’m sure you speak for every one of us, Diana and I’m absolutely certain that they know how much you all love them. We see it in every photo and video. A beautiful post…..thank you so much.
I love this! Your caring comes through in every picture, and every word. I am sure they feel your emotions-silent communication is a very powerful thing.
Diana, that really got the tears flowing. I often think about the histories of all chimpanzees in sanctuary and it is heartbreaking. I would love to sit and gaze into Honey B’s eyes, it plays such a role in nonverbal communication. Thank you for communicating to Honey B the feelings we all share ?.
that was very nice. i believe they know. thank you for all you do.
Diana that was such a powerful blog. Even though the chimps aren’t running free as we know it, y’all have given them a little slice of freedom at the Sanctuary. Thank you so much for giving the chimps Love, Home, Sanctuary. Yet they deserve so much more.And every one of you work so hard to fill in so much more joy for the chimps in parties, enrichment, runs just to name a few. I can’t thank y’all and the volunteers, enough who work so hard. You’ve made such a difference in so many lives that those two little words seem so inadequate. Yet it is said with love and respect. So thank you!
By the way I love how Honey B holds the lilacs in her toes like Foxie. They sure would look cute sitting side by side.
Found my eyes tearing up with this well-said blog. Beautiful put … and I know all the people who follow you daily on these blogs feel exactly how you do, Diana
Sometimes we use too many words when really just being there for someone says it all…you “said” it all…just right!
Thank you!
Dear Diana, The session with Honey B was absolutely beautiful. Your thoughts were so loving and her photos tell that she knew what kindness you were gifting her with. Thank you!
This one brought me to tears. I am sure Honey B sensed all of that emotion from you, in my experience animals have a higher level of communicating, one where words are not needed. Thank you for your kind heart and for everything that you do for these beautiful souls!
Most Simcerely,
C
Omg I have do e the sane thing many times. This was so beautiful itmade me tear up. Thank you Diana
Diana, thank you for these moments. Like music, the “vibes” are felt.
https://news.mongabay.com/2016/10/jane-goodall-on-zoos-and-tech-as-conservation-tools/
I’ve seen several interviews with Jane Goodall as she talks zoos and sanctuaries vs the wild. As zoos improve the habitat and enrichment, they can be even better/happier than being in the wild with all its stresses.
In my opinion there is no better place than CSNW.
So just know, Diana, that you are giving them the absolute best life.
And I just love you for it.
I saved every one of those photos to my Honey B album. These are so fabulous Diana! Thank you!!
Diana, I nearly burst into tears reading your beatiful, touching words! Thank you.
You had me in tears Diana. sometimes it just takes anoter person to be able to put your jumbled feelings into heartfelt words. Thank you for being that person. xoxo
Beautifully said. Id like to think they know…
Yes. I think Honey B. understands all. And she is so beautiful.
Diana, I’m responding late to this post & am not sure how I missed it but am so happy to have found it. Not sure you’ll even see it since it’s been some time. I am profoundly grateful for your presence with the chimps, your desire to connect in these deeper ways and the connections that evolve from those efforts. What strikes me also is the level of respect that you show them and that they can surely feel coming from your silent communications as well as all the staff’s efforts. They are living the best lives possible under difficult circumstances, young coconuts, outdoor spaces, playtime and all. Thank you for your love and open-heartedness for them and for gathering together a staff of people who share your love and commitment and ability to be truly present with them.
Thank you, everyone, for your responses to this blog post. I’m not a very emotionally effusive person except when it comes to the chimpanzees, and I apprecaite your appreciation of my sentiments.