Since I started working at CSNW in February I, unfortunately, did not get a chance to know Jody very well. I did get put through some hazing by her when I first was learning to serve meals to the group, she would occasionally try to poke me or she would have to spit some of her smoothie on me if I put too much in her mouth at one time. I always found her reprimands to be very gentle in contrast to another chimp I worked with in the past, Jody’s son Levi!
Like Jody, and a lot of chimps when they first arrive to sanctuary, when Levi arrived he was a little more rough around the edges. It was tough to even get a good look at him in person because he was well known for his penchant for throwing feces and he has impeccable aim. When I began working with him, a few years after he first arrived, I discovered how much Levi really loves to play chase and tickle with people and I convinced a coworker who worked with him in his early days at the sanctuary, to come along. When we arrived at Levi’s play yard he immediately came out to greet us and my coworker said to me “that’s him?” because she had never really been able to sit with him or have any positive interaction with him but now they have a relationship with a lot of positive interaction.
In the last couple weeks I have heard so many stories about Jody and how she used to haze people and would spit relentlessly on her caregivers but that she really came to accept and trust the people who cared for her. This really speaks to the difference sanctuary makes in the lives of the chimpanzees we care for and the capacity they really have to forgive humans for the things they’ve experienced in the past.
While Jody is no longer here with us physically anymore, she will never be truly gone. She lives on through her chimp family at CSNW, in our memories of her and in stories shared by those who knew and love her. But she also lives on in her children, like Levi, who not only carrys on her genes but remind us of her quirks and personality, and like Jody are getting to live out their lives in their chimp families in sanctuary.
Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this grieving process.
I’m not sure I’ve heard many of these stories and would love it if any of you would share. Like an Irish Wake, I suppose. I imagine others would like it, too. Thanks.
What a pretty girl she was….
Smoothies are something to be Savored……. I guess she’s a “Give me the drink Gingerly” kind of Gal :wink:these amazing little stories are so cute to hear……Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Birthday Jody:innocent: …..your Big Day is tomorrow…. we look forward to celebrating….. Bring out the Field Roast…Nuts, and Goodies….Unload all the Delightful treats their Bellies can hold:hugging::rose:
Thanks, Sabrina. How cool that you got to work with Levi!
I still have trouble imagining Jodie as a prankster.
Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate it. Tomorrow will be different, for sure. My best to all at CSNW
beautiful write-up Sabrina. thank you for all you do.
you will missed sweet Jody. rest easy now beautiful girl.
I have certainly learned more about the great staff through your outpourings about Jody….She is missed by all of us….
Through what I have read and watched about chimps, it has always amazed me about their power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Jody, and it sounds like her offspring, certainly came to exhibit that when they were brought into sanctuary life. If only we humans could stop long enough to look, listen and learn from chimps, as the song says What a Wonderful World it Would Be. Thank you for sharing your story.
i wholeheartedly agree! I also feel elephants are one species that have a lot to teach us. And I can’t say I’ve heard about animals who don’t forgive us although I expect there are some…and who can blame them.
She was so beautiful, and a blessing to everyone around her. I’m still so sad when I think of not seeing her antics anymore. Love to all who loved her so very much.
Sabrina, what a funny and sweet coincidence you had the opportunity to know and care for Jody’s son Levi. You are lucky to have had the short time you had caregiving for Jody. To earn the trust and respect of chimpanzees who suffered greatly at the hands of humans must be the best feeling.
It is odd to think that future staff and volunteers will not have the opportunity of personally knowing Jody. Thank goodness this blog exists! Seeing the old photos and videos (especially the videos) of Jody seem to bring her back to life if only for a minute or two.