It may not quite look like Spring yet, but it’s definitely starting to feel like it! Something extraordinary happened today that needs to be shared!
When Jamie’s group went out onto Young’s Hill, Foxie and Burrito burst out chasing each other, Annie and Missy not far behind them, and Jody popped out for a second but walked back into the greenhouse shortly after. I was curious where she went, but when Jody came back out she had brought Negra and Jamie with her. Negra didn’t stop at her usual spots (like her cabin), she just kept following Jody up the hill. Jody was always looking back to make sure Negra wasn’t far behind. I assumed that Negra would stop at one of the mounds in the middle of the Hill where she likes to forage for foliage and then usually turns back to go inside for a nap in the greenhouse, but to all of our surprise, Negra had other plans today! About 30 minutes after letting the chimps onto Young’s Hill, JB was going around the hill with Burrito for a walk. When they got to the top of the hill JB found Neggie sitting on Carlene’s tower eating pine needles like it was no big deal, like she always goes up to the top of the Hill and hangs out on structures. JB radioed to tell us Negra was on the tower, I dropped my scrub brush and came running up the Hill with the camera to capture the moment. If this story sounds familiar, it’s because Negra has only done this one other time 3 years ago! On top of Negra being on Carlene’s Tower, since our new expansion Negra has not ventured up to this new tree space. This rare sighting of Negra exploring is one of the best feelings of sanctuary. The feeling of comfort, safety, choice, and freedom.
JB took video, so maybe he will share that with us all soon, but for now, let us enjoy photos of Negra on Carlene’s Tower, where she has always belonged.
This morning Jody (left) making sure Negra (right) was going to join her on an adventure:
Negra making her way up:
I couldn’t pick just one photo of Negra!
The highly anticipated Negra on Carlene’s Tower:
Negra was also enjoying a pine needle snack:
Negra stayed out for more than an hour out on Young’s Hill. When she decided to go inside Jody was waiting for her :).
Bonus!
Burrito:
Missy Reassuring Jamie on Young’s Hill:
Little Foxie:
You guys!
This is fabulous!
Thank you, Kelsi, for getting pics of every single one. EVERYone was out on Young’s Hill today!
She looked very pleased with herself, as she should! She even gave you a smile for one photo!
This fits in with this week’s theme of “who knows what they’re thinking?!” Maybe she wanted some fresh pine needles. Maybe she’s thinking what kind of birthday cake she wants….Maybe she wanted a view of the train snaking its way through the valley…
It was a good day to climb, Neggie. A good day to climb.
Your Majesty, Queen Negra, what a marvelous time you must have had looking out over your country!
Thanks so much for
the beautiful photos of all the chimps on the Hill! It was a delight to see!
a MAJOR event………:heart_eyes:
it is a major event …..I believe she spotted some Blades of grass that are going to be prime pickings in about a month:slight_smile:
She is just so..so Beautiful and I like that structure….. it’s nice and safe and lower than the rest – almost like a Senior Lookout Center :hugging::hugging::hugging: I think she’s had her fair share of stimulation for one day. I hope she’s up for breakfast:face_with_monocle: We Love You Neggie
Negra stepping out of her comfort zone. – wonderful!
How nice it is for Negra to have Jody looking out for her. What a friend. And it sounds like you Kelsi had as wonderful an experience as Negra did. Happy Spring to you both. Thanks for a wonderful story and great photos.
what a blessing. im so happy for Negra and all on such a wonderful day there for you all. sweet dreams tonight Queen Negra.
Good news, glad to hear Negra was feeling well enough to venture out and try something different.
I second all of the above sentiments! Queen Negra’s smile as she sits atop throne and surveys her realm before her is pure beauty. I just love and afore her. And thank you, my dear Jody, for supporting your friend on her day upon her greening land.
I think Queen Negra said to Jody this morning: “you dear, why dont you go outside and see what the weather is like; if it is worth it for me to go out, then come back and tell me”.
And that is why Jody had a “look-out-for-Negra-day”.
What a great day!
Oh my heart just burst with love and tears, happy tears of course. What a more wonderous sight to behold than the most beutiful Queen Negra sitting just watching all before her as if she does this every day. To see this this lovely lady out in the open fresh air could not make me smile more than ever. Thank you Jody for being a best friend and encouraging her to come out. Those photos will stay with me forever.
What an absolutely marvelous day!!! So glad you shared this with is!!! Way to go Neggie!!!
WOW!!! Is it me or does Negra look like a kid in these photos?! I mean, she looks absolutely joyful with her new vantage point of the sanctuary property. And her fluffy-floofy shoulders! Foraging on pine needles! High up in the trees! In reference to Chad’s post yesterday…..what I’d give to know what Negra is actually thinking and feeling. (I am having fun imagining.)
WOW. This beats noshing on the sweet spring green grass. Thank you, Jody, for encouraging Negra to climb high so she could experience what it feels like to be up in a tree.
Kelsi, best post ever! Thanks for including the photo burst of Neggie.
PS: Why did Missy need to reassure Jamie?
What a thrill for all of us to see The Queen and imagine what she must be thinking on that tower. I love the breeze blowing through the hair on her shoulders. Thank you Jody for keeping an eye on Neggie and thank you Kelsie for the great pictures and I look forward to a video soon, J.B.
I’m so happy for Negra and her great adventure up the tower. She must have been planning that for a while, because of the determination she showed! Not to mention, pal Jody for keeping a watchful eye and escorting her back :heart::heart::heart:
Negra has always reminded me of my mother who was also quiet stoic woman but incredibly strong in spirit and character. Having never learned to swim, she had a terrible but rational fear of water. Finally, in her late 70s, she got into a naturally unstable canoe for a ride on the lake. One of my favourite photos of all is of the back of her head with the canoe bow and lake beyond. Bravo Neggie. We are never too old to challenge our fears. And win.
Oh my! What wonders! I love everyone’s comments and concur with all the sentiments expressed. Looking at that expression on Neggie’s face as she’s perusing her territory from on-high is just priceless. And there’s a couple of shots where it appears she has a smile on her face. Her courage provides such a good role model for the others in her group and the other group who can see her from their vantage points. Missy reassuring Jamie: priceless!!