Today, I asked some of the caregivers “Why chimps?. Out of all the jobs in the world and all the species of animals, how did you end up working with chimps?
Here are some of their answers (some of it is paraphrased):
Why chimps?
Krissy: It is something that is hard to put into words. It was a childhood desire that I had forgotten about, and didn’t remember until I heard about CSNW in my fifties. I started volunteering and soon realized I needed to make a career shift into chimpanzee care. It was the right decision!
J.B.: At the beginning, it was because of how similar they were to us. Now, it’s because of how challenging chimps are and how every day is something new. Also, a short commute.
Amanda: Their intelligence and their emotional capacity. It’s also what I feel we owe them based off of everything humans have done to them. It’s a debt we can never repay.
Kelsi: Their brilliant minds, how resilient they are, how mischievous they can be, and how they always keep you on your toes.
Intern Sarah: Why not?
Ellen: I got the opportunity to intern with chimpanzees at another sanctuary (Chimp Haven) during college and loved getting to know them and their personalities, and seeing the love and relationships they built with their caregivers. I knew I wanted to continue to make a difference in the lives of sanctuary chimps, and have worked with them every since graduating!
Sabrina: I saw a chimp at the Oregon Zoo in the 1980’s and she threw poop. I found it quite funny.
Anna: I always wanted to work with animals and was hooked after meeting the sign language chimps at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute.
Jenna: I have always been drawn to great apes since I was a child, but specifically loved orangutans. It wasn’t chimps until I completed an internship at Fauna Foundation in 2019 that I had an “AHA!” moment. I was hooked.
Enjoli (a new caregiver we haven’t introduced yet! Coming soon!): I’ve always loved primates. They’re incredibly smart and are charismatic. They deserve to be in a sanctuary with caregivers who care, have a variety of enrichment, ability to make their own decisions, and do what they want with their day.
So, Sabrina, what you’re saying is Jamie is your favorite?:laughing:
How wonderful that you all found your way here!
Jenna, this was a good idea! A part 2 with other caregivers would be cool!
I always thought everyone worked FOR the chimps. :slight_smile:
Jamie likes the way you think 🙂
Very interesting reasons for caregiving to these amazing Chimpanzees. Also you have realised your hopes and dreams. Whenever I am asked why I am so passionate about Chimpanzees I answer with just two words: Jane Goodall.
JB, I guesss you can’t be late because of traffic.
Kelsi. chimp ‘resilence’ is unmatched.
Jenna, I too love the ‘orange forest people.’ they’d give Honey B a challenge in getting any lock off of any door.
Sabrina, I volunteer at Oregon Zoo. No one has pooped me in the five and a half years I’ve been there.
Everyone at CSNW is as different as the chimps in their care. Bravo.
Enjoyed reading everyone’s view point and there are many similarities….and some unique reasons as well. (Yup, looking at you Sabrina!) You are all so fortunate to be doing what you love. And no matter what the reasons are, so grateful you are here! Thank you!