Our big celebrations on June 13th got me thinking, once again, about resiliency.
I was thinking about Negra and Terry and their resiliency, and the incredible resiliency we have witnessed in all of the chimpanzees who arrived seventeen years ago after decades of use in biomedical research.
This was the first time Animal Sanctuary Caregivers Day fell on June 13th, so that caused me to think about the resiliency that is required of caregivers who work in animal sanctuaries.
The caregivers at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest are incredible human beings in all regards and would be regardless of where they worked. Working as a caregiver, however, has a way of testing a person in numerous ways.
A lot of what caregivers do is very physical work, so being in good physical shape and bouncing back from inevitable injuries becomes more important than in other occupations.
Keeping in shape mentally and emotionally is perhaps even more important.
Caregivers are faced with many challenges in a given day that are often decisions that don’t have right or wrong answers. Caregivers are constantly weighing different welfare considerations against each other (for example, do I take more time scrubbing to provide an extra clean environment or do I do a quick clean so the chimpanzees can have access to the space sooner?). Living in gray areas can be uncomfortable, and it takes a lot of communication and ability to see fellow caregivers’ perspectives to avoid misunderstandings or division.
That’s just the day to day. Then there are the really big events like chimpanzees getting injured, sick or passing away that is part of the job of a caregiver. There’s the worry and grief and doubt that comes with that, and then there’s having to continue on with the daily routines for the sake of those who are still relying on that daily care.
It’s a joyful, uplifting, satisfying job; and it’s a hard job. There’s no way to do it long term without developing resiliency.
Huge kudos and gratitude and admiration and love to all of our caregivers at the sanctuary, our current staff especially, and also all of our past staff and volunteer caregivers. I have learned, and continue to learn, so much from all of you. I truly and deeply appreciate all that your bring and give to this work.
The chimpanzees are able to be their amazing selves and build their resiliency every day because of you. It’s a loop of resiliency from them to you and back again, and it spreads outward from there.
In addition to hundreds of other moments, today Negra was able to forage on Young’s Hill and bring some celery to the greenhouse to crunch, on her 6,207th day of sanctuary.
Neggie has always impressed me as the most unmoveable of her group. I know you’ve told us she’ll catch a mood and throw wood chips, but I always picture her as the most even-keeled of her troop. She just keeps on keepin on. Bless her and all of you.
Thank you for all those words about your caregivers Diana. It’s hard to imagine, but I have imagined just how difficult, physically and mentally and emotionally, that job must be. As a retired business owner, I also understand the challenges of refereeing personalities. And of course, the stresses of just keeping the business going. And that’s just the business side! Goodness, look at all the lives that are in your hands! I truly truly love and appreciate all that all of you do.
Oh precious Negra. I know she was so sickly when she arrived that you doubted her life would be much longer. But look at her! Over 6000 days later!! Whodathunk??! I just love the way she sits and the shape of her little body. Our little Buddha.
Yes, I agree completely Linda C. Who would have thought that the sick, poor chimp who arrived would have blossomed in her own sweet way to be the Queen of sanctuary? I love each and every one of them of course, but I do identify with Neggie. She taught me that lettuce is actually really good, we both love celery, Hawaian rolls, warm blankets and naps, and we both have dear friends and the same shape tummies! Go Neggie, you’re an inspiration!
I used to identify with Neggie every time she did a clumsy swing off a platform. But lately, she has been swinging up onto the platforms and pretty gracefully! So once again, she leaves me in the dust:smile:
I could watch this video of Neggie over and over. Can someone explain to me why it is sooooo incredibly blissful to watch and listen to Negra crunching away on a celery stalk (and flossing at the same time!)?
I guess the answer is 6,207 days in sanctuary. Or maybe the answer is simply sanctuary. George has experienced a month, give or take (?), at sanctuary and it’s simply delightful to see him delicately dining on his new foods as well. I’m beginning to think, whether it is one day or 6,207 days, it is a pure joy knowing everyone is deeply cared for. It shows! Thank you everyone for your part in creating that satisfying look on the chimps faces….and mine.
Diana, did you ever think, even in your wildest dreams, that Neggie would make it to 52?! And did you ever imagine she would be swinging from the firehouse (as Linda points out) at 52 while looking better than ever? Negra astounds me.
Resilience is what has kept all of the chimps alive and being in sanctuary hss heightenrd that resilience. It is a circle that goes from chimp to caregiver and back again. Thank goodness for resilience. Diana. you wrote so gratefully for the care staff and volunteers at CSNW. Don’t forget to add yourself and JB also. Thank you all.