It’s my favorite time of year. When the grass is green and so tall you can barely see the chimps! As I went to take pictures of Jamie’s side of the building this morning, I looked over to the Bray and saw all of Honey B’s group outside on the Bray.
It made me reflect on how far their group has come. Nowadays, Mave spends a lot of her time out on the Bray. I remember a time when she was too afraid to go out. I love watching her and Honey B become so comfortable outside it’s now a preference for them. Sometimes even holding out from shifting so that they can keep it longer.
To me, it is a reflection of what sanctuary offers: providing choice and consistency for them. So that one day things like going outside, something that should have always be accessible to them in their prior life, are now always given, with the hope that one day it will not be so scary. But also recognizing that we have to meet the chimps where they are. Some may never go outside because of the fear, but the choice will always be there for them.
Today, when I looked out to the Bray to see Honey B, Willy B, and Mave all outside at the same time, I just felt really proud of them, for how far they have come.
Mave:
Honey B:
Willy B:
