Note: The video above may be difficult to watch, especially for those of you who have known and loved Jody either in person or through this blog, as it shows her family reacting to her death. But I hope you can find a time when you feel able to share in our experience of saying goodbye to Jody.
As Diana mentioned, we recently discovered Jody lying on the floor, largely unable to move below the neck. After doing initial diagnostics, we set up an appointment for an MRI to assess her long-term prognosis, with a surgeon at the ready to avoid having to bring her back at a later date if something could be done. Her condition suddenly began to deteriorate on Sunday and we moved up the appointment, but she quickly passed. Yesterday, Dr. Erin and I took Jody’s body for a postmortem MRI at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle and a necropsy at the University of Washington. Preliminary results suggest a degeneration of the ligaments around the C1-2 vertebrae and compression of the spinal cord.
The sudden onset of Jody’s condition surprised us, as there was no fight that morning and no loud noise overnight (we monitor the chimps via remote cameras outside of regular work hours). She was discovered in one of the smaller “front rooms” behind a dividing wall, out of direct view of the cameras, so unfortunately we simply don’t know what caused her paralysis. Given her location and the nature of the injury, one possibility is that she fell a short distance. Why she would have fallen off a step or bench is another question. In hindsight, we may have witnessed her exhibiting a few episodes of “transient quadraparesis,” or momentary paralysis below the neck, in the past, but it is difficult to tell if a chimpanzee is unable or simply unwilling to get up when they can’t tell you what they are experiencing. While we can’t say definitively what led to the deterioration of the structure supporting and protecting her spinal cord—whether it was progressive or from some prior acute trauma—it may have have been compromised to the point where a less severe injury could have more profound consequences. In addition to causing paralysis, her condition involved other parts of her body, affecting vital organs, and she ultimately had no chance of recovery.
In the days before she passed, Jody was understandably frightened at times but became comfortable with us entering the room and caring for her. It’s a strange experience for us to be directly caring for an awake chimpanzee and I’m sure it was strange for Jody, too. She was courageous and accepting, but she also felt comfortable telling us to go to hell when she’d had enough. If we could have spared her those days, knowing what we know now, we would have. That said, we did our best to keep her comfortable while we tried to learn more and, from a selfish perspective, we were fortunate to get to spend time with her. CSNW’s founder, Keith, even made it in time to see her, as did many of her local volunteer caregivers. In typical Jody fashion, she greeted them each warmly.
One challenge that is particular if not unique to the sanctuary world is the way we have to transition from medical team to grieving family in the blink of an eye. Our staff and volunteers did an incredible job keeping the other chimps’ needs in mind and we worked to give Jody’s body back to them as soon as we could so that they could also process her death.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that chimps react to the death of a loved one in different ways. Some are scared or anxious, while others are accepting. Some are even empathetic enough to comfort the humans around them, as you’ll see. It is a unique privilege to witness—and even participate in—what is essentially a chimpanzee wake. The Cle Elum Seven had been a family for 17 years, and some of their relationships go back even longer. Jody’s death is a profound loss for them.
The rituals look familiar. They kiss, hold, groom, and caress. These are the mechanisms of bonding and the expressions of affection that held them together in life. Perhaps in death they are just a continued expression of love. Or perhaps they are an attempt to hold on for one more moment to something they know is slipping away. If you had watched the humans spend time with Jody upon her death, you would have seen the same kinds of things.
I have to admit that there’s a part of me that wonders if this should have been kept a private experience between the chimps and their caregivers, and I’m sure some others feel similarly. But when we met Jody and her family in that laboratory basement, we were determined that she would become known to the world, or at least some small part of it. So many chimps like her suffered and died anonymously. After 32 years in the lab, Jody finally had a life worth living and people got to know her as the individual she was. So many of you fell in love with her over the last 15 years, as we hoped you would. For all of you who have loved her and supported her, it is your time to grieve with them, too.
We’ll have a lot more to say about Jody and our love for her in the coming days and weeks. For my part, I will just say for now that I was forever changed when we first met her in that awful laboratory basement, and even more so once I got to know her. She was a truly beautiful person.
After Jody’s family said their goodbyes, they returned to normal routines. Today was spent patrolling, eating fresh spring grass, and gathering up the bountiful lunch forage. It was notably quieter without Jody’s dinosaur food grunts, but the gang honored her memory by stuffing their hands, feet, and mouths with as many peppers as they could hold. Life will go on, differently. Like us, the chimps will always carry a part of her with them.
