Last Friday, we held a small, intimate memorial for our dear friend, Jody. While we had the service, it only felt right that Jody’s family have access to Young’s Hill. However, very unlike Jamie, she was no where to be found and slept through the entire thing. Apparently, all the chimps went to sleep after we left the Chimp House and left door Y (Jamie’s group access door to their outdoor space) open. Jamie must have thought, we, her humans, were so stupid and made a mistake. Eventually, around dusk, the event was winding down and caregivers tried to close the Hill off, Jamie finally noticed the service and came sprinting out. A few of us tried to catch up with her to join in on the walk, but she was going so fast! She was amped! Once it was fully dark and the service had come to an end, I had the pleasure of going on one last night-walk with Jamie. Thank goodness I brought a head lamp to light the way for both of us! It was so dark that I was starting to scare myself, so I apologize if the video looks a little like the “Blair Witch Project”.
Jamie on her nighttime stroll:
Rayne is so cool:
Rayne grooming Mave:
Teeny Tiny Terry:
Teeny tiny troll dolls for a teeny tiny Foxie:
Annie:
Missy:
A Gordo photo series:
Karen says
I wonder, do Chimps have better night vision than humans?
And why not take advantage of being up late and get a ‘midnight’ snack, good for Jamie!
Eli says
Chimpanzee eyes are actually really similar to human eyes, so their night vision is very poor. That’s one of the reasons they don’t tend to leave their nests at night in the wild.
Cindee says
I can imagine how creepy it would be walking around out there at night with it being so quiet and dark. If not for the lights of other establishments in the distance, it would be entirely black out there.
Sherry Rogers says
My heart is still so broken with the loss of Jody.
Tobin says
I understand and sympathy. It has been a rough year. Everyone mourns in their own manner. Looking at old blog posts of Jody foraging on her hill or playing with her friends helps me with my grief. I weep, but I also smile.
Tobin says
Dear caregivers of the CSNW:
Thank you for remembering my dear Jody. I hope that your ceremony provided you — and your late-arriving guest — with that indelible peace which passeth all understanding. Though I wasn’t in attendance, I carry my love for Jody in ny heart (and my pictures of her in my wallet) always.
I am curious about the timing of your memorial ceremony. Was it is held on Friday as it was the last full day of summer? Sunset on Friday was also the beginning of the shabbot during the Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe. Surely our memory of Jody is a blessing.
And, from my own tradition, may I add that “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”. Jody knew that you loved her.
Marcie says
A night patrol with Jaime and finishing up with a snack was perfect for the boss, lucky lady. The pictures of everyone are great also but Gordo’s oh my, what a handsome dude. Thanks for sharing and honoring our sweet Jody.
Kathleen says
I was thinking of you all and Jody on the 22nd at 6:00 pm PST. Hope it was a lovely celebration of dear Jody’s life. Seems perfect to have Jamie patrol the hill at the end of evening. Even better that you gave her a snack of grapes. I feel certain Jody appreciated the walk, and maybe she was at Jamie’s side.
I had fun looking through all the photos. Annie and Missy with their mouths full, both made me chuckle. Gordo is so photogenic! So chill, and at times almost downright distinguished. He is incredibly handsome.
Eli says
I didn’t find this blog until after Jody’s passing, but from reading the blogs, I feel like I got to know her a bit. I know she’s deeply missed.
Recently, Jessie at Center for Great Apes passed and I know her loss is just as keenly felt there by her chimpanzee family and her human caregivers.
I lost my dad suddenly last year. He’s always been lively and healthy and one day he was just gone. It leaves a deep void that can never truly be filled.
I wish Jody never had to go through what she did, but I’m glad she found almost 15 years of wonderful respite and healing at CSNW. She left this world surrounded by love and that’s all that matters.
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Thank you for sharing this amazing night time video. I always wondered what the grounds of the sanctuary looked after sun down and I could almost feel darkness; a bit spooky but awesome especially with the Chimpanzee scooting along with much grace and clearly having fun. I wonder if sweet Jody was watching and maybe saying ” I am still here, I never really left”. Do you feel her presence at all? Like the Chris de Burgh song says ” we carry Jody like a fire in our hearts”.
Paulette says
Love you everyone!