We often get asked why the chimps do particular things, and I always think to myself—with apologies to all you Trekkies out there—”Dammit, Jim, I’m a primatologist, not a psychoanalyst!” Primatology is largely concerned with species-wide patterns of behavior, but in sanctuaries we are dealing with individuals with unique histories and personalities. I’ve spent much of the last 25 years trying to understand chimpanzees and when it comes to explaining the behavior of individual chimps, I’m honestly not sure I’ve made much progress. It’s frustrating at times but it can also be a source of wonder and joy.
I have no idea why Negra finally decided to walk to the top of the hill, but I do know that we can never give up on the chimps in our care. Because one day, they might surprise us.
At first, JB, I though you’d written “to eat pineapple” and thought “well, no wonder she climbed up there!” 🙂
Maybe she was hoping for some pb on those pine cones!
I wonder if she used the ladder or the log. Maybe the log would make it easier?
Oh, Neggie, I agree with you. Once you’re put there, make the most of it. And there are plenty of warmer days ahead to enjoy Carlene’s Tower
What a beautiful video and the music is perfect :hugging:….. I just love her speckled markings….. she is just a endearing lovable little soul …. want to kiss kiss kiss that big beautiful nose and rub that soft jiggly marshmallow belly…..:kissing_heart:
and…… NO….. I don’t care if the neighbors talk:grin:
What a touching experience you shared with us J.B. Thank you. When you’re old it’s good to go do something you’ve not done before. I’ll strive to “do a Neggie” this week 🙂
Ooooh! J.B.! Thank you for sharing your video of Negra’s epoch adventure. I bet, if there had been a pile of cozy blankets on the top of the tower, Negra may have settled in for a nap. (As long as it wasn’t windy that is.)
I didn’t realize Negra only ventured to the far reaches of Young’s Hill once before. For some reason I thought she traveled out close to the top every now and then to get her favorite grass. What a momentous day!! When you announced “Neggie is on the platform under the trees” my heart raced and I almost cried. Can’t imagine how happy all of you must have been.
I’ll never up on this courageous sleepy head.
I remembered something about prickly lettuce up there, too. Of course, it’s even further now
You are so right Kathleen!……….a few blankets up there and I think she would have just called it a night:laughing:
You are correct, there is a mound of grass and some logs about 3/4 of the way up the hill that Negra would occasionally visit during prickly lettuce season. As fas as we can remember, she only went above Carlene’s Tower and the Twister once.
Don’t know what warmed the cockles of my heart more, Neggie’s wonderful adventure, how much it thrilled and moved all of her human friends or how honored I feel to share in the event — just like I celebrate Neggie sleeping in, only different.
Maybe Her Majesty had long thought that the Carlene Tower would be best located near a grove of trees. As the song goes (the Beatles tune which I associate with our dearest Negra) “All your life… you were only waiting for this moment to arrive… Blackbird fly…”
“Neggie is on the tower under the trees”…oh my gosh, the tears started falling when I heard that announcement. Thank you so much, J.B. for that video. I love them all so much.
Oh my! I adore the Star Trek and Beatles references in this posting and replies, and mostly, of course, acknowledging Neggie’s bravery and pluck in giving herself the gift of a new adventure! I also wondered what route she took to get there & down. She looks like her contentment in chomping on pine needles is something she does all the time up there, not only the 2nd time in all these years. Wow!! What an inspiration she is to me — it’s never too late to have the courage for new adventures. Thanks, Neggie, for your strength and being such a good role model!
She is a senior and has not always had a good life. she could be depressed or suffer anxiety. She is experiencing “a new day”. Bless her and lets hope these are happy days.:hugging:
What a precious video! The chimps all surprise us from time to time, but for Neggie to do this is remarkable and a testament to her wonderful spirit. It was this grand old lady that taught me that lettuce can actually be really enjoyable, but I don’t think I’ll follow her example of pine needles!!
I hve to agree about the pine needles. I can’t imagine they are easy to digest, but I bet they pack a spicy punch.
Oh Happy Day!:notes:?:wink:
And I meant to, but forgot to mention…birthday wishes to Dr. Jane!
May there be many more to come!
Seeing a video headlining our Queen on the center stage just made my day, not to mention her triumphant endeavor with pine needles as a reward. I especially enjoy videos that spotlight one person and their unique traits. And as much as I love seeing CSNW residents, I would also like to see videos highlighting all of the staff – caregivers, medical, admin, volunteers – for who they are and all they do (if they want to, of course). The staff and volunteers make CSNW the awesome sanctuary that it is and I am thankful for each of you for all the love and care each of you give wholeheartedly. And I am thankful for everyone at CSNW who has made it possible for Neggie to have a life filled with love, family, and friendship in a sanctuary where she feels secure enough to climb to the top of Carlene’s Tower and enjoy her pineneedles in beauty and peace.
The film and comment of the primatologist delivered two thoughts:
The adage “Why did the chicken cross the road” fits here.
Also, “Human beings must always be on the watch for the coming of wonders”
–Charlotte Cavitica
the friendly, clever spider of Charlotte’s Web,, as told by E.B White