Thank you for sharing Jody with the world. She was a gift and her light shone bright. I am so very sorry for your loss, I grieve along beside you.
On another note, as a grief counselor, I feel strongly that there shouldve been a warning on the screen stating what was shown in the video. Day in andnday out I supoort those having experienced a tremendous loss, it is a very painful process. The process is made easier when there is support for the bereaved. Sharing this video, you would have no way of knowing whether viewers have access to that support or how triggering the images in the video can be for some. Please take this into consideration in the future in circumstances when another beloved Chimpanzee passes on. Perhaps a photo or video montage of that individuals life would be best. Thank you.
Thank you for your feedback, Iris. There is a warning in the blog post but you are correct that if you view the video first, the footage may be unexpected. We will certainly consider this in future videos and are grateful for your input.
Thanks J.B. I appreciate the response and consideration fir future videos. Just to clarify, I viewed the YouTube channel before visiting the blog so I wasn’t aware of the cotent warning, but thank you for having the warning posted on the blog. I am alright, was extremely saddened by the news. I also wanted to express my concern for those who may have had a difficult time processing their grief after watching the video. Thanks for addressing those concerns AND thank you for ensuring that both Jody’s human, and chimp family, had an opportunity to support one another in that space. It was a lovely send off.
Your opinion is accepted and respect for your therapy. The video and cherished thoughts from JB are what i needed in my grieve for beloved Miss Jody. I needed to see her and all her family, both human and fellow chimps mourn for her as they have a right to say googbye and reasured in any manner they can. I felt very privilegd to be able to say my own goodbyes during her wake from across the country. Rest now in peace sweet Miss Jody.
Iris, good points. And … many people are fine and well-adjusted and are able to view this and process their feelings in a healthy way. Many people are well-adjusted in regarded to death. I am one of those people. I consider it a privilege to be able to see this. A request for a warning is reasonable. A request that no one else be able to experience this is not.
Thank you, JB, for such a beautiful description of the grieving process for both chimps and humans. I, for one, am profoundly grateful that you have shared this deeply moving video with us. Jody was a truly wonderful person. Last night I kept thinking of all of you, Jody’s dear friends, and what you must be going through. You are all in my hearts.
Implying that people aren’t well-adjusted because they process death differently than you is not the way to phrase that.
It was very clear that this was going to be a sad video, but for most of us, it was a necessary and comforting way to say goodbye to a very dear friend and I think it was appropriate. Thank you to J.B and all of the caregivers for the opportunity to share this.
Beautifully written, J.B. Thank you for sharing this intimate moment with us.
A beauiful and touching farewell from her family. The final grunt, head nodding and hand waving on the video were so profound, it hurt down to my soul. To be a small part of these chimps’ lives is a gift and I hope they all know how special they are to all of us. Thank you for sharing this loving goodbye.
Thank you, J.B. I’m glad you did share this with us. So moving. I’ll never look at this group of chimpanzee people the same way again. So gentle, so caring. So difficult to see Jody laid out flat and unmoving, her life gone. But still always a part of those of us who followed and loved her.
I disagree, Iris. First, J.B. did have a warning, perhaps in response to your post. But I needed a video, I needed to see that life goes on, and I needed to know how Jody’s group responded. I could see from their actions that they’re ok, though wounded. We see videos of them almost every day, and to be limited to stills in this circumstances wouldn’t have felt honest and it wouldn’t have given me, for one, a certain closure that I think this post helped me find.
I think her point wasn’t about posting the video, but more that a disclaimer was missing from it offering that there may be difficult images to see.
Personally, we are all adults, and as such we know pretty much what would be contained therein, so I don’t see the need. As one lady said, it is helping her to grieve for her dear husband, recently gone, so she knew what it would be.
Maureen, I appreciate your response; however, I was posting to show my support and understanding for those who may have been unable to cope with the loss of sweet Jody after watching the video. That’s all, I’m happy that you were able to find the closure you needed from viewing the video. Be well.
I agree, Maureen. Early in the time I have been more closely interested in chimpanzees, I saw a video from a sanctuary, I think in Africa, I can’t recall, of a similar situation. The chimps’ reactions to the death of their family nember and close friend changed my perspective profoundly and permanently. We humans are too keen to think ourselves unique and special. We are far from it and need the occasional reminder, however uncomfortable it makes us feel. It pales in comparison to what Jody’s friends and family are feeling, including everyone at the sanctuary. My warmest love to you all.
