Being Jamie’s friend means you have accept her on her terms, love her for who she is, and take her on her good days and bad days (or minutes or hours). I love Jamie to pieces, but I also understand that living with her is probably not the easiest at times. She can be a tad bit controlling or even manipulative. Sometimes being her friend is knowing that she will beckoning you to come over, making you think she wants to groom or play when really she just wants you to give her grapes. Or that at some point while grooming she may decide she is over it and want you to go away, but instead of disengaging from the interaction she will act like she is going to throw poop at you or even actually throw poop at you. Sometimes being Jamie’s friend is watching her make questionable social decisions in her group. However, these are all parts of Jamie, it makes her who she is and Jamie is a remarkable chimpanzee.
I know I have written a blog like this many times, but I think the sentiment is worth repeating, especially for a chimp like Jamie. She is so extremely intelligent and very aware of her situation. Jamie uses her brilliance to her full advantage, as she should! For example, not letting us close off Young’s Hill at night, making it so staff can’t go home. Jamie is tough, stubborn, and controlling. However, Jamie’s controlling nature gives her power in a situation where she has surely felt powerless in her life. In sanctuary we want the chimps to feel free to make choices and give them that power back. I think chimps like Jamie show how comfortable they are in sanctuary when they can be themselves and are accepted for it.
As serious as Jamie is, it’s important to take advantage of the times when she does decide to let loose. When Jamie wants to play, you drop everything and say yes! Like this morning, Jamie was so funny. We played chase for a long time and Bat Jamie even joined us! Jamie has so many different layers to her and I love each and every one of them :).
Bat James:
Anne Searcy says
This is delightful! How do you make your shoe noises? Do you stomp your feet? Also, when you feed them a fruit bowl, how do you get that to them? i’ve watched and watched and think I see a chute or larger open area for those. I’m fascinated at all the pieces of fruit and/or veggies they put in their mouths. Thank each of you for sharing these videos with us. I love their intelligence…
Linda C says
A tad bit controlling, Kelsi!? :laughing:
I’ve heard about Bat Foxie, but have never witnessed Bat Jamie before!
When I think that they are possible in the last decades of their lives, but they can hang like that! It’s incredible!
Marya says
Oh, Kelsi, thanks for sharing the best and the challenges of Jamie’s powerful presence! I think I recall that she was raised alone in a human home for a number of years so (as an “only” myself) I know sometimes that situation leads to powerful personalities. I recall photos of her at CSNW lying on the floor drawing with colored pencils or crayons (Jackson Pollock would be proud, and Miro, two of the “abstract expressionist artists of yore) and working with tools at a bench, Some kind of child’s play set I think it was? I’ve been so impressed with her skills but am aware she can be difficult and controlling. Strong woman! Gotta love her anyhow! Mostly I’m so grateful she’s in sanctuary and can have her powerful personality appreciated and valued even when she’s being “too much.”
Linda C says
One of my favorite Jamie pics is the 1 where she’s got a child’s toy tool from that bench and she’s trying to work on the hinges on 1 of the front room, doors or windows!
Marie says
She’s a Jewel …isn’t she:rofl::rofl:
Marie says
When I read that your temperature was a High of 73…. when mine was a hundred with the heat index, I didn’t feel so bad that you were getting exercise with Jamie 😀 Ya don’t mind exerting more energy on a Cool Day….y’all so Deserve it?:hugging:
Marie says
By the way….. that question mark was a snowflake:weary:
Diana walti says
thank you for your honest comments on each of the personalities of the chimps. im wondering the criteria you use to rate the intelligence of each chimp, ie, what makes jamie so much more intelligent than others. i am able to know which of my dogs is more intelligent than others but how do you do that with chimps? thenks to everyone for the work you do!
Gaynell says
Kelsi, you hit the nail on the head (no Jamie toy workbench pun intended) when you wrote “Jamie’s controlling nature gives her power in a situation where she has surely felt powerless in her life.” The resilience of chimpanzees after trauma, a fight, or in Jamie’s case years of being deprived of ‘choice’ is simply amazing. I don’t think we humans can understand that or ever be that resilient. But, Jamie is and thank goodness Sanctuary has given her that. Besides, she has such beautiful eyes how can anyone resist giving her whatever she wants. And, I think she knows it.
Kathleen says
Kelsi, I have to say that I truly enjoy watching the friendship between you and Jamie through the years. You can see the connection on her face, in the spark in her eyes. You always capture a special photo that portrays *your Jamie*. She has the most amazing face. Her eyes, so much intelligence radiating through them. I wish her life had played out naturally, she would have been an amazing female leader. But she certainly is fortunate to be in your care where the role of sanctuary Boss suits her. Thank you so much for letting Jamie be Jamie.
Bat James is hysterical. Bat James could be her side hustle persona making workout videos. I mean look at her, she’s seriously working her core muscles while hanging upside down, no easy task! Not to mention all the running, and walking.
Gaynell says
Kathleen, i think you are correct about Bat Jamie. She could do ads for 24 Hour Fitness — core, strength training and jogging.
CarolR says
Kelsi, I remember seeing a blog of Jamie sitting in her nest, getting a hairbrush out of her purse and brushing her ‘hair’. Does she still do that? We know of her love for books and boots but what about her other favourite things? She’s a very special lady and a perfect boss!
Eli says
I adore Jamie, difficult side and all. I love the first photo of her a lot. Usually her expression is so intense and that photo does really well to capture her softer side. I love that bossy, boot/book/bonobo-loving lady.
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Oh, my gosh, I am exhausted just watching Jamie in this video! I sure wish I had some of her energy! You must keep your energy levels good just to keep up with that lady. Jamie might be unpredictable but she is living her life – the good life thanks to the sanctuary-on her terms.
Thank you for sharing the antics of this delightful lady.