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Silent Communication

June 18, 2022 by Diana 26 Comments

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.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy says

    June 18, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. Carrie Miller says

    June 18, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Kathleen says

    June 18, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    They know.

    And they are grateful.

    Reply
  4. Mary Garripoli says

    June 18, 2022 at 8:54 pm

    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:.

    Reply
  5. Gloria A. Duran Black Seifert says

    June 18, 2022 at 9:17 pm

    That was beautiful :heart_eyes: 😥 ?:banana:

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    June 18, 2022 at 9:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
  7. Tobin says

    June 18, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    What a beautiful message, Diana. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. CarolR says

    June 18, 2022 at 10:06 pm

    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.

    Reply
  9. Edie Bruce says

    June 18, 2022 at 11:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
  10. Nancy Duryea says

    June 18, 2022 at 11:05 pm

    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 ?.

    Reply
  11. Ken says

    June 18, 2022 at 11:16 pm

    that was very nice. i believe they know. thank you for all you do.

    Reply
  12. Jean Goodrich says

    June 19, 2022 at 1:21 am

    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!

    Reply
  13. Jean Goodrich says

    June 19, 2022 at 1:26 am

    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.

    Reply
  14. Elaine Reininger says

    June 19, 2022 at 2:58 am

    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

    Reply
  15. Rosalie Allen says

    June 19, 2022 at 3:42 am

    Sometimes we use too many words when really just being there for someone says it all…you “said” it all…just right!
    Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Pat F. says

    June 19, 2022 at 3:55 am

    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!

    Reply
  17. Caroline says

    June 19, 2022 at 5:47 am

    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

    Reply
  18. Nancy says

    June 19, 2022 at 9:11 am

    Omg I have do e the sane thing many times. This was so beautiful itmade me tear up. Thank you Diana

    Reply
  19. nancyt says

    June 19, 2022 at 11:24 am

    Diana, thank you for these moments. Like music, the “vibes” are felt.

    Reply
  20. Paulette says

    June 19, 2022 at 12:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Paulette says

      June 19, 2022 at 12:16 pm

      I saved every one of those photos to my Honey B album. These are so fabulous Diana! Thank you!!

      Reply
  21. John O'Brien says

    June 19, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    Diana, I nearly burst into tears reading your beatiful, touching words! Thank you.

    Reply
  22. Sandie Allaway says

    June 19, 2022 at 3:10 pm

    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

    Reply
  23. Deanna says

    June 19, 2022 at 5:19 pm

    Beautifully said. Id like to think they know…

    Reply
  24. Mark B. says

    June 19, 2022 at 9:04 pm

    Yes. I think Honey B. understands all. And she is so beautiful.

    Reply
  25. Marya says

    June 27, 2022 at 9:48 am

    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.

    Reply

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