J.B.,
Thank you for taking the time to post this message. In my grief, I have waited all day for an update from the Sanctuary. While I can’t yet bear to watch the video, I am heartened to see photographs of Missy, Burrito and others foraging on Young’s Hill. It my hope that the body of our dear Jody can be committed to the land upon which she loved to forage.
However, I am confused by a paragraph in your post;. Was Jody infirm for several days, or just on Sunday? I know that you and the other caregivers are busy and bereft at this time, but if you could please clarify that issue, I would appreciate as I mourn my friend.
I, too, noticed the same thing and wondered. It had been my understanding that she had been found, then a day later she was gone.
I’ll third that
Thank you for showing the grieving of these wonderful amazing creatures. Thank you for all you do for these chimps.
Hi Tobin – Jody became paralyzed on Friday. She remained stable through Sunday morning as we ran tests and prepared to transport her for the MRI. Diana announced the unfortunate news on Sunday because it is difficult to share such delicate news in real time as we are dealing with a crisis and still seeking information.
That totally makes sense. Y’all were in crisis mode with a lot of unknowns. I’m glad you focused on caring for Jody during an acute crisis. You always do such a wonderful job sharing with us out here. We appreciate it.
Tobin,
I understand your reluctance to watch the video. You were much closer to Jody than I am. Please know that while it is sad and difficult, it is also very loving and beautiful. I am also confused my JB’s comments. I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your beloved friend. Thank you to everyone for loving and caring for our incredibly amazing nest builder. Please tell her family that I love them. I wish I could be more of a comfort to all of you.
Thank you, Amy, for your kind reply. Having read other descriptions of the video of our dear Jody’s passing (embraced at last in the arms of the humans who rescued and brought from into life), I will defer viewing the video. I have other ways of mourning her, and I wish to remember in other ways (the blog post of 11
5.2018, just to give one example.
I am not Jewish, but I very much revere the beauty of the words and chants of the Kaddish. Those words and their manner of expression speak to me as I consider the gift of life who was our beloved Jody.
Tobin, I too hope that Jody will be buried in the place she loved so much. Perhaps a dedicated area could be set up as a memorial garden? Maybe a fundraiser could be organised for a statue or similar memorial plaque? Just a thought.
Thank you, Simon. I heartily second your proposal. Jody’s memory deserves a visual artifact; I love the idea of lilac bushes being planted on her grave.
I am so very grateful — beyond words – that you have shared this with us. The pain I feel of Jody’s death helps me feel the pain of losing my husband. It’s all woven together. My heart goes out to all of you, along with my tremendous gratitude. Again — beyond words.
:hugging::blue_heart::green_heart::purple_heart:
My bf lost his wife of 21 years just 2 years ago in March, so my heart goes out to you.
I am reposting this here since it more appropriate here.
I just watched the video. What a beautiful tribute to Jody. :sob:
One thing that has always amazed me about the way chimps handle death is that they tend to be very pragmatic about it. Yes, I have seen mothers grieve intensely for a lost child to the point where they nearly wither away themselves. But they always know, don’t they? I watched the 6 closely as they approached her body, and not one of them tried to rouse her awake–they simply knew she was gone. Watching them then groom her so delicately and with such respect reminded me of numerous death rituals where the body is cleaned and madeready for burial. I imagine this same rite would be carried off if this group had lived in the wild.
One of my favourite videos of Jody was when she was munching alfalfa cubes in between handfuls of snow. So cute, and she made it look delish!
Thank you for sharing such a quixotic moment with us.
Sorry dont know all their names. But one put thier arm up straight. And the others seemed to respond to that action!!
That was Annie (you can always tell it’s her because she has the middle part :face_with_hand_over_mouth:). I caught that, too, and noticed how she communicated with the other chimp (Missy, maybe? I couldn’t see her face well), and they both acknowledged the other with head nods. I would have liked to know what was said….
I think that was Foxie she nodded to (watched it on my phone. A bit blurry)
That was dear, sweet Annie. She seemed to be the most moved. My heart went out to her.
What a beautiful tribute to Jody from all of her caregivers and chimpanzee family. I appreciate you sharing this moment of her family saying goodbye and allowing us to see, once again, what amazing beings you are caring for.
Such wonderful memories of her to cherish and to feel so grateful that she got out of the lab and spent her last years being loved and protected and seeing the other side of humans! Thank you again for sharing this intimate moment with us!
Thank you for sharing this, both the blog post and the video. I’m so sorry for your (our!) loss. Thank you for caring for this wonderful chimpanzee.
