Lucky [luhk-ee]
chimpanzee
1. kind-hearted
2. engaged
3. first to greet her caregivers when they walk in the room; knows how to make someone feel special
4. observer of her surroundings
Lucky is truly one of a kind. And as cliché as it sounds, we are so lucky to know her.
When I first started at CSNW as staff, Lucky always made such an effort with me. Every time I saw her, she would storm across the room, no matter what she was up to, just to say hello. She was the head of the welcoming committee for me and she doesn’t even know it. She does this with all of her caregivers. She is easily excited and genuinely happy to see everyone 24/7.
You may have noticed in some previous blog photos or videos, Lucky uses blankets to scoot across the floor. You can see this behavior here (around 0:43). She will gather a few blankets, tuck them under her thighs, and use them to help glide herself across the floor. Closely related to rocking, this is a common behavior for chimpanzees in captivity. To phrase it in the simplest way I can, she does this as a comfort mechanism. As someone who was born in a laboratory, not raised by her own mother, and will live the rest of her life in captivity, it is understandable for her to seek comfort in any way she chooses. I believe even we, as humans, have our own individual ways to comfort ourselves in both good and stressful times. And that is okay.
As seen in the photo above, this is one of Lucky’s signature poses. Anytime you see a photo of Lucky from this angle, just know she is staring down whoever is behind the camera. Simultaneously, she is doing a motion with her mouth where she alternates sucking in her cheeks/lips. I presume that she is deep in thought every time I see this face.
We love you, Lucky!
