Caring for former research chimps can be a balancing act at times. We don’t want to rush them into anything they’re not ready for, and considering what they’ve been through, it’s no surprise that some would have a hard time adjusting to certain aspects of life in sanctuary. For example, some former lab chimps fail to make nests like their wild counterparts and even go as far as clearing blankets and other bedding out of the way so that they can lay down on the hard concrete floor. Others refuse to set foot on grass, clinging instead to metal caging and bars wherever possible. The lab environment they came from was harsh but it was familiar. For the Cle Elum Seven, it was all they knew for as much as 35 years.
Negra is a good example of this kind of institutionalization. For decades she had no choice but to follow the same routine: Sleep, eat, repeat. What else is there to do when you live indoors in a cage all by yourself? Here at CSNW, Negra still finds comfort in that routine, only now she sleeps on a mountain of soft blankets and eats a huge variety of fresh foods as well as her beloved night bags. Still, if she had her way, nearly every day would be the same: eat, sleep, repeat.
But life in sanctuary offers so much more and it would be a shame if Negra didn’t get to take advantage of it. The trick is to find a way to nudge chimps like Negra toward healthier and more interesting choices without causing them undue stress. Sunlight and exercise are good for Negra, even though she might think otherwise. So each day, we try to get her to expand her horizons and push the boundaries of her comfort zone, even if it’s just by a little bit. Today, for example, we put some of her favorite foods out on the hill as a forage. And guess who was first out the door? More specifically, guess who elbowed her way to the front of the line so she could be first out the door?
Negra has come so far since her rescue in 2008. All she needed was freedom of choice, a lot of patience, and a little nudge now and again.
It is so heartbreaking to be reminded of the life these chimps led before coming to the sanctuary. Their past still affects choices they make today. I am so thankful that they were rescued with the chance to experience a whole new life, filled with hope, relationships, and people who love and care about them.
Next to seeing Negra enjoying her Nut Bags nothing makes me happier than seeing her out on a lettuce forage on the hill. But being first out the door?! Way to go Negra!! And look at her bounty — full hands and mouth. This is the perfect ending to my day, thank you. : ) I love dear Nega……
Negra’s life was Very heartbreaking. I am reminded every time I see a picture of her with that wondering far away look. I’m hoping she’s just thinking how peaceful life is now. I know she is remembering some of her previous fears but I will also believe that she realises that she is safe and loved, and now can do whatever she wants to do, make a huge nest, wear a blanket, sit and just stare or, happily, run outside and grab her favorite food. We love you “Queen Negra”. ????????
It’s wonderful to see the lovely Queen Negra being the first out the door!
Go Negra Go!
How do you let her know that her favorite things are out on the hill ?
Hi Kathy – We show the food to them before we carry it outside, and they will all gather in the greenhouse so they can watch us spread it around the hill.
Thanks J.B.
When I was caregiver to Negra, Annie, Jody and Foxie, from August of ’88 to August of ’89. Negra was housed (caged)with either Rosmary, or Annie. If I remember correctly Jody and Foxie were housed(caged) together for a month or so before we moved Foxie in with Tarzan. Foxie was about the only female not afraid of Tarzan and willing to slap him up if he crossed her will.
My heart just breaks when I read this but it also smiles when I see the progress they have all made what a great place
This made me smile – thank you for making her life so much better every day!
I had a not so nice childhood, so I really relate to the chimps, and I really relate to Negra… it is nice to see her be able to make some changes and not be afraid.