We were fortunate to have spent a bit of time with Dr. Sheri Speede and some volunteers for IDA Africa when they were in the area the last few days as part of Dr. Speede’s book signing tour for her new book Kindred Beings. She relayed something that we all had in common. It’s related to Debbie’s post from the other day. Here it is: working with chimpanzees is an incredible privilege. It’s not something a lot of people get to do. When I’m walking with Jamie, playing with Burrito, passing a troll to Foxie, taking a photo of Jody, having a quiet interaction with Annie, admiring Missy as she runs on the hill, or simply looking at Negra with my heart swelling with love, I often think about this. But here’s the thing – this is a privilege that we shouldn’t have. I know we’ve expressed this on the blog in direct and indirect ways before. It’s one of those thoughts that you carry with you everyday as a caregiver in a sanctuary. No matter how great the moment is, no matter what amazing and wonderful thing has happened – there shouldn’t be a need for us to have jobs like this, and the chimpanzees we care about so much shouldn’t be here.
But they are here, and so are we. So we do have this privilege, and we are able to pass along this privilege vicariously to you through this blog – to tell their stories and explain what’s it is like to care for chimpanzees. The greatest aspect of working at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is that we all feel this way, really without even thinking about it. We all understand that we are here for chimpanzees who deserved better. They are not here for us. And we will continue to be here for them and make their lives in captivity as good as they possibly can be.
Jody lying down:
Jamie walking on Young’s Hill:
Beautifully, beautifully put, Diana. Although we all wish the chimps didn’t have to be there, they are so lucky to have you all.
Thanks for caring so much!!
A conflict of feelings…. A privilege indeed to be able to serve these beings, and great sadness that we have too.
I’ve been involved with animals all of my life.
I’ve seen the good , the bad and the ugly.
You guys are doing on Hell of a job…..and I don’t think you have to constantly apologize for enjoying it nor welcoming the chance to do so.
After all –you are NOT the reason these animals find themselves in their particular situations.
However –you ARE the Human beings that are helping them to have the quality of life that they enjoy.
I don’t think you should feel bad because you Do enjoy your work.
Where would they be without all of you.
In this case–maybe PRIDE –is a good thing.
As a caregiver at another sanctuary, I echo what Denice posted. It’s an incredible & wonderful experience to be able to personally
know & care for chimpanzees but so very depressing that circumstances require it…
I love what you wrote Diana! Thank you! Chimps are so very special! I am so happy for the ones you care for…So many humans are baaaad to all Animals! Hoots to you! ?
Its certainly nice to see that all of you caregivers in the Chimp world –so appreciate each other and the particular experiences that you face with them.
My heart also belongs to Hippos and Elephants and of course regular every day animals right here in the country of which I live.
Good to feel though , that your strength together may help you in the future get all that you need to help these guys survive this world.
Congrats to you specialists of one or two particular animals of the world.
You are so important to their survival…….
I can see and tell that you certainly MUST enjoy your work as you’ve all pulled together so nicely here.
Sorta Three-in-hand !!
Amen, Diana! Maybe eventually that day will come. People are becoming more aware all the time. In the meantime here’s to all of you and your fortunate charges!
Since (unfortunately) the world is what it is, and we homo sapiens are what we are, it is good that the chimps do have a view of some of us who are capable of forming strong bonds, loyal, reliable and fun (I am referring to that one cowboy boot 🙂 — so like many of the other posters, I am so very glad you guys are there for them, and I am happy for your wonderful web site that lets me participate in such a great, interactive way with them too.
Please tell Sheri Speede I loved, loved her book. I am so glad she shared her story, the chimps story, and all else in that book. I gave it a 5 Star Review on Amazon — that’s the most stars you can give, or I would’ve given her book more!
Thanks, Dawn! I will let Sheri know how much you enjoyed her book. That’s great that you gave it a review on Amazon – that will be helpful to other people thinking about buying the book. Sheri is one of the sweetest people I’ve met. We’re lucky to be connected to her, and the chimpanzees are certainly lucky to have her!
Thank you, everyone, for your comments on this post. I didn’t mean for it to be a big downer, or even an apology. It’s just the reality of taking care of chimpanzees in captivity for me. And I most definitely do enjoy my job and understand how amazing it is that I have friends who are chimpanzees!