Annie is one of our quieter chimps. She doesn’t ask for much attention from her caregivers, not because she doesn’t enjoy it, but because Annie is truly more of a chimp’s chimp. I’ve written before about how some chimps naturally gravitate more toward people, while others find their comfort and fulfillment primarily within their chimpanzee group. When we talk about those differences, we also recognize the fact that many of our residents didn’t get to live natural lives, and some grew up with humans.
What matters most to us is that Annie gets what she needs from her group, which she does! Seeing chimps maintain strong, healthy relationships with one another is always a priority here. We are constantly encouraging chimp-to-chimp interactions because those bonds are so important, which is why if we are interacting with a chimp and another chimps joins, we will remove ourselves if they chimps are engaged with each other.
Because Annie gravitates more to her group, interactions like today feel all the more special! It is a gentle reminder that trust can look different for every chimp, and that honoring who Annie is means celebrating both her independence and the moments she invites us into her world.
Annie is such a special lady. I just love seeing her be silly with her BFF, Missy, but I also love when she has a sweet moment with a caregiver, too. She’s truly just a sweet soul.
Of course, Jamie keeps watch over all!
I think that one of the reasons that I find Annie so beautiful is that she seems to have acquired that self-confidence that eluded her during her first years at her Sanctuary home. Of course, it helps that she is gifted with a pretty face with a unique set of ears.
I loved that fancy foot work against the glass and I think Annie was well intrigued as she looked very inquisitive. As Tobin says Annie has gained such self confidence since her early years at the sanctuary, and it is plain to see that this adorable lady has come on in leaps and bounds especially with her BFF Missy.After caregiver time it was off to play with her pals.Beautiful.
Dear Annie. Now that I see this video, I realize how infrequently we do get the chance to see Annie interacting with her caregivers. That was a treat to see. And I also thought it was sweet to see Jamie grooming Annie’s foot in the end.
I have such a deep fondness for the original Cle Elum Seven. Part of it is because they’re older and there’s something very precious about that. And the other part is that I’ve known them through this blog for over a decade and it’s been a wonderful experience to watch them get older. Thanks for today’s video!
It seems we all have a soft spot for dear Annie. I did worry about her in her first years because of her place in the pecking order and her personality, but BFF Missy was always there to help, and she’s blossomed into a lovely lady. Undoubtedly, she’s one of the prettiest girls too so she has a lot going for her. Good idea to keep on the boss’s good side Annie!
Annie has aleays been my secret favorite chimp! I can empathize with her more introverted personality. She looks like such a dainty chimp lady! Thank you for catching her in a more social moment.
Thank you Kelsi for todays video. I just love Annie, and her sweet relationship with Missy, and how she walk’s upright through the tall grass, on high alert for snakes !
plus, I think she has great hair. :revolving_hearts:
Thanks Kelsey for your tap, tap tapping. As others said Annie seems like a “sweet” soul. We should all tamper down the drama in our lives and try to be as sweet as Annie.
As CeeCee said, I love seeing Annie out in the tall grass, or even in the snow, walking upright with her arms out horizontal and her long, thin hands hanging vertical. It just makes me smile every time. It’s so funny.
Beautiful Annie!