Missy Chimpanzee is equal parts athlete, social butterfly, second in command and tomato connoisseur. If you see a chimpanzee loping along the middle of Young’s Hill (usually followed by her BFF Annie), there’s a good chance it’s Missy. If you see a group of chimpanzees together grooming at the top of the Greenhouse, Missy is likely a big part of that group. If Jamie is angry at one of her group mates or caregivers, Missy is right behind her, backing her up with angry threat barks to make sure the punishment is swift. If there is a bowl of tomatoes on the counter in the kitchen, Missy will be at the Playroom door, giving her signature head nod with outstretched fingers. I sometimes think she’s trying to do a little back-door deal for her favorite food. If Missy could talk, I’d assume she would give me a wink and say “Don’t worry, no one needs to know if you slipped me some secret tomatoes.”
Missy was born into biomedical research in 1975 where she was used as a “breeder” and she was used in Hepatitis vaccine research. She gave birth to two children Josh and CSNW’s very own Honey B. Since Honey B and Missy were separated when Honey B was an infant, they don’t seem to recognize each other as family and do not live in the same group.
Honey B (left) Missy (right):
One of my favorite “Missy Moments” was watching her be the first chimpanzee at the sanctuary to climb a tree at the top of their new and improved Young’s Hill. Missy’s curiosity and athleticism were on full display and it was so fun to watch her do something for the very first time!
Missy’s beautiful life in sanctuary is sponsored in part by her amazing Pals Vicki, Monica, Chris & Lee Ann, Donna, Sharlene, Myra, Patti, Barbara, and Dax. You too can join this group of important supporters by becoming Missy’s Pal.
Valentine’s month is almost over, but it’s never too late to fall in love with Missy!
Seeing our lovely Missy running and jumping to her heart’s delight is a perfect example of what sanctuary has done for her. Considering how many of her young years were spent in confinement, she certainly has made up for it since…..run, Missy, run!!
I’m loving this series of focusing on the chimps individually. Reminds me what I particularly love about each of them. And Missy’s athleticism is such an enjoyable pleasure (is that redundant? or just emphasis?) to watch. There have been positions, and routes, she’s taken that have seemed impossible. But of course she’s been successful in all. Every day I say I have a new favorite. If only I were able to sponsor them all!
It is beautiful to see Missy galloping across Young’s Hill, and that photograph of her ascending the fur tree says so much about the CSNW.
In addition to the descriptions of Missy in the first sentence of today’s post, may it also be stated that the Tomato Lady is the self-taught and self-credentialed Dr. Missy. She has a thriving practice, specializing in primate dermatology and podiatry. And, if that isn’t enough impressive accomplishments, please refer to the ghostly video of 1.13.2017. Annie couldn’t have found a better best friend.
Dr. Missy has even passed her practice down on to her daughter, the wonderful Dr. Honey B. Medical talent clearly runs in the family.
Missy is just a tough and cool lady, what’s not to love?
Jamie’s loyal lieutennant, athlete extraordinaire, tomato aficionado, attentive groomer, and, of course, Annie’s #1 adventuring buddy. Missy knows how to play the social game better than anyone, she truly is a master primate politician. Sharp, athletic, and a good friend, all of which she’s clearly passed down to her daughter, Honey B, even though she’s never been able to know her.
I think the thing I love the most about Missy is her athleticism. Her and Annie going on adventures outside, climbing and running, not a care in the world. It’s so hard to imagine her being kept in a tiny cage with barely enough room to stand up and turn around. I am so glad that Missy is finally able to enjoy climbing a tree, the grass beneath her feet, and the wind in her hair, all of which should have been her birthright.
Like others, I am loving this series featuring all the chimps. Each one is so loveable and unique that it is hard to pick just one as a favorite. Don’t worry Honey B, my heart still belongs to you.
Missy was the first of the group that intrigued me. The one who caught my eye. Perhaps it was her freckly face and the shape of her little bod making Missy easier to recognize. Or maybe it was because Missy and Annie’s friendship was hard to ignore—so incredible, a triumph after all they had been forced to endure. Or it might have been a correspondence I had with (Sarah) the Director back then, who described Missy and her always-in-motion athletic nature that totally sealed the deal! Everything about Missy was incredible so I signed up to be her Chimpanzee Pal that year and ever since, I have held Missy extra close to my heart.
In my eyes, Missy is a wild chimpanzee. She is agile, stealth, crazy fast, naturally athletic and confident in her movements. She is intelligent and savvy. To think she almost didn’t make it to sanctuary quadruples the love and respect I hold for her. And the day Missy climbed her first tree after Young’s Hill was expanded?! Wow!! It was one of those heart bursting moments, causing me to cry with joy while reading about it. Unbelievable and totally believable at the same time!
Thank you for giving Missy a home where she can always burst out of her seams and feel free and she can play foot grab, with or without a sock, to her hearts content with her bestie Annie.
Is she climbing the trees rdgularly?
Not regularly, no. She just makes it an occaisional adventure 🙂
Thanks, Anna.
Well, as she wishes!