A couple months ago I wrote about Jody’s lineage and her son Levi who I had worked with previously. Today I’m gonna talk about the Queen’s dynasty, Negra’s daughter Heidi who currently resides at another sanctuary. It is a unique privilege to have been able to work with both mother and daughter, and I thought you all would enjoy getting to know more about this royal family.
Negra is known for her exacting standards when it comes to her caregivers but she tends to be low key in her group, generally not getting overly involved in disputes, instead preferring to enjoy time in her nest. During the quiet times within the group you really start to see her fun personality come out with her group though, whether it be playing with Burrito or grooming with Jamie.
Heidi is a different story, she tends to be very forgiving of her caregivers shortcomings and is very sweet towards all the caregivers she meets. She enjoys quality time with her caregivers, whether it be getting head scratches or belly tickles or staring at them sweetly. However, she is in a social group with 14 other chimpanzee’s, and she is well known for being spitfire. Heidi is bold and does not hesitate to express her likes and dislikes with her group mates. She is quick to stand up for herself, and not so quick to let it go. It is a quality you don’t really expect when you first meet and she comes off as pleasant and seemingly low key.
Heidi’s nickname is the Bowling Ball, due to her petite but chunky physique and when I first met her and the girls she came to sanctuary with one thing I did not expect was that someone like Heidi would be such good friends with another girl in her group named Robbie (a.k.a. Roberta, or ‘Berta to her friends), who is also nicknamed the Wrecking ball. Robbie is a large, high ranking chimp who throws her weight around and is sure to get what she wants. This friendship makes sense when you get to know Heidi better and see how spicy she is, it’s nice to know she always has ‘Berta to have her back and that they get to enjoy their retirement together.
Neggie and Heidi may have different strategies for navigating their social lives in their groups but one thing these ladies do have in common is they know what they want, and they want it their way. No exceptions.
Neggie:
Heidi:
Thoughtful Neggie:
Thoughtful Heidi:
Neggie:
Heidi:
Neggie:
Heidi:
Neggie:
Heidi:
