Today has been a blur of a day. We humans were very busy cleaning and doing other tasks around the Chimp House. Today really flew by. Luckily enough, Negra is my saving star for today’s blog!
This morning, when her group was given access to Young’s Hill, I was taken aback when I saw her out there so early in the morning.
There didn’t seem to be a motive to go out other than to just go out. As you know, when Negra does go out first thing in the morning, there’s usually a purpose (i.e. foraging for prickly lettuce). But every once in a while, we are gifted with seeing her just enjoying the outside.
As the the rest of her group went on their morning patrol, Negra stayed put. As they returned, she greeted everyone as they returned.
Negra seemed to be in such a great mood today. At lunch, she was offering kisses and wouldn’t allow me to leave her as caregiver Grace served her. Every time I got up, she would put her lips through the caging to offer a kiss, knowing I would stay.
As we speak, Negra is doing her tour of the Frisbee Puzzles that are hanging up in her playroom.
In fact, right now Negra is telling us that dinner time is rapidly approaching. She let’s us know by finding the best position that looks into the kitchen, bangs on the caging, and claps her hands, which is my cue to hurry things along.
Always for you, Negra!
Here are some bonus photos I was also able to get today.
Rayne in the Riverview Greenhouse:
Honey B plotting her next mischievous move:
Mave hanging out in the Riverview Greenhouse:
Burrito watching me through a mirror:
What an honor, Chad, it must be to called by Her Majesty to oblige her with your presence. Oh, I just love that Neggie! What an absolute treasure she is.
Oh, and the other residents of the Sanctuary are also adorable.
I always love to hear about Neggie getting up and about. I, too, was up and about and enjoying nature this morning.
Chad, you are Mr Popularity! Burrito shows how much he enjoys playing with you, and now Neggie tells you, in her own way, how.much she likes your company. You’re one lucky dude!
Chad, thanks so much for focusing today’s blog on Negra’s choice to be outside! I just love seeing her (and any of the chimps!) sitting outdoors, foraging freely, exploring the climbing structures, patroling, etc. But when I see Neggie sitting alone, looking around, feeling the sun & breeze and the grasses and the earth beneath her my heart just explodes with gratitude that she is free to experience all that, and her friends, too. I wonder what she’s thinking about (besides her next meal), what she makes of the land she now calls home, and how it affects her feelings about her life. Not that she necessarily has existential ponderings per se, but who are we to know the extent of what she actually may be pondering? She has a very old soul, of that I’m certain.
Such a happy accident that Negra wandered out into the wilds of Young’s Hill this morning and in doing so gave you a wonderful focus for your bolg post. Look at her glorious droopy bottom lip! And you were so sweet to remain in place during lunch so Negra could offer you kisses. It sounds like you are one of Negra’s favorites (will Burrito be cool with that?!).
As if all these Negra photos weren’t enough, we also get wonderful bonus photos too. Burrito and his Spy Mirror is fantastic! I can’t decide what’s funnier…..Burrito spying on you or the fact that you’ve placed a mirror outside so Burrito can keep an eye on you and the goings on of the neighbors!! You think of everything.
As a lady of a certain age, I can fully identify with beautiful Negra. Priorities are, the warm sun on your face and fresh air to breathe, good friends to greet (and kiss) and yummy meals including the peanut butter in the puzzles. what more could a lady want in life……oh! lots of snuggly blankets for naps! It’s wonderful to see Neggie having such perfect days.
I meant to ask….looking back at old videos, it said that four out of the Cle Elum seven had never been outside before arriving at the sanctuary. which four, please?
Its so beautiful to see Negra just soaking in the sun & outdoors. How lucky you are to get kisses from her. I laughed so hard about her positioning herself to see the kitchen & letting you all know its dinner time. The photos are incredible Chad. Mave & Rayne relaxing in the greenhouse is adorable. Burrito in the mirror is both hysterical & Beautiful. Honey B plotting is priceless lol. Fantastic blog entry & phenomenal photos Chad!
And todays lesson is: there does not always have to be a purpose….
Just enjoying the outside and being there to greet her friends, who had a big smile on their faces when they saw her I noticed?!
Lovely blog Chad and yes I agree; You Are One Lucky Dude.
Everyone said exactly what I was thinking and feeling! My heart just swells, I laugh out loud, and I just love.