Annie has been steadily growing in confidence since arriving at the sanctuary. And with her newfound confidence has come an increased independence. There was a time when Annie wouldn’t leave her best friend Missy’s side. Missy was not only friend but security blanket. And while Missy is still no doubt Annie’s favorite person in the world, Annie is spending more and more time in peaceful solitude. It seems Annie’s finally learned to enjoy her own company.
This afternoon when Missy decided it was time for a little exercise on Young’s Hill, Annie followed her out but then went off in her own direction for a lazy stroll.
After several minutes of sprints on the hill, Missy wore herself out and headed inside to the warm playroom to rest. Annie watched Missy go inside but took her time following. When she did go in a few minutes later, she stopped in the empty greenhouse for a few moments of alone time. (She found a leftover corn cob from lunch to wadge.)
A little later, Annie headed into the playroom to curl up next to Missy. Despite her growing independence, Annie’s always appreciated the comfort that can be found in a good friend.
Love this! It must be awesome watching each chimp blossom. Thanks for the cool post Elisabeth!
Connie and I witnessed this peaceful solitude in Annie as well on Saturday. We were getting ready to leave the sanctuary, after our shift, and wanted to say goodbye to all the chimps. We came upon Annie, by herself, sitting in the doorway to Young’s Hill. While everyone else was resting in the playroom after lunch, there sit Annie, in the cold, peering out the door as if she were looking for something or someone. It truly warms my heart to see Annie finding her own way.
Thank you for sharing such a precious moment. Annie’s my girl!
I love the last close up photo of Annie face!
Thank you for sharing; your posts are bright spots in my sometimes not so great day. The Chimps exemplify being in the moment and gratitude.