I’m touched and grateful beyond measure at being able to see this farewell, from her chimpanzee family and all of you. I’ve been following your Sanctuary since its very beginning, so this family is so much a part of my heart. The care, compassion and dignity with which you hold all of life is incredible. Thank you for sharing. So much love is there.
My heart hurts and I sit here sobbing. I can’t imagine all of the caregivers grief. My heart goes out to you.
The chimps were so kind and soft with her. I hurt for them. Life’s cycle is tough sometimes. ?
my heart is broken at the loss of Sweet Jody. And for the caregivers and her chimpanzee family. i can’t stop crying. God bless all of you. At this time of profound grief
Thank you, JB for sharing the video and your post with us. I think many of us consider the Chimpanzees (and you all) family. We needed the inclusion in the grieving process as well. Thank you for including us. May she rest in peace…
Thank you for allowing us in to view this beautiful goodbye to such a special girl. I feel honored to have been able to witness this while grieving from a distance. Goodbye sweet girl
JB —
You wrote, “I have to admit that there’s a part of me that wonders if this should have been kept a private experience between the chimps and their caregivers…”
Thank you for allowing us to share in this extraordinary event. You did keep it private. You are only showing us what happened after the fact, and you filmed it respectfully and unobtrusively. It has helped me so much to be able to see how the remaining 6 and CSNW staff and volunteers began to come to terms with Jody’s death.
I feel confident in writing that I and the rest of the CSNW family hold Jody in our hearts. Thank you again for allowing us to take part in a horribly sad but inevitable part of sanctuary life.
Amy
The silent solemnity of sorrow was one of the most moving images i have every seen of someone’s passing away. She was indeed loved by all and blessed to be surrounded by comfort and happiness for the last 15 years after her earlier unblessed life. You are all very special people. Her world and our world is better because of people like you who are in it. Please take time to grieve and be mindful of one another’s needs as you were seen in the video comforting Jody’s family reaching out to you.
Thank you, JB, to you and all the staff for sharing Jojo with us every day and yesterday. I feel that the video description on YT, which I saw when you posted it, was quite clear about what I was going to watch.
My heart went out to poor Annie….and even Missy was momentarily beside herself, seeking reassurance from you. And then, sweet Neggie, offering some consolation to all of you, bless her.
You’ve always sought, above all things, to educate those of us who love them from afar. In sharing this with us, you not only allow us this closure, but also educate us with regard to how they see and react to the death of a loved one.
So I appreciate that you all allowed us this window to say goodbye to Jo.
I once awakened from having fallen asleep on my stomach with some back pain (I joked in an earlier blog about how I spent a lot of time stretched out on my stomach when I was a kid). It turned out to be a herniated disk. Later, we discovered that I have what’s called a “translation” (3 on a scale of 1-4, not good), but it’s anterior, so no pressure. I told a bio colleague once that I’m supposed to be walking with a cane, and every day I’m not is a good day. He said “10% of people are born with a translation. Live your life.”
I, for one, am happy to hear more about Jo in the days to come. Katelyn once shared the story of Jody and the mouse–I loved that story. Lilac season is here, and Mother’s Day won’t be the same without her.
Thanks again for letting us in, and my condolences to all of you.
My heart goes out to you for your pain.
Last year I finally had an MRI for my back, and they saw that I am completely missing a disc between my L3 and L4, so I have bone rubbing on bone. I cannot afford surgery, natch.
I loved what you say: every day without a cane is a good day.
Just offering comfort and to let you know you are not alone.
Thanks, Carla Renée, that’s sweet of you. Tbh, that disk went 25 years ago, and we discovered the translation about 10 yrs ago. I did a little snowboarding since then! 😉
Working with a trainer and keeping in mind that the PT I went through was basically yoga has brought me back to a place where I don’t have much psin, and can sometimes sleep on my stomach again (or halfway). Losing regained weight would surely help. But I’m mostly just stiff in the mornings, and I think it’s due to being north of 45.
Thanks again :heartpulse:
This was very difficult to watch but heartwarming to watch the family saying goodbye. If there is anything we can do to help during this difficult time, please let us know. Hugs to the chimp family and all the humans who gave Jody a wonderful home for her last years.
So touching and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this amazing video. It took me a minute or so to decide if I wanted to watch it at this time but I decided I wanted to see it. What a beautiful tribute and goodbye to Jody by all of her family. It was kind of a closure for me as well, and I am thankful you shared it with us. Jody will always be in our hearts.
