Between autumn, October, and Jamieween/Halloween, I’m not sure it can get much better. If you’re newer to the blog, October 31st is when we celebrate Jamie’s birthday and it’s one of the biggest and most anticipated celebrations of the year here at the sanctuary! Hence, “Jamieween”!
Jamie will be turning 47 this year! I had to count that a couple times…unreal. We don’t know the actual date Jamie was born, but I can’t think of a more apropos day to celebrate her. She can be both a delight and kinda scary, and everything in between. While most are probably aware of her love for footwear and her “Lucy the Bonobo” books, fewer may be aware of her love for all things macabre. Skeletons, mummies, anatomy…she loves them.
We don’t know much about Jamie’s childhood other than the fact she was raised in a human home by a trainer for the first nine years of her life. She was then sold to a dealer who sold her into biomedical research where she spent over three decades of her life. Of all the chimpanzees, I often feel that Jamie is perhaps the most aware of her captivity. She isn’t always the easiest person to be around. She can be demanding, intimidating, hyper-vigilant in her controlling, impatient, intolerant, rude, and sometimes, downright scary. But I get that. Given that her entire life has existed within the varying bounds of human control, it makes sense that these can serve as ways for her to regain a sense of agency over her life in response to those around her.
Jamie is also incredibly intelligent, creative, curious, silly, joyful, brave and profoundly resilient. For all that she has endured in her nearly 47 years, I could not have more awe and admiration for her. She speaks her mind and you always know exactly where you stand with her. For the kaleidoscopic being she is, I love everything about her and it’s a privilege to call her friend. I’m profoundly grateful that for all her days forward she will be respected and loved for exactly who she is and however she chooses to express herself.
Someone else we will be celebrating is Negra’s son, Noah, who will be turning 35 on October 17th! Noah lives at Save the Chimps in Florida and it’s a true gift to be able to see him safe and thriving. (Photos of Noah courtesy of Save the Chimps):
His beautiful mama, Negra:
Noah was born to Negra and Mack, who also happens to be Burrito’s father. This is from Noah’s page on the Save the Chimps website: “I am a happy and incredibly playful guy and I make sure everyone knows it! There isn’t a single chimp or caregiver that can resist the urge to play with me.” Sounds like shenanigans run in the family. 🙂
Noah:
Burrito:
Happy autumn, happy spooky season, happy Jamieween!! And if you’re so fortunate to share this magical and mystical birthday month with the boss lady herself, Happy Birthday to you as well! Thank you for being here! We appreciate you all more than you can know.