The Negra we know so well is happiest when snuggled up with a pile of blankets. She likes warmth and comfort and predictability, and avoids unnecessary exertion. You would not call her adventurous. She usually looks like this:
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees, it’s this: Never assume you’ve got someone figured out. Seven years after arriving at the sanctuary from the research lab, these chimps are still changing, growing, and surprising us.
Over the last few days, Negra has established what looks to be a new routine for herself. After lunch, she marches confidently outside, walks all the way to the top of Young’s Hill, and stations herself in the tall grass to munch on some wild plants.
This may not seem remarkable, but for Negra, it’s huge. She is not an outdoors person. She doesn’t like wind or rain or too much sun or too little sun. She has always been uneasy in the wide open spaces of Young’s Hill, and she prefers to stay near the bottom of the hill next to the chimp house so she can rush inside to safety at a moment’s notice. She must feel very small out there.
It’s hard to say what accounts for Negra’s newfound serenity, but we hope it’s just the first step toward her world opening up a little more.
It is good to see Negra outside, but is is thrilling to see her step out of her comfort zone. We all need to expand that emotional rubber band and face those fears or apprehensions, it is caled growth. Negra and the rest of her family have grown leaps and bounds, everyday they face something new.
I am so proud of Negra, and her family for the continued growth. It is comforting to me to know they have the security and confidence to continue their journey.
It is truly amazing how far they ALL have come. I never imagined that Negra would go all the way to the top of Young’s hill!!
Oh, love this post about Negra. She’s amazing! Goes to show what an amazing job you are all doing that she feels comfortable enough to venture out so much. Warms my heart to see this …
Wonderful post! I love watching the progress the chimps are making. A big thank you to all the wonderful people that are helping them. You are truly special!
that is so cool! YAY Negra!
Oh how I love Negra. Maybe the tall grass gives her a sense of security like the way she feels all wrapped up in her blankets. Negra looks so perfect sitting with the light shinning on her forehead surrounded by lush greenery. Wow, what a touching photo. It is lovely how small she looks, blending into the scenery in the third photo — just as it should be. Maybe one of the greatest gifts sanctuary has to offer isn’t the yummy, fresh produce, or living with 6 chimps who are your family, or having the best and most devoted caregivers ever, maybe the best part of sanctuary is TIME. Time to heal, discover, trust, blossom, and find out who you really are.
Thank you CSNW for giving Negra this time.
My sentiments exactly Kathleen! I couldn’t of said it better! We can’t thank CSNW enough for all that they have done and their continued, devoted, commitment to the Magnificent Seven!
We love you Negra…