You can always tell where a beautiful soul has been by the tears and smiles left behind.
May all who love Jody find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Thank you.
J.B., Thank you for sharing this beautiful video, The gentleness and love Jody’s family showed to her was so very moving. They seemed to know you guys were grieving too and wanted to comfort you as well as each other. Once again you show us yet another amazing insight into these wonderful beings.
Thank you for sharing this with us. It was hard to watch, but I felt so honored to be a part of the CSNW family grieving.
It was blurry through my tears, but it was a beautiful video.
I will love and miss you Jody forever.:revolving_hearts:
This video was incredibly healing to watch. I felt like I was there, grieving with the family of chimps. Watching each of them begin to process Jody’s death was stunning—both heartbreaking and comforting.
Thank you for helping to normalize death and the grieving process by inviting all of us, the greater community, to take part in that shared communal grief ritual with the chimps. I will never forget seeing this.
I’m sending my deepest condolences to everyone whose heart is breaking at this time.
I have so much gratitude for all that you do to give your chimps the best life possible.
Thank you for sharing this moving video with all of us. Jody was a bright light in this world. She touched so many people with her joyous spirit. I am honored to have been a small part of her life ?.
thank you for sharing. sending love.
I don’t have much to add to the other comments, only to thank you for allowing us to see the video. Watching it helped me with my grieving. It was impossible not to cry watching the other chimps and seeing how tender and respecful they were with Jodi’s body. we will all miss her so much. Sending my love to you all.
Thank you for sharing this intimate moment.
What a magnificent video! I was hoping you would post something like that for precious Jody. I’m sure most people were very grateful to be able to see her family saying goodbye. I hope all the chimps live many more decades, but if/when this situation arises again PLEASE post a video like this one. I won’t say what I think about “trigger warnings”, bereavement groups, and eliminating something because a tiny minority can’t handle it.
RIP dearest Jody. Till you and the other 6 all meet again :cry:?:rainbow:
You did say what you think about “trigger warnings”, bereavement groups, and eliminating something because a tiny minority can’t handle it. You just did it passive agressively.
Why bother being passive-aggressive with strangers online? My thoughts are plain as day. Now I prefer to focus on Jody and the chimps.
JB, I’ve watched the video several times and read everyone’s comments more than once. I’m so grateful to be able to be part of the letting go process for dear Jody, even in our sadness. The pic your chose for the beginning of the posting is exactly the picture of Jody w/ the lilacs that I referred to in my posting yesterday that I have on my phone along with several others of her looking wistfully at lilacs with that enraptured expression and smile. I feel privileged to have been able to be a part of the letting go ritual even through the screen. And to see the staff there, too, paying respects to both Jody and her family’s process is very intimate. Much heartfelt appreciation for this community and everyone’s love of the chimps and their freedom to live their best lives.
Dear CSNW team.
My condolences to you all.
I think you were right to share this moment. If I had not seen it I would have always wondered how the chimps reacted.
It is very sad when someone so close to you dies but I think you should all be very proud of the 15 years of life you gave her. You did all you set out to do for her. Well done one and all.
sending much live to the santuary and all its inhabitants. ive been wat hing from Australia for years i feel like ive been there at times and today im grieving with you …your teams love is beyond measure thanku for giving here the most wonderful change of life to and for her ….take care of yourselves in coming weeks and months
Thank you for letting us share the sadness. It was heartwrenching watching her family saying their goodbyes. All of her family, ape and human. The silence from her family was the sweetest thing i never heard. Thank you for the wonderful work you do to help these amazing creatures navigate the unnatural world we have caused them to be in. She is now truly free to be with her ancestors.
Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this grieving journey. For those of us who enjoy Jody and all of the chimps virtually, this gave us a moment to intimately participate. The videos you share gives us the chance to be familiar with each individual. So, when one dies, we too must process. Your beautiful words and the video were something I needed and wanted to see. Thank you so much. Blessings be.
Just wanted to send a big virtual hug to all the CSNW family during these sad times. I found that video incredibly moving (yes I did shed a tear or two, bless em!) and very much appreceiate the empathy shown.
Take care of yourselfs everyone and my thoughts are with you all from this side of the atlantic.:flag_gb:
Dear J.B.
I am honoured to witness the wake for Jody; the love and respect her chimp and human family showed her was very touching and moving.
I am grateful for your decision to share it with all of us who loved her also.
Wishing you all strength and love and remembering Jody with all sorts of stories in the coming days-months.
Lots of love from the Netherlands.
First of all, to the people who are “bickering” please stop, this isnt about who is right or wrong and who should feel or not feel, this is simply about Jody.
JB and all the caregivers, thank you all for allowing us to share and say goodbye to a truly beautiful lady who was loved by all, human and chimp alike. Yes, i was crying throughtout, but i was equally glad to be be able to say goodbye even if it was to the video i spoke the words. To see Jodys friends, no not her friends, her family gently touch and groom her and to see them talk to one another, we may not know their words but we can have a good guess at them, and they were probably saying what we were saying, goodbye sweet fridn, until we meet again. Amen.
Thank you to all of you. Grateful to have you in my life. What a wonderful moment for me to witness it gave me so much inspiration and love for these great hearts in the chimp family. Also being very moving and sad. Rest in Peace dear Jody. Will miss watching you steal the pumpkin at Halloween.
What a tender, loving, gentle goodbye. Thank you for sharing these moments. For fifteen years, Jody enjoyed and really embraced sanctuary and her legacy will live on in her family, chimp and human. Keep on keeping on, for you all need each other-we all do.
Thank you for sharing these special final moments between Jody and her family. It is both heartbreaking yet besutiful to watch.
What a wonderful and enriched 15 years Jody spent at her forever home, CSNW. You took care of her until the very end. Both Jody’s human and chimp families have my sincere condolences.
At some point in the future, when this is all less raw and painful, it would be really interesting to hear your commentary and interpretation of the events in this video. I do still have difficulties identifying the individual chimps. When Annie(?) raises her hand into the air and the other chimp reacts with a nod, it’s almost like she is saying “Jody has left her body, she no longer needs it – her spirit is free”. However, that is putting a human interpretation on chimp behaviour and communication, which is the wrong thing to do. Yet we can’t help wondering how much chimps understand about and interpret death.
Much love
Simon
This is truly the most amazing memorial I have ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing this tribute of an amazing spirit. I cired for her loss, your loss and her best friends loss and am so apprecaitive that all of you and us– were able to say our goodbyes.
WIth deep respect and gratitude.
I am going to watch this privately later, when I can process. I for one, thank you, for posting the very poignant post, and the video. Jody was a part of our lives for so many years. I can’t imagine how you all are feeling, I truly can’t. But death…it is a part of life, and I personally feel the need to share in your grief. Both human and ape. I want to honor Jody and for me, it is participating as she transitioned. THANK YOU for sharing. Jody will never be forgotten, and I am so grateful to CSNW for all that they did for her (and the others) for so many years. Rest in Peace, Jody.
Thank you. That was beautiful. It filled me overwhelming sadness. But also love and hope. So sorry for your loss. Appreciation for the care that you took to share such a tender goodbye.
I am so deeply touched by this beautiful video and grateful to you for sharing it with all of us who have been a part of her daily life for years. Except for those who felt it should not have been shown, I agree with all the comments of over 65 others who are so appreciative that we were given the opportunity to be at the wake. Thank you, JB
Thank you so much for posting this video. While it is incredibly sad, it is also comforting to share this grief with her family and caregivers. I never met dear Jody, only knew her via posts of Facebook and YouTube. But after 15 years of watching her, she felt as present and as much a part of my life as if I was with her in person. I have been deeply sad since I heard the news of her passing. I send love to all her chimp family and her caregivers. Thank you so much for giving her a good life for the past 15 years.
Requiescat in Pace, Jody Chimpanzee.
Thank you for sharing your mourning with us. This was very hard to watch, but so beautifully done. It was nice to see how the chimps said goodbye to their friend and that you were all there with them while they did so. You could see how much reassurance some of them needed from you. I love the picture of Jody at the end of the video, it really shows her personality and beautiful spirit.
I can only repeat was others have said. This video was deeply, deeply moving. Thank you so much for sharing it. I can only imagine how much her friends and caretakers may be grieving. I did ball my eyes out, but honestly I needed the cry anyway. I did a little research and at 47 she clearly lived to a ripe old age. She had a full life and 15 years of peaceful sanctuary, which is all due to your efforts. Thank you again for your noble work.
Feeling overwhelmed with sadness, and I’m heartbroken for the caregivers and the chimpanzee family. Thank you so much for sharing the video. Difficult to watch, but I’m glad to see Jody’s family is able to express their emotions and get some closure. Beautifully done! :broken_heart::broken_heart::broken_heart::broken_heart::broken_heart: